9 Things no-one would tell you about moving into University Halls (Freshers Guide)

Securing your admission into uni  must have taken a lot of deliberate effort and commitment but we’re sorry to break the ice by telling you that your journey has just begun and this time around, you may need to do it all on your own especially if this is your first time away from home.

University is a whole new chapter and phase of adulthood and more would be expected of you in terms of your academics, finances, relationships, career path, and lots more, which is why we have taken the time to curate a University guide to help you through this transition.

Amongst many others, the anxiety that comes with the thought of settling into your accommodation is often the first big challenge at college and here are some tips to help you through;

1. Drop the Interview Questions

One of the most daunting/unnerving aspects of moving into halls of residence is the fact that you don’t get to choose who you live with – you’re allocated blocks with a bunch of strangers and told to live together.

It might seem easy to want to know nearly everything about your new roommate on the first day to see if you’ll get along or not, but it is often a terrible idea to go about it this way. The last thing a person just moving/settling in needs is to be thrown a bunch of interview questions. So keep it simple and just go with the basic questions about their name, if they would like any assistance with moving their stuff, etc.

2. Keep conversations casual

Not to come off as a snub, the occasional small talks on the first day is necessary but should be as banal as possible without sending anyone to sleep.

You can ask questions around where they are from, or make conversations around trending topics, whether they like Game of Thrones, or how many shots of own-brand vodka they can do while standing on one leg.

3. Unbox Yourself

After settling in, it is advisable to get over the first days’ anxiety/jitters by befriending other people. Give others in your flat/hall some of your time and attention and get to know their interests. Make the effort to get to know the people you’ll be living with – after all, you’ll be living with them for an entire academic year. Freshers’ week is the perfect opportunity to get to know everyone with the numerous activities going on that you can all attend as a group.

Turn on the charm and treat this experience like a family gathering by remaining polite and understanding about other people’s views.

4. Don’t panic to ask for help

If you have any issue concerning logistics, your keys don’t work, or you found someone else already occupying your room, don’t panic.

It is only normal for things to get a bit mixed up and mistakes do happen with such arrangement even though the University administrative are usually very thorough on move-in logistics.

Take your time and find someone to relate your problem with, either the hall management/porter to help resolve the issue.

5. Don’t fear missing out

There is often the pressure to have crazy fun on freshers’ week and to make a lot of friends initially but what no one would tell you is that it is okay to want to relax and to adjust to the environment firsthand. You still have a whole year ahead to meet people, have crazy fun and go on adventures.

Be relaxed and patient: If you don’t get on with someone, don’t panic. The people in your halls aren’t the only people you’ll meet at university. Once you settle into uni life, you’ll eventually find your tribe.

6. Never, leave a pan ‘to soak’

Sharing a kitchen is one aspect of living in a University hall and you would have to make a conscious effort of keeping the space tidy.

Friendships have been broken more often than not, and wars have been fought over less. A messy kitchen would most likely cause a strain on the newly formed friendship but instead, you can opt for keeping your pans/pots/utensils clean after use.

7. Keep an open mind

It is highly unlikely that you would be placed among people with common interest or backgrounds, instead, you’ll be met with people who share different opinions about certain subject matters who may eventually turn out to become very important people in your life.

Stay with an open mind, be objective about life and approach this new phase with the learning mindset. And while we’d never encourage you to forge a close friendship with all the kitchen appliances, a toaster and blender pay for themselves in cheerful small-talk.

8. Be a team player

While getting to know your flatmate or next-door neighbor, you might want to assist or offer to help them out when they’re in need. If you notice your neighbor having a hangover, help them out, with water, vitamins, carbs or a mop. Tomorrow it maybe you.

9. Obey the Rules & Regulation

Certain university halls of residences typically have very strict rules against keeping pets. As tempting as it may be to bring your puppy along with you for the university experience, we would strongly advise against it.

Also, most (if not all) university halls of residence will have a strict no smoking policy. By smoking on the premises, you run the risk of landing yourself a hefty fine – which we’re positive you won’t want on a student budget.

In conclusion, we hope we have been able to give you an insight into what to expect and how to get over the anxiety that comes with being a university Fresher. Now is the time for you to experience a new chapter, gain unique life experiences, build lifelong friendships and most importantly, enjoy yourself.