Moving to uni halls
So I've recently booked my accomodation at Sheffield
So long story short I did the orientation week last year and hated moving away so much that I took a year off
Whilst during the gap year I decided that I wanted to move back to uni and that I know in the end it will be okay.
But ever since booking the accomodation I've had this really sick feeling in my stomach being like how do I cope with the feeling of moving out again (I know it's perfectly normal but somehow that doesn't make it any easier)
I keep having these irrational thoughts like what if it's really loud and people are having parties all night every night
What if someone has a party and steals all our food
What if I never get past feeling homesick as I've read so many things about people not settling in and being autistic I find change and socialising harder
The one thing that is keeping me going at the moment is that I can come home every weekend so it's like 5 days until I come home
I was wondering if anyone else had any tips
Sorry for the long post and thanks for reading
So long story short I did the orientation week last year and hated moving away so much that I took a year off
Whilst during the gap year I decided that I wanted to move back to uni and that I know in the end it will be okay.
But ever since booking the accomodation I've had this really sick feeling in my stomach being like how do I cope with the feeling of moving out again (I know it's perfectly normal but somehow that doesn't make it any easier)
I keep having these irrational thoughts like what if it's really loud and people are having parties all night every night
What if someone has a party and steals all our food
What if I never get past feeling homesick as I've read so many things about people not settling in and being autistic I find change and socialising harder
The one thing that is keeping me going at the moment is that I can come home every weekend so it's like 5 days until I come home
I was wondering if anyone else had any tips
Sorry for the long post and thanks for reading
@Jess_Lomas
Congrats on booking your accommodation! You did it!
Moving is always stressful so it's perfectly normal to have a range of feelings about moving into university accommodation.
Maybe the most important thing for you to do now is to address your concerns, to remember that your worst case scenario will probably not happen and that if does, you know how to handle it!
1)'it's really loud and people are having parties all night every night'
At the start of term, you may have people going out a lot, coming back late or throwing a party, but things will settle down when life gets busier with studies or when the finances begin to go It is unlikely that housemates will be throwing parties every night, but when you move in, it might be a good idea to introduce yourself to your housemates and to have an informal meeting where you can address any worries or concerns about the kitchen, music, noise etc..
Also do be honest about your autism so that your housemates can know how best to support you and so that they can understand that something that might seem really insignificant to them, actually makes a big difference to you, whether that's light, noise or routine.
2)'someone has a party and steals all your food'
Student accommodation means that you only have limited space for food, so most of that will be daily items which don't make great party food. It's not uncommon for some students to help themselves to something from somebody else's shelf if they have run out of something, but they are unlikely to take everything from your shelf in the fridge as it would be clear that they had stolen your food. Parties are also normally about drinking rather than eating. If you feel really worried about housemates stealing food for a party, you can always store snacks in your room.
3)'what if I never get past feeling homesick'
Again, it's normal to miss home and everything that is familiar. It will take time to get used to a new routine and to settle and it's great that you know that you can always go home for the weekend, but it is also important to give things a go. If you go home every weekend, you might miss out on socials, events and opportunities to get to know people better. It might also become quite tiring. Definitely have it as an option, but try not to rely on going home every weekend. Perhaps have a regular time each week when you call home, or when someone from home calls you. You could also ask them to come and visit, as that might help you feel more comfortable about being in a new place.
Change is always scary, so do seek support from friends and family who know you well and do feel free to contact your accommodation or the university if you continue to feel stressed. They are there to help you get the most out of university life.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
Congrats on booking your accommodation! You did it!
Moving is always stressful so it's perfectly normal to have a range of feelings about moving into university accommodation.
Maybe the most important thing for you to do now is to address your concerns, to remember that your worst case scenario will probably not happen and that if does, you know how to handle it!
1)'it's really loud and people are having parties all night every night'
At the start of term, you may have people going out a lot, coming back late or throwing a party, but things will settle down when life gets busier with studies or when the finances begin to go It is unlikely that housemates will be throwing parties every night, but when you move in, it might be a good idea to introduce yourself to your housemates and to have an informal meeting where you can address any worries or concerns about the kitchen, music, noise etc..
