The Iglu Guide | Blog
What first year students misjudge about living away from home
Moving out for university is one of the most exciting chapters of student life. There’s the freedom of setting your own schedule, the buzz of a new city and the chance to meet people from all over the world. But most first year students arrive with a few assumptions about independent living that don’t quite match reality. The good news? Almost every surprise is easy to handle once you know it’s coming. Here’s what new students most often misjudge, and how to get ahead of it.
Homesickness runs on its own schedule
Many students expect homesickness to hit in the first week and then fade. In reality, it often shows up later, once the novelty wears off and assessments start stacking up. It can even arrive on a perfectly good day, sparked by a familiar song or a missed family dinner.
Feeling this way doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice. It simply means you care about the people and places you’ve left behind. Building small routines, staying connected with home on your own terms and saying yes to new invitations all help, and there are plenty of practical ways to ease that pull towards home when you’re studying far away.
Independence takes practice
Nobody reminding you to buy groceries, pay bills or wash your sheets sounds liberating, right up until the fridge is empty at 10pm. Students often underestimate how much time everyday life admin takes. Cooking, cleaning, budgeting and booking appointments quickly add up alongside lectures, study and part-time work.
Treat these tasks like any other skill. Start simple, plan your week and give yourself room to learn. Brushing up on the everyday skills that make moving out smoother before you arrive can save a lot of stress in those first few weeks.
Families play a big role here too. Teaching a few basics before move day, like managing a weekly budget or cooking a handful of reliable meals, is one of the best ways parents can set their kids up for a confident start.
Friendships need a little effort
It’s easy to assume friendships will form naturally just because you’re surrounded by other students. Sometimes they do, but more often they grow from small, deliberate moments: lingering in the shared kitchen, joining a study group or turning up to an event when you’d rather stay in.
This is where your living environment makes a real difference. Purpose-built student accommodation, such as Iglu, is designed with connection in mind, with common rooms, study spaces and regular free events that make it easier to meet people without forcing it. Whatever you choose, look for a place that gives you natural opportunities to say hello.
Culture shock can be subtle
For international students especially, culture shock rarely looks like the dramatic moment people expect. It’s usually quieter: unfamiliar slang, a different sense of humour, new ways of queuing, shopping or speaking to lecturers. Over time, these small adjustments can feel surprisingly draining.
Recognising what’s happening is half the battle. Learning about how to handle culture shock as an international student can help you name those feelings and work through them. It’s also reassuring to know that language barriers, money worries and academic pressure are hurdles many international students face, and that each one has workable solutions.
Shared living means shared understanding
Living with people from different backgrounds is one of the richest parts of the university experience. It’s also where small misunderstandings can happen. Someone might be more reserved than you expected, have different ideas about shared spaces or celebrate holidays you’ve never heard of.
Curiosity goes a long way. Ask questions, avoid assumptions and stay open to doing things differently. Being mindful of cultural differences in everyday interactions helps turn housemates into friends rather than strangers sharing a fridge.
Asking for help is a strength
Perhaps the biggest misjudgement of all is believing you should handle everything alone. Many first year students wait far too long to reach out, whether they’re struggling with study, money or simply feeling a bit lost.
Universities offer counselling, academic advisers and student services for exactly these moments. If you live in student accommodation, residential staff are another valuable source of support. At Iglu, friendly onsite teams are there to help residents settle in, solve problems and feel at home throughout the year.
Every misjudgement is part of the journey
No one gets independent living perfect from day one, and that’s completely normal. The students who thrive aren’t the ones who never stumble; they’re the ones who stay curious, adapt and lean on the people around them. Expect a few surprises, give yourself time and enjoy the growth that comes with this exciting new chapter.
Frequently asked questions
Most first year students find the combination of homesickness and everyday life admin the hardest. Managing cooking, cleaning, bills and study at the same time takes practice, and homesickness often appears a few weeks into semester rather than straight away.
Homesickness usually eases within the first semester as students build routines and friendships. It can come and go, particularly around exams, holidays or stressful periods, which is completely normal.
Making friends takes small, consistent effort. Join clubs, attend social events and spend time in shared spaces. Living in student accommodation with regular events and common areas can make meeting people much easier.
Culture shock is the disorientation people feel when adjusting to a new culture. For international students, it often shows up through unfamiliar customs, language and social norms, and can cause tiredness, frustration or homesickness before gradually easing.
Parents can help by teaching practical skills such as budgeting, cooking simple meals and managing appointments before move day. Staying supportive without taking over helps students build confidence and independence.
