Now that results day is out of the way and you (hopefully) know where you’ll be heading off to as the new term starts, let’s think about student accommodation – for many of you reading this, it will be your first time living away from home and that might be scary or overwhelming. It is actually the start of a really exciting adventure, so let us help you feel prepared with these tips for moving into student accommodation.
Don’t overpack
When you’re living in student accommodation, you only really have *one* room or space that is all yours. Other parts of where you live will be shared spaces; this means you can only pack the things that will fit in your own room, so that you’re not cluttering up other peoples’ already limited space. Be sensible with what you pack: those skyscraper heels you’ve never worn? You likely won’t wear them at uni either! Take basics, some going out clothes, a good coat, any toiletries you need, and of course anything required as part of your course. If there is ever anything you need later down the line, you can pick it up the next time you visit home!
Do an inventory and damage check of your room
It is very important when you move in to get some photographs of how the room looks before you put *anything* of your own in there. This means that when you move out, you have a reference for ensuring you’re leaving it the way you found it – it also means you can’t have your deposit withheld for damages you didn’t cause. Keep these images somewhere safe, and email them to your parents or somebody else you trust just to double check you’ve always got them should you need them in the future. This is one of the best tips for moving into student accommodation, hands down.
Figure out where you are in relation to supermarkets and other amenities
It might be worth doing this before you move in, but if you’re moving from the other side of the country it won’t be possible – although you can of course use Google Maps to give it a go! When it comes to tips for moving into student accommodation this is very important, because this will be your new home. You’ll be doing all your own shopping, and getting about by yourself, so knowing exactly where your accommodation is in relation to shops, bars, the university itself, entertainment facilities and so on, is vital.
Introduce yourself
If there’s already people there when you arrive, introduce yourself straight away – as more people turn up, be sure to say hi and tell them who you are. You will absolutely get sick of saying your name, where you come from and what subject you’re studying… but it really is the quickest way to start a conversation with strangers who you’ll be living with for the next year (at least). They will no doubt be just as nervous as you, so get it over and done with. You might make some friends for life but even if you don’t, your time living in student accommodation will be much more fun if you simply put yourself out there.
This isn’t going to be the easiest ride of your life, but university and living in student accommodation should be fun. Make the most of it!
