Let’s face it. Leaving the comfort of your own home to live in university accommodation doesn’t seem like the most exciting of experiences. So to make move-in day as smooth as possible, we’ve put together our top tips for living in a hall of residence.
When preparing for university, students are often faced with plenty of challenges which they will need to overcome. But don’t panic - it’s okay to feel a bit nervous before moving away for the first time, and one day you’ll look back and wonder why you were so worried in the first place.
Here are our top tips for living in halls and how you can make sure you make the most of your experience:
Meet your flatmates
Whilst move-in day can be quite chaotic, you don’t need to get flustered. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, there will be plenty of people around to help you get settled into your new home.
If possible, try to spend your first night with your new flatmates. You're all probably feeling a bit strange - moving from home for the first time - but it's an easy way to get to know each other right off the bat.
The most important thing to remember is that everyone is in the same boat. Sure it’ll be a little awkward to begin with but you’ll get past it after the first couple of nights. Make sure that you make the effort to get to know the people you’re living with – after all, you’ll be living with them for an entire university year.
StudentTenant.com top tip: If you’re feeling shy, leave your bedroom door open whilst moving in - someone is bound to stop by and introduce themselves!
Get involved in events
Events hosted by your private student halls are a fantastic opportunity to meet new people. Whether it's a fancy dress social, drinks in the common room or a weekly quiz, there will be plenty of events for you to get involved with.
Most private student halls host a range of brilliant events for you to get involved in which could include:
- Social events: casino nights, games nights, film nights, painting, quizzes etc
- Sport events: running clubs, football, basketball, netball etc
... we won't list everything you could do - the list is endless!
Personalise your room
Bedrooms in halls of residence aren’t always as inviting as they look in the brochures - they’re usually lacking in personality and a bit bland.
To help you settle in and fend off the post-move blues, you should spend some time transforming your dull room into something a bit more vibrant.
- Collage of your favourite photos - nothing beats homesickness better than your favourite photos from home. Family, friends, events... they’re all worth putting up to bring back some great memories of home.
- Great creative with fairy lights - fairy lights are a must-have for any interior designer on a budget. Introduce some decorative detail and glow into your student room and transform it into your own personal sanctuary.
- Build your own terrarium - terrariums are a great low-maintenance solution to get some fresh smells and greenery into your bedroom. They’re really easy to make on your own, all you need is a glass container, moss gravel and soil.
- Transform your desk space - you’re very likely to spend a huge amount of time at your desk, so you should spend time making this space as productive as possible. No distractions, no mess and as minimalist as possible. Put up sketches, inspiring quotes and pictures around your desk.
Want to know what else you can do to brighten up your bedroom? Read more here!
If you want to find out how you can prepare for university, check out our guide.