Accommodation
Help them make the most of living in a hall, a great place to start university life
You’ve helped them navigate the stairs, battle with the fire doors and somehow manage to pack their entire life into the boot of your car... but what can you do next to make sure their new student digs feel like the home it should be?
If your student has moved away to study then the chances are that for the first year they will live in university accommodation. Halls of residence are a great place to start life as an independent student because it's their own independent place, but with a support network of staff and peers around them.
Before nerves get the better of you and your student, remember that everybody moving in is in the same boat. Every other student is experiencing university life and living away from family for the first time, and the chances are that everyone feels the same way you do. Here are a few tips on helping them settle in to their new pad.
Packing
Remember that space will be limited so try to take only what you think they’ll use – do they really need all of the 500 DVDs in their collection, or absolutely all of their clothes? Don’t discount the importance of personal mementoes though – those posters or photographs will make their new room feel like home in no time.
Party time
Getting involved in social activities will help them make the most of their time at university. Most halls have social activities, theme nights, formal (and informal) balls and sports events going on throughout the year so make sure that they keep an eye on what’s going on and remember to get stuck in.
Back to the books
While it can be tempting for them to study from the comfort of their room (or bed), with noisy corridors and lots of people milling around, they'll find it better to take those books to the library and benefit from the focus.
Hall wardens
Wardens are a support unit for students within their hall and if they can’t help you directly, they will point you to someone who can.
Don’t feel the heat
Check their smoke alarm, make sure they know where their fire escape is, and remind them of common sense safety, such as not to leave pans cooking unattended. It might seem over-protective to them, but it will ensure that their possessions don’t become toast!
Locks are in
Most burglaries are opportunistic so remind them not to leave expensive items such as laptops and cameras lying around the accommodation. It's important that they take the time to check they’ve locked the door properly whenever they leave the room.
Get covered
Check whether Endsleigh student room insurance has been arranged by their accommodation provider. Thieves often target students so save them the time and expense of replacing their belongings by ensuring they're properly protected. Don't forget they'll need to protect the things they take out and about: with Endsleigh’s promise of 24-hour replacement for laptops and phones they won’t be out of contact for too long. (24 hours represents one working day from us approving your claim.)