Also do be honest about your autism so that your housemates can know how best to support you and so that they can understand that something that might seem really insignificant to them, actually makes a big difference to you, whether that's light, noise or routine.
2)'someone has a party and steals all your food'
Student accommodation means that you only have limited space for food, so most of that will be daily items which don't make great party food. It's not uncommon for some students to help themselves to something from somebody else's shelf if they have run out of something, but they are unlikely to take everything from your shelf in the fridge as it would be clear that they had stolen your food. Parties are also normally about drinking rather than eating. If you feel really worried about housemates stealing food for a party, you can always store snacks in your room.
3)'what if I never get past feeling homesick'
Again, it's normal to miss home and everything that is familiar. It will take time to get used to a new routine and to settle and it's great that you know that you can always go home for the weekend, but it is also important to give things a go. If you go home every weekend, you might miss out on socials, events and opportunities to get to know people better. It might also become quite tiring. Definitely have it as an option, but try not to rely on going home every weekend. Perhaps have a regular time each week when you call home, or when someone from home calls you. You could also ask them to come and visit, as that might help you feel more comfortable about being in a new place.
Change is always scary, so do seek support from friends and family who know you well and do feel free to contact your accommodation or the university if you continue to feel stressed. They are there to help you get the most out of university life.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
Original post by Jess_Lomas
So I've recently booked my accomodation at Sheffield
So long story short I did the orientation week last year and hated moving away so much that I took a year off
Whilst during the gap year I decided that I wanted to move back to uni and that I know in the end it will be okay.
But ever since booking the accomodation I've had this really sick feeling in my stomach being like how do I cope with the feeling of moving out again (I know it's perfectly normal but somehow that doesn't make it any easier)
I keep having these irrational thoughts like what if it's really loud and people are having parties all night every night
What if someone has a party and steals all our food
What if I never get past feeling homesick as I've read so many things about people not settling in and being autistic I find change and socialising harder
The one thing that is keeping me going at the moment is that I can come home every weekend so it's like 5 days until I come home
I was wondering if anyone else had any tips
Sorry for the long post and thanks for reading
So long story short I did the orientation week last year and hated moving away so much that I took a year off
Whilst during the gap year I decided that I wanted to move back to uni and that I know in the end it will be okay.
But ever since booking the accomodation I've had this really sick feeling in my stomach being like how do I cope with the feeling of moving out again (I know it's perfectly normal but somehow that doesn't make it any easier)
I keep having these irrational thoughts like what if it's really loud and people are having parties all night every night
What if someone has a party and steals all our food
What if I never get past feeling homesick as I've read so many things about people not settling in and being autistic I find change and socialising harder
The one thing that is keeping me going at the moment is that I can come home every weekend so it's like 5 days until I come home
I was wondering if anyone else had any tips
Sorry for the long post and thanks for reading
Hey - I was in a similar boat to you, hopefully can offer some advice! (for context - i’ve suspected for a long time I might be autistic and had a lot of the same concerns you did around moving to uni)
On your first point, it is possible that freshers week will be quite rowdy when it comes to parties, but it definitely dies down after that - your very first week is not an accurate reflection of what it’s normally like. And people might just have pre drinks in the flat before going out so it will hopefully quieten down eventually! I hâve slept through many a house/flat party using a combination of earplugs and over ear noise cancelling headphones playing white noise which blocks out pretty much all sound. It’s a little uncomfortable but it’ll do if you really need sleep and there’s people keeping you awake! I’d also recommend if there are parties going on in your flat/kitchen, especially in freshers, try and go to them if they’re open to all to get to know your flat a bit better. You don’t have to stay all night or drink if you don’t want to - I don’t massively enjoy parties or drinking much but I tend to try and at least hang out with people at pres when the vibe is calmer and people are less drunk, then just leave if it stops being fun. I realise this is a very daunting thing to do especially with all the upheaval from moving but getting to know your flat early is a really good idea - if you all get on then you’ll have already made some friends and you’ll be more comfortable trusting communal spaces and asking them to keep the noise down on occasion!
