Accomodation

One of the first decisions you will need to make once your place at University is confirmed is where you are going to live.  If, like me, you move away from home to study one of the options open to you is halls of residence.

I lived in halls for my first year both times that I went to university.  It made sense to me, and was relatively hassle free.  There are a few adjustments to make, as there always are when you live with someone (see my previous blog post Flat Pack Furniture and Flatmates) but the benefits are numerous.

Fancy new halls at UoB

Location, location, location
Most halls of residence are in the centre of town or very close to the university campus which makes navigating a new city easy.  I lived in halls next to the campus so I could be out of my bed and in lectures within 40 mins!  Very handy as you become used to the student lie-in!  There was also a bus stop 50 yards from the front door which was perfect for the early morning starts on placement.

A sense of identity
By living in halls you instantly have a group of people who you have something in common with – you all live together.  The first few weeks away from home can be daunting and homesickness is not unusual – I know I experienced it, and still do sometimes.  My top tip to beat the blues is to surround yourself with noise; turn the radio on, watch a DVD, or get together with some friends.  And this is so easy when you live in halls.  There is always someone around to share a cup of tea or cook dinner with. 

Being a grown up is hard!

All bills included
One of the horrible things about growing up is budgeting.  Living in halls takes some of the stress out of it as there is just one outgoing – your rent.  This covers water, gas, electricity, internet and all the other things that eat away at your student loan.  The only additional expense you will have is food, washing and a TV licence.  It makes the transition to independent living a little easier.

Finally, I have a few tips for living in halls:

• Designate male and female bathrooms – most apartments are co-ed and separating bathrooms will reduce arguments.
• Discuss a cleaning rota – it may not be something you want to stick rigidly to, but, it will ensure everyone does there bit.
• Buy some flipflops – you can wear them in the shower and around your room.
• Decorate your room – lots of pictures and bright colours.  Use white tac so it doesn’t cause damage, but it will make your room much more homely and warm.
• Get some earplugs – if you are working nights (which you will as a nursing or midwifery student) there will be times when you need to sleep when everyone else is awake.
• Keep a toilet roll in your room – just in case!

This is how I look after a run of night shifts

See you next week!