Settling In at University
Moving to university is as exciting as it is stressful and most of the time you will pack too much while at the same time forget some important stuff, particularly if you are leaving stuff at home which people typically do. It is difficult to know what is essential and what isn't and there are loads of online forums which have checklists and what to pack lists so you are spoiled for choice so instead please enjoy my tips for moving in and settling in as well as what you should be packing and what you definitely shouldn't.
Before and On Moving Day
There will be lots of items to organise before you even think about moving in day so below I have acknowledged the important ones that will make moving in day that much easier.
E-induction for On-Campus Accommodation
The first is your e-induction potentially for your housing and for your degree course. This often requires you to read the provided information and maybe watch a video or two before answering some basic questions to make sure you actually understand the content. It will be on things like:
maintaining the accommodation you live in (AKA how not to set your kitchen on fire),
the phone number of security and maybe your warden
what you need to pick up your keys
booking your moving in slot.
I would say that booking the earliest convenient slot is always good advice but also don't be afraid to book the latest possible slot especially if you are able to take your time and wait for the crowds to abate before swooping in and depositing your stuff. This will mean that you don't have to rush to let other groups take your place for unloading and also the traffic entering campus and, in particular, leaving will be much decreased. This means your moving crew won't be stuck in as much traffic on the way back too! Overall, the information provided in the induction is really useful for planning your day not just for picking things up and dropping them off but also allowing you to check timings so you can plan to eat and rest along the way, whether that's on the road or on campus.
Obviously this description fits my situation and how I moved to campus. We drove down on one day and dropped off my stuff and then went shopping for food since I lived about 2 hours away. for others it could be a longer journey or you might even need to organise an overnight stay somewhere to be fresh and ready for moving in day. This can all be planned ahead of time and don't worry if you miss your moving in slot because they can't stop you from moving in like everybody else.
Know What to Expect
There are plenty of resources and places to find out about the accommodation you are moving in to including: The Student Room, Facebook and your university's website so don't be shy about emailing and asking questions or joining groups. However don't get hung up on trying to meet your housemates before you move in, you are spending the whole year together, there is plenty of time to introduce yourself. Things to find out could include
Catered or Self Catered and what food places there are on campus
Location of the security office/ out of hours office
Maintenance information
GP and Mental health services - always best to get registered before you develop an ailment
Be ready for fire drills - keep a robe and easy to slip on pair of shoes in a convenient location so that you can spend more time looking for your phone and keys and less time trying to put on clothes
Find out if you are provided toilet paper - I found that if a cleaner comes to do your bathrooms they will probably provide toilet paper (so you don't need to buy it).
Packing
Packing is also a part of the process that people get extremely worried about and I get it! You may not be moving to the moon but if travelling home is difficult you don't want to forget something important or sentimental that you might not see for the rest of the year. Something that helps is packing as ahead of time as possible because when you aren't stressed things will naturally pop into your head that you don't want to forget. Obviously many of the essentials can be found on a list of packing essentials on your university's website (and banned items too) but I've compiled a little reminder of things you shouldn't and should forget.
Remember:
Passport and ID Documents - You need a form of identification to collect your keys
Hot Water Bottle - Uni accommodation is VERY cold most of the time
Doorstop - It makes cleaning and airing out your room easier, also I suppose it helps you meet your flatmates
Extra lighting such as a small lamp - Usually the room either has poor lighting or doesn't get sunlight so an extra light source can be useful for chilling in bed or late night studying
Sewing kit - Need to repair a hole or hem some trousers, don't sweat it just stitch in a straight line
Coat Hangers - Although you can buy these when you get there they are also pretty easy to pack so don't be caught out when you start to unpack and then can't hang anything up.
Forget:
Ethernet Cable - I had one and never used it, every uni will have a WIFI network on campus and in halls
Car - Oftentimes you bring it and struggle to park it in first semester and then you take it home for winter break and you never return with it to uni. Don't waste the money on a parking permit buses and walking will likely get you where you need to go in UK universities
A Level notes and Textbooks - Trust me they are not worth lugging back and forth you will not need them and any of the information will be in the library or online
Course Textbooks - Don't buy any books before term has started. Use the library and check with the module leader whether they are available for free online.
On the day enjoy the process and don't let the stress of the move get you down, when your helpers leave you can take a breather so, enjoy them while they are there. Also don't forget to fill out the room inventory when you receive it and take pictures of the walls and carpets just in case accommodation services have any questions.
After Moving In
Unpacking
Unpacking can seem daunting and overwhelming with all your stuff squeezed into your room but once you start the time just flies by. Start by making your bed so that if you only get half way done with unpacking you can still get to sleep more conveniently. Next work on getting your clothes out the way as they can easily go in the designated wardrobes and chest of drawers'. That just leaves you with the knick knacks and photos. I filled my walls with photos and pinned things to noticeboards, find out if your uni allows that and if it does go ham.
Settling In
Once all the excitement is over the silence can hit you like a ton of bricks. For me the silence was a relief but for others it might be a little more sinister. Here are some tips for settling in on the first few days:
Occupy your time - Talk to housemates, decorate your room and attend events. The more stuff you do the less time you have to be sad or lonely
Talk to the people you live with about home sickness - sometimes a shared experience lightens the burden of the situation. Don't be afraid to sit up late with people you live with, drinking alcohol or tea the choice is yours
Try not to talk to your home connections for the first few days after move in - This can seem controversial but I think it really helps you find your routine before bringing up fresh feelings of missing home. It also helps if you have done some activities that you can tell your people about because once you realise you are having fun being without your loved ones is a little bit easier (it's also fun to share your antics with them).
My final piece of advice is simply - Keep the boxes and bags you move in with, you'll need them when you move out!
Do you have any advice for moving out and settling in? Leave a comment below or send in an email to share in the conversation.
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