The Uni Files: How to settle in to your new home!
12:16
So seeing as many people will be embarking on their new university adventures in around a month or so I thought I would do a little series of posts called 'The Uni Files' to help many freshers with most things to do with uni life, from cooking to decorating your new room. As I was in this position in just under a year ago I thought it would be ideal to share my own experiences as a way to help calm many nerves in which some people are feeling. In this post I'm going to be doing some tips on how you can easily settle into your new accommodation and feel as comfortable as possible.
Step one: Get to know your flatmates ASAP
When I first moved into my flat many of my flatmates were either out with family, or just wondering around campus so initially I only met 3 out of the 7 other people I was sharing with. I went to dinner with my parents and didn't get back until around 9pm and all of them had gone to the SU to get to know each other. Looking back now I wish I had stayed at the flat and gotten to know them sooner as I was then sat awkwardly for an hour whilst they were all laughing about the events over drinks. However, after the awkward hour we all had a few cups of tea (yes, wild for freshers right?) and some cake and just began telling eachother things about ourselves such as music tastes, where we were from, etc and it helped take the ease of the awkwardness. Think of different things you can ask eachother, and try to remember that each of you are all in the same position and are probably just as nervous as eachother so if someone doesn't talk to you for a while it may just mean they are slightly shy, not stuck up!.
Step two: Set your room up or cosy!
I'm going to do a massive blog post on this next week or so as this was my favorite part of the whole experience of looking after myself. Fill it with your favorite pictures, or even mementos that remind you of home. I bought tonnes of fairy lights before I came which made it extra cosy. If you have a favourite candle of a certain scent maybe bring a few of those to jot around the area (if you're aloud candles in your accommodation!) or even scent diffusers. When you first move in to your empty room it will feel very alien to you, so just spend a few hours to make it as homely as possible.
Step three: Get used to your surroundings
As you will be in a brand new place it may be worth a wonder around the local area, take a walk into town, find all the local shops. If you were lucky enough to live on the same place that you studied like me try to find all your classrooms so you feel prepared for your first day. Also get to know your neighbours, I had at least 56 other people living in my block and I think I only knew about 21 of these people, so not even half! Arrange a few block events, even if you just have a little get together in your communal area.
Step four: Talk to someone familiar
On my first night I think I skyped my friend for two hours whilst I was unpacking, I showed her around the flat and it just felt nice to have someone familiar for a few hours, even if it was a more virtual version of them. Skype is free, so if you don't have an account set up I'd definitely recommend getting it before you move away as it is an easy way to keep in touch with loved ones. It also helps you relax as they can also give you advice on how to set up your room, or give you advice on how to approach new people.
So far that's all I have, if any ex freshers or even brand new ones have some of their own advice feel free to comment below!
-Tasha
0 comments