Life at University and moving away from home

Hi Everyone,

With almost under a month away from results day, I want to wish everyone good luck for the big day!

But as soon as the excitement of results day is over, the next big thing is moving into uni. Making sure you have all the right stuff for the kitchen and remembering to take stuff you could forget like a toothbrush, move in day can be hectic.

On my move in day, I was worried i had packed too much or scared I had forgotten something important at home and nervous to start a new life in a new city with all new people.

It is important to keep calm and remember that almost everyone else will be in the same boat and although it might seem a bit frightening at first but putting yourself out there a bit or taking the initiative in asking someone to get coffee together could make all the difference to your uni experience.

Feel free to add your own advice or ask any questions!
Jivanthika

Reply 1

BU Student Rep

Official Rep

Hi Everyone,

I’m Q, a 3rd year student at Bournemouth University.
Here are my tips for preparing for University after results day.

1. When moving to your new accomodation, make sure you pack the essentials for the day - When you arrive, the first couple of hours may be stressful and tiring, so it’s good to make sure you have the necessities - toilet paper, toothbrush/toothpaste and something to eat on/with and bedding.
2. Make a list of what you need to bring - crockery, cutlery, utensils pots/pans & kettle, bedding, clothing/shoes etc. This will come in handy for the next year if there is anything you want to add/take off. There are even kits such as UniKitOut that can be delivered straight to your accomodation. In addition, check with your flatmates if you’re thinking of sharing anything, eg. kettle, toaster etc.
3. Have an open mind - try out a range of different activities, join as many societies as you like to, and it might get tricky, but keep pushing through, there is always support there.

Good luck with results day! Let me know if you have any questions.
Q - BU Student Rep

Reply 2

University of Bradford

Official Rep

Hey 👋

Some great tips already! For me, it was remembering to take bits that reminded me of home as I knew that being away from home I'd likely feel a little bit homesick at some times. So i took my favourite mug, some photos to put up of family and friends, and little bits to help make my room feel a bit more homely! Plus even being as organised as I could be with packing lists I still managed to forget things like a lamp so luckily we had trips organised to iKea and down to town to pick up anything we'd forgotten which was really helpful! It also gave a nice bonding time with my new flatmates outside of the organised socials and freshers events - we could bond over being slightly forgetful!

I definitely agree with having an open mind and just getting stuck in to new activities, societies. I joined lots of different ones at freshers and many ran free give it a go sessions too so, even if I didn't like it or want to carry on with it, I could still have a go and make new friends too.

It's a really exciting time starting university and I hope everyone has the best experience! 😄

Jennie

Reply 3

Chester Student

Official Rep

Original post by University of Sheffield Students

Hi Everyone,
With almost under a month away from results day, I want to wish everyone good luck for the big day!
But as soon as the excitement of results day is over, the next big thing is moving into uni. Making sure you have all the right stuff for the kitchen and remembering to take stuff you could forget like a toothbrush, move in day can be hectic.
On my move in day, I was worried i had packed too much or scared I had forgotten something important at home and nervous to start a new life in a new city with all new people.
It is important to keep calm and remember that almost everyone else will be in the same boat and although it might seem a bit frightening at first but putting yourself out there a bit or taking the initiative in asking someone to get coffee together could make all the difference to your uni experience.
Feel free to add your own advice or ask any questions!
Jivanthika

Hi there,

I love the advice that has been given already!

I think all of these are really important, especially having a solid packing list (to ensure you don't forget anything essential!) and bringing little things that make your room feel like home. I'd also just say don't panic! If you do forget something, your university city should be selling it somewhere!

Something else to remember is that while it might be uncomfortable at first, putting yourself out there is incredibly important and often really rewarding. I was so shy when I first moved to university, but once I put myself out there, I realized it wasn't so bad! I made some great friends and have had so many wonderful experiences thus far, so I am so happy that I had the courage to take the leap out of my comfort zone. Asking someone to study, grab coffee, or just go for a walk in your local area can be the beginning of a great friendship! 🙂

Best of luck,

Isabella
Geography with a Year Abroad Student

Reply 4

Kingston Reps

Official Rep

Great idea for a thread, with some excellent responses already! 🙃

Just wanted to jump in and say it's a good idea to find out if there are any 'big' shops - e.g. Primark, IKEA, major supermarkets - near your student accommodation. Lots of essential items can be bulky or too difficult to travel with (especially if you're coming a distance as an international student) and it might be better to pick up those items when you arrive for move-in instead. I know I picked up most of my pots/pans/bedding relatively cheaply in nearby shops when I arrived in Kingston, and felt extremely grateful for not having to haul it all the way from home. They're heavier than you think!

For any applicants/future freshers reading this - best of luck with Results Day! It can be nerve-wracking, but hopefully it'll all be worth it in the end.

Eve (Kingston Rep).