The Iglu Guide | Blog
5 ways to settle into your new student accommodation
No matter where you’re coming from, most students will have to adjust to a whole new environment – and that’s going to take some getting used to. Living away from home is a big deal because everything that you have known and taken for granted up until this point is literally about to change.
Here’s 5 quick ways to find your feet in your new student accommodation and make the best of the transition ahead.
1. Get fully unpacked
It might sound obvious, but make sure you unpack everything you brought with you. The more you can see your own belongings around the place like that favourite coffee mug or cosy blanket, the more your student accommodation will feel start to feel like home. It’s another way of surrounding yourself with warm memories and familiarity. Get all your kitchen items out of the boxes and make sure you’re ready to start cooking for yourself. Remember, at Iglu things like kettles and toasters are already provided in some properties so you won’t need to worry about bringing them along. Break up the empty walls by hanging up something familiar such as a family photo or a particular item of emotional value. It helps personalise your new home and keeps you connected to your past, as you make your way into an exciting future.
2. Zone your space
It turns out your parents were actually on to something when they kept nagging you to tidy up! Not only does keeping things in place improve your physical and mental health, it helps improve your focus – which means you’ll naturally perform better at your studies. Take the initiative and set up a dedicated study area with limited noise and distractions. This is a place where you can leave all your books out undisturbed – and go back to them when you need to. Similarly, you need somewhere separate to chill out, watch TV and interact with others. Associating a particular activity with a personalised space will help you settle more quickly into your student accommodation.
3. Get to know your local area
Places only start to feel like home when you have a really good sense of what’s around you. Step outside and take a wander around the local neighbourhood. It’s a great way to get a feel for the area and everything it has to offer. Challenge yourself to try out some new activities with other students – it might be a local trivia night, a shopping spree or a walking tour to explore the suburb. Take advantage of those first few uni days, when those new relationships are most easily formed and everyone is in the same situation. Exploring a new area is a great opportunity to find some common ground with other new students and face the challenges head on. On a practical note, make sure you locate the nearest supermarket, doctors and chemist as soon as you arrive at your student accommodation.
4. Make your own rules
Sounding pretty good already, right? The best part about student living is the freedom and independence that comes along with it – but that can be quite difficult to manage at first. Getting yourself into a good routine and setting your own boundaries is all part of settling in. Work out what you want to do – and then figure out when you can actually do it. Set up a schedule that accommodates uni time, study time and play time – and take each one as seriously as the other. It’s really important to take regular breaks away from your books as this actually improves your focus for the next session. And if you’ve moved to a new city, you’re definitely going to want to find time to explore. But if you’re taking too much time away from your studying, the balance isn’t quite right either. Setting your own boundaries is an important part of settling in. Make the right rules that work for you – and stick to them!
5. Embrace new friendships
Meeting new people gets a little bit harder the older you become, but getting the best out of your student experience is always way more fun with mates along for the ride. Making memories and new experiences are the fastest way to new friendships – and the quickest route to settling in. Accept every invitation that comes your way – whether that’s O Week , faculty events or something entirely different, and try your hardest to embrace new relationships and introductions. Every student is new, so you already have something in common. The benefits of independence and freedom swing both ways – and the onus is now firmly on you to move things to the next level. Keep an eye out for local events and remember, it’s totally normal to feel a little anxious and worried at this time. You’re definitely not alone. If you ever feel like you want to talk to someone, Iglu’s Resident Leaders are always on hand to provide the support you need.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