It is highly unlikely that someone will steal all your food at a party, so I wouldn’t worry about that. Worst case scenario, you’d have to replace
some things - that’s very easy to do!
And it will definitely get easier eventually - homesickness can be really tough and everyone moves at their own pace. I found moving to halls really difficult, and to be honest didn’t feel completely settled until second year - but I’m third year now and absolutely loving my independent life away from home. But even in first year I still had a good time, made friends and did well on my course (i should note most of my first year was spent in various degrees of covid lockdown and we were banned from going back to halls for the second term which definitely did not help matters re settling in and homesickness).
One thing I will say is combatting these feelings by reminding yourself you can go home every weekend is possibly not the best way to deal with it. I would actually kind of suggest you don’t go home at all for the first few weeks. Obviously I don’t know you and your situation very well so if this feels unhelpful then feel free to ignore - but you might get more homesick if you keep going back and moving back and forth between two places all the time will probably stop you settling in and stress you out more. I’m not saying don’t ever visit home, but you might cope better in the long run if you push through that initial homesickness and anxiety and stay at uni. Maybe it would help if you also remind yourself of all the nice things that will happen at uni - studying a subject you love, making friends, picking up a new hobby or continuing one you already have. If you see it as something to be endured rather than enjoyed you will have a worse time.
Finally, is there anything the uni can do to help you? If you’re autistic they should make adjustments for you, so it might be worth asking if there’s anything they can do to help you settle in. No idea if they’d do this, but would it help to visit your accom in advance, or even move in early before freshers week so you can settle in a bit before everything gets busy? If so, it might be worth seeing if there’s anything they can do.
Good luck with it all - I know how scary it is to have all this change going on and to be thrown into a new social world but you can get through it and you will have a lovely time at uni in the end, as long as you let yourself enjoy it!
Original post by University of Huddersfield
@Jess_Lomas
Congrats on booking your accommodation! You did it!
Moving is always stressful so it's perfectly normal to have a range of feelings about moving into university accommodation.
Maybe the most important thing for you to do now is to address your concerns, to remember that your worst case scenario will probably not happen and that if does, you know how to handle it!
1)'it's really loud and people are having parties all night every night'
At the start of term, you may have people going out a lot, coming back late or throwing a party, but things will settle down when life gets busier with studies or when the finances begin to go It is unlikely that housemates will be throwing parties every night, but when you move in, it might be a good idea to introduce yourself to your housemates and to have an informal meeting where you can address any worries or concerns about the kitchen, music, noise etc..
Also do be honest about your autism so that your housemates can know how best to support you and so that they can understand that something that might seem really insignificant to them, actually makes a big difference to you, whether that's light, noise or routine.
2)'someone has a party and steals all your food'
Student accommodation means that you only have limited space for food, so most of that will be daily items which don't make great party food. It's not uncommon for some students to help themselves to something from somebody else's shelf if they have run out of something, but they are unlikely to take everything from your shelf in the fridge as it would be clear that they had stolen your food. Parties are also normally about drinking rather than eating. If you feel really worried about housemates stealing food for a party, you can always store snacks in your room.
3)'what if I never get past feeling homesick'
Again, it's normal to miss home and everything that is familiar. It will take time to get used to a new routine and to settle and it's great that you know that you can always go home for the weekend, but it is also important to give things a go. If you go home every weekend, you might miss out on socials, events and opportunities to get to know people better. It might also become quite tiring. Definitely have it as an option, but try not to rely on going home every weekend. Perhaps have a regular time each week when you call home, or when someone from home calls you. You could also ask them to come and visit, as that might help you feel more comfortable about being in a new place.
Change is always scary, so do seek support from friends and family who know you well and do feel free to contact your accommodation or the university if you continue to feel stressed. They are there to help you get the most out of university life.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
Congrats on booking your accommodation! You did it!
Moving is always stressful so it's perfectly normal to have a range of feelings about moving into university accommodation.
