Always, Hard Work Pays Off! All these days, you were been working hard and now everything’s set to launch into a fresh and amazing phase.
Congratulations on getting admission at university!
Dwell into this moment and appreciate yourself.
You are now an undergraduate and probably, this is your first time living outside of home for a long time.
Moving out is a very overwhelming topic and there’s a lot to think about this.
This article is an attempt to prepare you for the transition. We’ve addressed some of the key issues and most common challenges which helps you feel more ready for moving to university halls of residence.
What are Halls of Residence in a University?
In simple terms, it’s the Student Accommodation within the University campus. Halls of residence are commonly huge squares of furnished apartments that accommodate hundreds of students.
The rooms are often organized around hallways or flats with a common kitchen, bathroom and living space, depending upon the style of hall. On the other hand, en-suite rooms are becoming increasingly prevalent these days.
The greatest advantage in university halls is that they are usually located on the campus or in close proximity to the campus. This, y’know, gives an advantage of having extra time in bed. Coz, you’ll be able to roll out of bed and enter your 9 a.m. class within just 15 minutes.
The best part about living in halls of residence is that it is so easy to go about! Usually, securing a room at a university is really straight forward as many institutions have a simple online application process. You don’t have to stress about keeping track of your payments as the bills are usually included on a weekly basis. In the event that something goes wrong, the university will be there for you to help you through it. Considering these advantages, halls of residence are a great choice for the first-year students who are living away from home for the first time.
Confirmation of Spots in Halls of Residence
You’ll usually be assured a seat in one of your university’s halls of residence if you satisfy the application deadlines. For full-time first-year students, several colleges will guarantee a spot in the halls. Such colleges will guarantee spots for international postgraduates also.
However, it is possible that it will differ from university to university.
Especially in the event that you’ve come through clearing, it’s a good idea to check your university’s housing rules.
‘Cost of Living’ in Halls of Residence
The living cost in a hall of residence varies depending on – the University you attend, type of accommodation, and the location. Single rooms with communal bathroom facilities are sometimes more costly than suite accommodations. The exact expenses may be discovered on the accommodation website of your university.
Students share rooms at halls of residence with a single bed, a desk, and some storage space. If you’re sharing a bathroom with your flat mates, invest in a pair of flip-flops. You’ll be glad to find them as the best thing you’ve ever bought.
Items You Need to Bring
Most first-year university students have never been away from home for more than a few weeks, or even just a few months or even an academic year. It’s virtually impossible to know what you’ll need and what you’ll be able to leave behind.
Kettles, microwaves, and irons will be available in many student halls. So, remember to double-check the products your university will supply. This helps you in saving few bucks.
Becoming Familiar with Your Roomies
You are not given the option of choosing your roommates; instead, you are placed to a block with a group of strangers and told to live together. This would be one of the stressful aspects of moving into halls of residence.
A typical hall of residence may include a few hundred students, and your floor may have five to fifteen other students. This may be as near to hell as you’d like to think if you’re naturally shy. However, you’ve to realize that everyone will be in the same boat. It’ll be uncomfortable at first, but you’ll all be over it by the end of the first night out.
Freshers’ Week provides the ideal chance to get to know your classmates through a variety of events. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t get along with someone; you’ll ultimately discover your tribe once you’ve settled into university life. If you’re nervous, leave your door open while you’re moving in, so someone will stop and introduce themselves.
Room Decoration
In most halls of residence, you are free to decorate your room. But, don’t drill holes in the walls or cover up paint with tape as it is a rented property. Check your lodging’s decoration guidelines if you’re unsure. Be creative enough to make your space more homely without breaking any rules.
Guest Accommodation
Most halls of residence accept visitors, but they will only be allowed to stay for a few nights at a time. Before inviting anybody to stay with you, it’s a good idea to double-check with your lodging. This will differ per hall of residence, but the majority of lodgings will accept guests.
TV and Internet Access
Most student halls have internet access, which is usually included in your weekly fees.
Students will be able to have televisions in their rooms in halls of residence. In order to use a TV, you will need to acquire a TV license, which may be rather costly on a student budget. Also, you can split a TV license with your flat mates only when the TV is situated in a communal area. So, it’s better to stick to Netflix on your laptop and leave the TV in the common area.
Are Pets Allowed in University Halls of Residence?
It is highly advised not to bring your pets to university with you.
Pets are usually prohibited from being kept in university halls of residence.
Is smoking allowed?
Most university halls have a stringent no smoking policy.
If you smoke in your room at a university hall of residence or on the premises, you face the danger of receiving a large fine.
No student wants to have hefty load on a student budget.
Leaving Halls of Residence
At the end of their first year, students mostly move out of their halls of residence. Your contract will be determined by the halls of residence you choose. Make sure you read your contract well and contact your housing office if you have any questions.
We hope we’ve provided you with some insight into university residential halls for new students.
If you have any questions, contact your accommodation office directly.
Living at university halls of residence will be one of the most unique experiences of your life; embrace it wholeheartedly and, above all, have fun!