The Iglu Guide | Blog
10 top tips when moving to your student accommodation
Moving-in day is finally here, and it’s time to head to your new student accommodation. With so much to think about and prepare, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed and lost in the job. The trick is to get the hard work done up front so you can focus on making the day itself as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Nobody wants their first impression to be less than their best! Here’s everything you need to make your student accommodation move go to plan.
1. Make a checklist
This might sound boring, but you really won’t regret it. Don’t forget, this move is happening alongside everything else in your life – you might be working to save up money, busy tying up loose ends, or getting around to see family before you leave. Making a checklist of everything you need to bring along is the perfect reference point for your move. It means you can organise your thoughts and make sure all necessary tasks are achieved before the big day – with no nasty surprises to worry about when you arrive.
2. Pack light and label everything
If you’re arriving from overseas, your luggage allowance will automatically be limited so packing light is not exactly optional. Hopefully, you have identified what’s essential to your move, and what can safely be left at home. Domestic students are at higher risk of overpacking, so it’s important to think hard about what you will realistically need to have at your student accommodation semester by semester. Label every box and bag that you bring along, that way your unpacking is much quicker, and the items can be placed exactly where they need to be from the start.
3. Get set up
Dive straight into the unpacking when you arrive and get yourself all set up. This will help you feel more settled, and will save you a whole host of unappealing jobs at the end of the day. You might end up on an impromptu excursion with new housemates – so coming back to a messy room and an unmade bed won’t be the best start to your independent living experience. It only takes a little bit of effort to help you feel right at home.
- Make the bed up as soon as you can and locate your PJs
- Nab your kitchen space in the kitchen and tidy away any equipment or food
- Store your documents away in a safe place
- Keep any valuables locked away
- Find a specific space for first aid and any medication
4. Wear comfy clothes
Everyone wants to look their best when meeting new friends, but moving-in day is all about getting down and dirty. Realistically, you’ll be hoisting bags around, rearranging furniture and getting hot and sweaty along the way. For that reason alone, it’s better to wear clothes that allow you freedom to move around comfortably, and that won’t restrict your activity. Sweatpants, shorts or T-shirts are all perfectly acceptable, and will make the task a lot easier to achieve.
5. Bring your aesthetic
Depending on the type of student accommodation you have booked, the décor is likely to be fairly neutral. Remember to bring along some small items that remind you of home. That might be a photo collage, a poster or some fairy lights – anything that warms up the space and makes it feel like home. You can always buy extra items when you arrive such as a nice throw, or wall hanging. These smaller touches help personalise your space, and reflect your individual aesthetic.
6. Connect with housemates
Some student accommodation providers may connect you with your new housemates in advance of your arrival. Creating a WhatsApp group before you meet is a great ice breaker and can make the first day much easier to manage. If not, be sure to personally meet and greet all your fellow students as you see them. The benefit of choosing purpose-built student accommodation like Iglu is that you have a built-in student community on tap outside your door, in addition to all your houseshare mates. So even if you’re not living with your perfect soulmates, there’s plenty of other potential friendships just waiting to be made instead.
7. Know what’s provided
A great way to prevent overpacking is to understand what’s already provided at your student accommodation before you arrive. Depending upon the type of student accommodation you have booked, certain amenities may already be provided. Resist splurging on new bedsheets, lamps, kettles and more before you have fully investigated what will be there. Check for standard inclusions, and any extras that might be useful such as a bed linen starter pack. This will save heaps of room in your luggage and is especially helpful to overseas students with limited baggage allowance. Most Iglu properties in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne include a kettle and toaster in the kitchen, an optional linen starter pack on request and a free breakfast to get the day moving.
8. Arrive early
If you are arriving from overseas, you may be able to access your student accommodation earlier than domestic students. On moving-in day, get there as early as you can so you have the best opportunity to get yourself organised, unpacked and all settled in. If you find you have forgotten anything important, or need to do a quick supermarket haul, you have the full day ahead of you to do it. Say your goodbyes quickly, and wave off family so that you have a chance to get to know your fellow students unobserved. This will make it a lot less awkward for you!
9. Have a nose around
On your first day, take the opportunity to wander around and check out all the facilities. It’s good to get your bearings and understand how far you are from all the amenities such as the laundry, gym, study areas and communal spaces. You’re more than likely to meet other students doing exactly the same, so it’s also a great opportunity to strike up some new conversations as you move around the building. It could mean the start of a new friendship, plans for the evening, or simply a friendly face to smile at in the corridor.
10. Keep your door open
Make the most of the moving-in day vibes by keeping your door propped open and encouraging others to come in and say Hello. Bringing along a doorstop is a great way to signal that you are open for business! As nervous as you may feel, remember all other students are in exactly the same position and you’re certainly not alone.