Maybe the most important thing for you to do now is to address your concerns, to remember that your worst case scenario will probably not happen and that if does, you know how to handle it!
1)'it's really loud and people are having parties all night every night'
At the start of term, you may have people going out a lot, coming back late or throwing a party, but things will settle down when life gets busier with studies or when the finances begin to go It is unlikely that housemates will be throwing parties every night, but when you move in, it might be a good idea to introduce yourself to your housemates and to have an informal meeting where you can address any worries or concerns about the kitchen, music, noise etc..
Also do be honest about your autism so that your housemates can know how best to support you and so that they can understand that something that might seem really insignificant to them, actually makes a big difference to you, whether that's light, noise or routine.
2)'someone has a party and steals all your food'
Student accommodation means that you only have limited space for food, so most of that will be daily items which don't make great party food. It's not uncommon for some students to help themselves to something from somebody else's shelf if they have run out of something, but they are unlikely to take everything from your shelf in the fridge as it would be clear that they had stolen your food. Parties are also normally about drinking rather than eating. If you feel really worried about housemates stealing food for a party, you can always store snacks in your room.
3)'what if I never get past feeling homesick'
Again, it's normal to miss home and everything that is familiar. It will take time to get used to a new routine and to settle and it's great that you know that you can always go home for the weekend, but it is also important to give things a go. If you go home every weekend, you might miss out on socials, events and opportunities to get to know people better. It might also become quite tiring. Definitely have it as an option, but try not to rely on going home every weekend. Perhaps have a regular time each week when you call home, or when someone from home calls you. You could also ask them to come and visit, as that might help you feel more comfortable about being in a new place.
Change is always scary, so do seek support from friends and family who know you well and do feel free to contact your accommodation or the university if you continue to feel stressed. They are there to help you get the most out of university life.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
thank you so much
At Sheffield we can do self selection and in my profile I put I'm autistic and there's also 1 other roommate at the moment that's autistic so all of us are at the moment. The only thing is is on results day they put random people into the flat so hopefully they read the profile before moving people in
I also don't have a problem with roomates borrowing a bit of food as I feel like that's what everyone sort of does at uni
Thanks again
Original post by Jess_Lomas
So I've recently booked my accomodation at Sheffield
So long story short I did the orientation week last year and hated moving away so much that I took a year off
Whilst during the gap year I decided that I wanted to move back to uni and that I know in the end it will be okay.
But ever since booking the accomodation I've had this really sick feeling in my stomach being like how do I cope with the feeling of moving out again (I know it's perfectly normal but somehow that doesn't make it any easier)
I keep having these irrational thoughts like what if it's really loud and people are having parties all night every night
What if someone has a party and steals all our food
What if I never get past feeling homesick as I've read so many things about people not settling in and being autistic I find change and socialising harder
The one thing that is keeping me going at the moment is that I can come home every weekend so it's like 5 days until I come home
I was wondering if anyone else had any tips
Sorry for the long post and thanks for reading
So long story short I did the orientation week last year and hated moving away so much that I took a year off
Whilst during the gap year I decided that I wanted to move back to uni and that I know in the end it will be okay.
But ever since booking the accomodation I've had this really sick feeling in my stomach being like how do I cope with the feeling of moving out again (I know it's perfectly normal but somehow that doesn't make it any easier)
I keep having these irrational thoughts like what if it's really loud and people are having parties all night every night
What if someone has a party and steals all our food
What if I never get past feeling homesick as I've read so many things about people not settling in and being autistic I find change and socialising harder
The one thing that is keeping me going at the moment is that I can come home every weekend so it's like 5 days until I come home
I was wondering if anyone else had any tips
Sorry for the long post and thanks for reading
Hey there @Jess_Lomas !
Just want to start off by saying that these thoughts are completely normal and you're not the only person who's probably feeling the exact same way. Moving somewhere completely different can be very daunting as it's the fear of the unknown and you're not sure what you're getting yourself in for. However, you're never going to know until you go and give it a go. The things you're reading might appear to be all negative but think about it in this perspective: the people who are having a great time aren't going to come and complain about it. You're seeing a saturation of negative influence because people want advice about their specific situation. People who are having a good time have nothing to ask for advice about so that's why you're not seeing it.
