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How to settle into your new student home
It’s almost the start of a new term and time to move into your new student accommodation in Leeds! Although enormously exciting, moving into your new home is likely to feel a little overwhelming too, and, don’t worry, this is completely normal.
To help you get settled in and make the transition a little less daunting, we’ve put together some tips to help you get comfortable and make the most of your new pad.
Unpack and personalise straight away
Just like being on holiday, the sooner you unpack, the sooner you feel relaxed and settled. So get unpacking your boxes and suitcases as soon as you arrive, starting with the essentials like bedding, toiletries, and clothes.
Put everything away in a way that makes sense to you and arrange your room in a way that feels comfortable and reflects your style. You can arrange personal touches like photos, posters, crystals, and teddies so that the space instantly feels more like yours. Remember that a tidy space will help you feel more relaxed and will help to reduce stress later on, so get into an organised routine and start as you mean to go on.
Get to know your housemates
If you’re living with other people in your student house then take the time to introduce yourself and get to know them from the beginning. This will make living together more enjoyable and help you form new friendships straight away. Try to keep an open mind - there are sure to be some people who you might not usually have gravitated towards for a friendship at home, but university is a chance to mix things up, widen your horizons, and make unexpected connections.
Once you’ve made initial connections, it’s a good idea to start discussing things like house rules, cleaning, noise levels, visitors to the house, and any shared expenses. Although these things might seem a little boring, having the discussions early can help to avoid misunderstandings later on in the term. If you’re living in an apartment block or student house, also introduce yourself to your neighbours. It’s always good to have a friendly face nearby, and they can also be helpful if you ever need advice or assistance.
Explore what’s around you
Getting to know your neighbourhood is one of the most exciting parts about moving into a new place! Whether you’re in a student home in Hyde Park, Burley, Meanwood, or Headingley, it’s time to discover your favourite hangouts as well as the best place to pick up all your student essentials.
Take a walk around the local area to find grocery stores, gyms, pharmacies, cafes, pubs, and public transport stops. Also take some time to work out where the important campus facilities are, such as the library, student services, and any on-campus eateries or social spots - as well as how you’re going to get there each day.
Establish good habits straight away
It doesn’t take long to form a habit, therefore making good choices from the get-go will help you to make the most of a fun and healthy time at uni.
Start setting up a routine for your classes, meals, study time, and relaxation. Getting into a routine can help you feel more in control and make the transition smoother from home to uni.
Have a think about how you’ll handle mealtimes. Will you cook, share meals with housemates, or rely on the uni cafeteria? A regular grocery shopping schedule can help you stay organised, and we have plenty of amazing recipes to share with you to give you inspiration.
Getting into good habits for budgeting is also important too. Have a go at creating a quick budget to manage your finances. Pop in rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and any other regular expenses, as well as any income you will be getting from a part-time job or your parents. Feel a bit stuck when it comes to finances? Ask your parents or a sibling for help putting your budget together if you’ve never done one before and remember there is lots of advice out there for students looking to improve their finances.
Prioritise self-care
This is likely to be the first time you’ve lived on your own, so prioritising self-care and well-being is going to be 100% your job now. Try to maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. These will help you stay physically and mentally healthy during your transition into uni life.
If things get too overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends, or your university. Many campuses have support services available to students for both practical and emotional support.
Give It Time
It’s normal to feel a bit out of place at first, so give yourself time to adjust and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to fit in straight away.
Remember that the team at Beyond Lettings are here to not only help you find your perfect luxury student home in Leeds but also make sure you’re settled and happy once you move in. Get in touch or take a look at our FAQs page for more info.