Moving to student accommodation can be both an exciting and daunting experience. For many, it will be the first time living away from home and having to fend for themselves. However, with a bit of preparation, the whole process can be a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
Here are a few tips from the Abode Lettings Leicester team on how to prepare yourself when moving to student accommodation:
- Do your research
Before you even start looking for student accommodation, it’s important to do your research and know what your options are. There are a variety of different types of student accommodation available, from halls of residence to private rented flats and houses. Each option has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh up all the options before making a decision.
- Start looking early
Once you know what kind of student accommodation you’re interested in, it’s time to start looking around. The earlier you start looking, the greater the chance you have of finding the perfect place to live. Start by searching online and making a list of properties that meet your criteria. Once you’ve found a few possibilities, arrange to view them in person so you can get a better idea of what they’re like.
- Get organised
One of the most important things you can do when moving to student accommodation is to get organised. This means sorting out all the paperwork and admin associated with your move, such as your tenancy agreement, student finance, insurance, etc. It might seem like a lot of work, but getting everything in order before you move will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
- Pack wisely
When it comes to packing for your move to student accommodation, less is definitely more. You don’t want to be lugging around a bunch of unnecessary stuff, so only pack the essentials. This includes things like clothes, toiletries, bedding, towels, and a few kitchen items. If you’re not sure what to bring, have a look online for packing lists that other students have found useful.
- Set up a budget
One of the biggest challenges of living in student accommodation is managing your money. It’s important to set up a budget before you move so that you know exactly how much you can afford to spend each month. Make sure to factor in things like rent, bills, food, and socialising. Once you’ve got your budget sorted, stick to it as best you can to avoid getting into debt.
- Look after your health
Living in student accommodation can be quite challenging for your health, especially if you’re not used to cooking for yourself or sharing a bathroom with other people. To avoid getting sick, it’s important to take care of yourself and eat a healthy diet. It’s also a good idea to get into the habit of exercising regularly, as this will help to boost your immune system. If you do start to feel unwell, make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Make friends
One of the best things about living in student accommodation is the opportunity to meet new people. When you first move in, take the time to get to know your roommates and the other people in your building. You can also join student societies and clubs, which is a great way to meet like-minded people. If you’re feeling shy, there’s no need to worry – most people are in the same boat and are just looking for new friends.
- Enjoy yourself
Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Living in student accommodation is a great opportunity to experience university life and make some amazing memories. Make the most of it and have fun!