University comes with its good bits and bad bits and whilst yes there probably will be people having parties, it probably won't be every night and usually they only go on until around midnight anyway. The thing about university is it's usually most people's first taste of 'freedom' in a sense. They're naturally going to run wild in the first couple of weeks but the novelty will die down. Yes going out might not be for everyone, but for some people they haven't had the chance to do that at home so they take full advantage in the first couple of weeks. Once all the workload comes in, things naturally settle down and order is restored. If people stealing your things is a worry for you (as it was for me), you can always take precautionary measures such as putting things in your room such as your sauces and cupboard items. I usually kept everything else in the fridge as realistically no one was going to be stealing my frozen chicken.
I can tell you're feeling quite anxious about this, as was I when I was first thinking about university. But in this case, your brain is thinking up the worst possible case-scenario and trying to rationalise it to make you think that's what's definitely going to happen. The important thing to remember is that it's a new experience and one that you're not going to understand until you get there. You can't let your brain make prejudgements on something you haven't been through yet. As difficult as this sounds, you've just got to throw yourself into it and let what happens happen. Make the most of every situation that comes to you and you will find your people, maybe even people that are feeling the exact same way that you are. As you say, you know in the end it will be okay.
I am quite biased but Sheffield is an amazing city and although I was feeling really anxious about it in the beginning, since moving here I've found it such an easy city to settle into and have made loads of friends just by putting myself out there even though I didn't necessarily want to or feel comfortable with it.
Hope this helped, let me know if you have any more questions!
Lucy - Digital Student Ambassador SHU
Original post by Jess_Lomas
thank you so much
At Sheffield we can do self selection and in my profile I put I'm autistic and there's also 1 other roommate at the moment that's autistic so all of us are at the moment. The only thing is is on results day they put random people into the flat so hopefully they read the profile before moving people in
I also don't have a problem with roomates borrowing a bit of food as I feel like that's what everyone sort of does at uni
Thanks again
At Sheffield we can do self selection and in my profile I put I'm autistic and there's also 1 other roommate at the moment that's autistic so all of us are at the moment. The only thing is is on results day they put random people into the flat so hopefully they read the profile before moving people in
I also don't have a problem with roomates borrowing a bit of food as I feel like that's what everyone sort of does at uni
Thanks again
@Jess_Lomas
No worries!
That's great – you will be able to share with your other housemate if there are initial challenges : )
If you do get housemates who are not autistic, it's a great opportunity for them to learn more about autism – don't be afraid to talk about it!
I'm sure you will be fine Jess : )
All the best!
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
Original post by University of Huddersfield
@Jess_Lomas
No worries!
That's great – you will be able to share with your other housemate if there are initial challenges : )
If you do get housemates who are not autistic, it's a great opportunity for them to learn more about autism – don't be afraid to talk about it!
I'm sure you will be fine Jess : )
All the best!
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
No worries!
That's great – you will be able to share with your other housemate if there are initial challenges : )
If you do get housemates who are not autistic, it's a great opportunity for them to learn more about autism – don't be afraid to talk about it!
I'm sure you will be fine Jess : )
All the best!
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
Yeah,
There will be 6 of us so didn't expect another autistic person so think it will just be us. But it's nice as there's someone who understands the challenges more but honestly I think it would be hard if all of us were otherwise in my experience none of us would start a conversation. But my friend at sixth form was also autistic so it will be nice
Original post by hallamstudents
Hey there @Jess_Lomas !
Just want to start off by saying that these thoughts are completely normal and you're not the only person who's probably feeling the exact same way. Moving somewhere completely different can be very daunting as it's the fear of the unknown and you're not sure what you're getting yourself in for. However, you're never going to know until you go and give it a go. The things you're reading might appear to be all negative but think about it in this perspective: the people who are having a great time aren't going to come and complain about it. You're seeing a saturation of negative influence because people want advice about their specific situation. People who are having a good time have nothing to ask for advice about so that's why you're not seeing it.
