Advice for moving out for the first time
For many students, their first experience of moving out is when they leave for university. This can come with many worries and challenges, as you navigate the move. We have compiled our top five tips for making that transition easier, and to help you feel more at home in your new student accommodation.
Finding the Perfect Place
The most important step is to find a place you’ll feel comfortable living in. Typically in the first year, many students decide to live in student halls. This is because it is a great way to get to know other students who are also starting their university journey, and it is convenient - with bills and other services often included.
You may want to decide between living in a shared space, having a room with an en-suite, or an entire studio to yourself. Whatever you decide, we cater for all different room types. Once you know which room type you would like, it is also important to consider other factors such as the location, nearby transport services, the proximity to university and the cost.
If you've already made the move, and aren't happy - take a look at your tenancy agreement, or speak to your accommodation provider, to see what your options could be.
Managing Finances and Budgeting
When it comes to moving out, there are often a lot of surprise costs. Firstly, you need to factor in a deposit (if required). You then need to budget for your rent each month, in addition to food, travel and other expenses. Students often opt to take out a loan from Student Finance. This will cover your tuition fees, and also provide you with a maintenance loan to help with these additional costs.
We recommend also opening a student bank account. These often come with some great perks, like a four-year railcard, tastecard or even cash! This is a good way to keep that money separate, and help you budget for the month, or term ahead. It is also worth checking what financial support your university may offer.
Packing Essentials
Student halls typically don’t come with much storage space. To maximise the room you have, we recommend only bringing exactly what you need. There’s no need to bring your entire wardrobe - only pack the necessary items for that season, and you can always switch it up when you next visit home. Depending on your setup, you might also be able to share kitchen items with your flatmates, to again save on space, and the cost.
You’ll find over the year you will accumulate a lot of stuff too - it is always a good idea to have regular clear outs and either donate, sell, or bin any items you don’t need. This makes it a lot easier when you move out at the end of the year too.
Living with new people
Living with new people can be a huge adjustment. Whilst it can be exciting, it can also come with its challenges. You may have to adapt to others’ schedules and habits. To ensure a harmonious living environment, it’s essential to establish open communication from the start. Whether that’s creating a cleaning rota, or setting quieter hours, it just means everyone is on the same page from the start. It is also important to remember to be respectful of others personal space and privacy - keep the noise levels down and check in on each other too.
Handling Homesickness and Settling In
Finally, you might find yourself missing home. Although the first few weeks of university can be exciting - freshers week, meeting new people, having more independence - it can also be quite scary. Sometimes reality hits, and that’s ok. To handle homesickness, ensure you take some time to check in with your family, and speak to your friends about it. We also recommend decorating your room with some memories of home, to remind you of your friends and family. There’s often a debate over how soon you should visit home, and in all honesty, there is no right or wrong answer - do what is best for you!
We hope you enjoy the start of your new university adventure!
