What You Need To Know About Student Accommodation
By Subomi Lawal and the #Me Community
A significant part of your university experience is where you decide to live and who you decide to live with. University student accommodation is the start to your journey of independence, and although this can be an empowering experience, it can be quite daunting living on your own, with a bunch of strangers for the first time. So, in collaboration with the #Me community, we would like to offer some advice on what we feel you need to know about student accommodation, whether that’s halls of residence on campus or in town, non-university flats or a shared student house.
So firstly, how can you prepare before moving to university accommodation?
We asked our community what they wished they had done ahead of moving to university. First, there’s the basics like…
Learning how to cook a few meals
Having a reliable laptop or tablet to use for lectures/independent studying
Bringing one or two home comforts with you
Being open-minded to new experiences
Sorting out your student finance and working out your budget
Registering with a GP nearby
We then asked what our community wished they had been told before moving. They answered…
How student halls can feel lonely at times, even with 4-6 flatmates down the hall
That it’s important to give yourself time to settle in, adjust to independent living and to make new friends
That usually you don’t have to think about the bills! Your rent is likely to include everything such as Wi-Fi, water, and electricity
That you shouldn’t be afraid to attend events by yourself – everyone is in the same boat
That everyone experiences hard times, it’s more than okay to ask for help when you need it
Most, if not all students have a few lonely days so know that you’re not alone and instead, try learning to be comfortable with your own company whilst also knowing when to actively reach out to people and get involved in different activities.
Now that you’re moved into University accommodation, what can you expect?
It’s a great way to make friends! Contrary to the lonely days, living in student halls can be one of the best parts of the whole university experience. Firstly, because it’s the easiest way to meet new people (outside of your own flat). So, we encourage you to venture to the flat next door, opposite or in front of yours to say hello. Yes, taking the first step can be a bit nerve-racking, but it truly goes a long way. And that’s the truth about living in halls, it’s not all about how big the rooms are or whether you have an en-suite, it’s about the people you meet along the way, the memories you make and the skills you learn.
There are lots of activities and socials to get involved in. On the note of meeting new people, another major benefit of student halls or likewise, is the social life. Usually, the student accommodation will provide some sort of social aspect when living in halls which often includes ‘get to know each other’ activities or socials. And as exciting and tempting as it is to attend all these parties and events which are right at your doorstep, it’s also important to know your limits and explore life outside of your accommodation bubble too. This not only helps to expand your social network, but also enables you to find new friends, opportunities, and experiences.
Consider who you live with. Particularly as you move out of student halls, choosing the right people to live with may help to avoid issues further down the line, so make sure you’re happy with your decision and don’t feel pressured into anything that doesn’t feel right. Or if you would prefer to live alone, that is completely okay too! Either way, it’s important to make time to do things outside of your house/accommodation too, and to socialise with other students on your course, in societies, sport clubs etc.
Location and safety. Student houses in particular are essentially just normal houses in the location of your university, which means they’re also prone to damage or burglary. So, ensure you lock the doors and windows whenever you leave your house and at night before you sleep. It’s also good to check with the University accommodation provider or house estate agent around safety, such as whether there are any neighbourhood watch schemes or if your house is in a part of town with low crime rates.
And finally…
Wherever you choose to live and whoever you choose to live with, a key piece of advice is to make your room as homey and comfortable for you to spend time in as possible as this will be your safe space for the next 10 or so months. We hope you enjoy this new experience!