University comes with its good bits and bad bits and whilst yes there probably will be people having parties, it probably won't be every night and usually they only go on until around midnight anyway. The thing about university is it's usually most people's first taste of 'freedom' in a sense. They're naturally going to run wild in the first couple of weeks but the novelty will die down. Yes going out might not be for everyone, but for some people they haven't had the chance to do that at home so they take full advantage in the first couple of weeks. Once all the workload comes in, things naturally settle down and order is restored. If people stealing your things is a worry for you (as it was for me), you can always take precautionary measures such as putting things in your room such as your sauces and cupboard items. I usually kept everything else in the fridge as realistically no one was going to be stealing my frozen chicken.
I can tell you're feeling quite anxious about this, as was I when I was first thinking about university. But in this case, your brain is thinking up the worst possible case-scenario and trying to rationalise it to make you think that's what's definitely going to happen. The important thing to remember is that it's a new experience and one that you're not going to understand until you get there. You can't let your brain make prejudgements on something you haven't been through yet. As difficult as this sounds, you've just got to throw yourself into it and let what happens happen. Make the most of every situation that comes to you and you will find your people, maybe even people that are feeling the exact same way that you are. As you say, you know in the end it will be okay.
I am quite biased but Sheffield is an amazing city and although I was feeling really anxious about it in the beginning, since moving here I've found it such an easy city to settle into and have made loads of friends just by putting myself out there even though I didn't necessarily want to or feel comfortable with it.
Hope this helped, let me know if you have any more questions!
Lucy - Digital Student Ambassador SHU
Just want to start off by saying that these thoughts are completely normal and you're not the only person who's probably feeling the exact same way. Moving somewhere completely different can be very daunting as it's the fear of the unknown and you're not sure what you're getting yourself in for. However, you're never going to know until you go and give it a go. The things you're reading might appear to be all negative but think about it in this perspective: the people who are having a great time aren't going to come and complain about it. You're seeing a saturation of negative influence because people want advice about their specific situation. People who are having a good time have nothing to ask for advice about so that's why you're not seeing it.
University comes with its good bits and bad bits and whilst yes there probably will be people having parties, it probably won't be every night and usually they only go on until around midnight anyway. The thing about university is it's usually most people's first taste of 'freedom' in a sense. They're naturally going to run wild in the first couple of weeks but the novelty will die down. Yes going out might not be for everyone, but for some people they haven't had the chance to do that at home so they take full advantage in the first couple of weeks. Once all the workload comes in, things naturally settle down and order is restored. If people stealing your things is a worry for you (as it was for me), you can always take precautionary measures such as putting things in your room such as your sauces and cupboard items. I usually kept everything else in the fridge as realistically no one was going to be stealing my frozen chicken.
I can tell you're feeling quite anxious about this, as was I when I was first thinking about university. But in this case, your brain is thinking up the worst possible case-scenario and trying to rationalise it to make you think that's what's definitely going to happen. The important thing to remember is that it's a new experience and one that you're not going to understand until you get there. You can't let your brain make prejudgements on something you haven't been through yet. As difficult as this sounds, you've just got to throw yourself into it and let what happens happen. Make the most of every situation that comes to you and you will find your people, maybe even people that are feeling the exact same way that you are. As you say, you know in the end it will be okay.
I am quite biased but Sheffield is an amazing city and although I was feeling really anxious about it in the beginning, since moving here I've found it such an easy city to settle into and have made loads of friends just by putting myself out there even though I didn't necessarily want to or feel comfortable with it.
Hope this helped, let me know if you have any more questions!
Lucy - Digital Student Ambassador SHU
Thanks for the reassurance,
I do know that the thoughts are irrational but that doesn't mean they went away but puttingtp them in the group definitely helps a lot with them even though they wouldn't come to pass in reality
The orientation week was bad the first time but also I think it's going to make things easier this time as there were things that were problems that I didn't would and have found solutions to these so it should be easier
I know its going to take a while to settle down but I'm really looking forward to the course so that should help
Thanks again
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