Tips for Living in Private Halls of Residence

There’s no doubt that private halls of residence are a fantastic base for your second or third year – or even your first year! – at a university.

For most students moving into a student accommodation is their first taste of independence and responsibility.

To help this transition, the support network from the staff at private halls of residence, your university and the other students make the move from home or university halls much less intimidating.

However, there are still challenges to face and here are our tips to help you settle into your new home and life.

Don’t leap into intense friendships straight away

Take your time to meet and get to know everyone around you. It’s natural to initially want to stay close to the first friendly face you see when you arrive and they may become a lasting friend. But remain open to everyone else in the first hours and days too.

Get involved

Private halls of residence are a hive of activity and fun, especially in the first few weeks. Be brave and join in. Parties, balls, fancy dress nights are all likely.

You’ll meet a huge amount of people and will end up bumping into friends for life.

Be clean and tidy

Yes, it’s boring but you will become everyone’s least favourite hall mate if you constantly leave the communal kitchen in a state or leave a mess in the corridor outside your room. Be mindful, considerate and remember your Mum isn’t here to clean up after you anymore.

Keep yourself and your belongings safe

Private halls of residence are secure and safe places to live. However, it’s important to follow simple security advice such as keeping doors and windows locked when you are not at home, keeping expensive items and money in your room, not letting strangers into the building without checking who they are and walking home in pairs.

It’s an exciting time but a sensible attitude is always useful.

Choose where you study carefully

It’s relaxing to study in your hall room but don’t be surprised if distractions, noise, and visitors lead your essay taking hours longer than it should. Consider making the university library a regular haunt.

TV?

If you are planning to watch the telly in your room then you’ll need a TV licence. Even if you watch your favourite boxset on your laptop a license is still needed.

Don’t get caught out!

Plan ahead

After the first month or so it will be clear who you may want to rent a private house or flat with. Private halls of residence are great places to live but sometimes moving on is inevitable. Have a chat with your friends and if you all agree that a house share is a good plan start looking early to get the best pick of properties – though remaining in the same private student halls for two years of study is no bad thing either!