4^th September 2017

Whether you’re a new or returning student this year, moving into student halls or rented accommodation can be a little overwhelming. The move from home to halls is an adjustment while you get used to cleaning, cooking, and washing for yourself, and the move from halls to rented houses or apartments can be a little difficult as well. We’ve put together this little list to help make life a bit easier for you.

Come prepared to clean – Wherever you’re moving to will have been cleaned when the previous tenants vacated. However, it’s always wise to come with a duster, some cleaning spray, and a few cloths to set your mind at rest and to make yourself feel more comfortable when first moving in.

Think about how you like things to be – Moving in with new people, whether you’ve known them during your first year or are meeting them for the first time, is always going to be hard. People have habits that will irritate you just as much as you have habits that will irritate them. It’s a good idea to think about the things that are most important to you before you move in. Do you like to keep your own crockery and cutlery to yourself? Are you the kind of person who needs to shower at a certain time each day? Being prepared to ask for what you want and comprise on other things in return will make your life easier while you get used to the way other people live.

Does your kitchen have everything you need? – Student halls very often come with kitchen utensils, saucepans, plates, bowls, mugs, glasses etc., but it can be very hit-and-miss what you end up with. Similarly, student houses often don’t have anything at all and you don’t want to be caught short. It can be a good idea to go on a shopping trip to somewhere like Wilkos, Dunelm, or even supermarkets such as Tesco or Morrisons, to get some crockery, cutlery, and other kitchen essentials before you move in so you know that you’ll definitely have what you need, even if your house doesn’t. If you’re moving into halls, consider buying stuff that you’re not worried about breaking or being damaged over the year that you’re there. Remember that accidents happen!

Are you going to feel at home? – One of the most difficult things about university accommodation is that it’s sometimes hard to feel at home there. Going on a shopping trip to pick out some new bedding, and some ornaments that you can put around your room to make it feel like your own space can go a long way to helping you settle in. Equally, bringing your favourite blanket, some photographs, and maybe even your own curtains from home can really help your new house feel like your home. You may want to think about other small touches like a bedside lamp, bringing some of your favourite books, and CD player or speaker, all of which will make you feel more comfortable.

Do you know where your nearest shops are? – There’s nothing worse than realising you forgot to bring loo roll and you’ve no idea where to go to get some. I’ve done it myself! It’s a good idea to look up the shops in your local area before you move there so that you know where you’re going for those last minute essentials. It also means that you can leave more room in the car for your clothes and other items. When I was a student I also used to have big weekly or bi-weekly shops delivered to my house from the supermarket. It’s worth that extra few pounds to be able to do the shop in one go and not worry about getting it home again!

These are just some examples of the things that it can be helpful to think about when you’re about to move into a new house or into halls. Little touches more than anything are the things that are going to help you feel more comfortable and settle in more quickly.