5 things you might not expect living in halls
When you’re making the big move to uni, there’s so much to think about. There’s the worry of making friends, doing well on your course, budgeting for the first time, getting to grips with the practicalities of living independently (like arranging cheap student contents cover), the list goes on and on. You’ll probably start learning about all of these things from day one. Although it can be a bit daunting, we think that all of these new skills you’ll start building are some of most important parts of going to university.
Before moving into university halls, you probably have an idea of what life in student accommodation will be like. However, here are some points that might not have crossed your mind.
1. The general student atmosphere
Whilst everyone knows that halls are full of students, nothing prepares you for the feeling of being surrounded by hundreds of similar people - the atmosphere is like no other. Within a few days of moving in, what you previously thought was ‘unusual’ behaviour will become acceptable and even normal… walking to the student shop in your pyjamas is definitely allowed! The student environment is one of the best things about living in halls, and there’s nothing more reassuring than knowing that everyone is in the same boat as you.
2. The price of washing
Some students may be lucky as their accommodation may provide free to use washing facilities. However, for the majority of students this may not be the case and you’ll quickly learn that washing machines can be expensive. But there are ways to avoid spending lots of money, for example, put a load of washing on with a friend and share the cost, and if you have to pay for a laundry card, just buy one for the flat and share it. Don’t forget to save up those 50p's for the machines too.
3. Your post is always looked after
One of the great things about living in halls is that there is usually an office open all day to accept and sort out your post. Not only does this mean that it’s easy for you to collect, but you’ll also never have to worry about being home to wait for a delivery.
4. It’s not very homely
When you first move into your flat it can feel more of a box than a home. It can be hard to adjust to living in a new place - everyone wants to settle into university as quickly as possible, and making your room more homely is a great place to start. There are cheap and easy ways to make your halls feel like home. For example, print out pictures of family and friends to stick on your pin board, or bring some cushions for your bed. These little touches will make your halls feel like home in no time.
5. It is one of the most amazing experiences of your life
You hear time and time again that living in a student flat will be one of the most enjoyable times of your life. The time will fly and when you leave, you’ll know that you had some of the best days in your student halls and you made guaranteed friends for life.
As we mentioned above, there are lots of different things you’ll start learning when you move into halls. Whilst you’re away from home and are learning to look after yourself, you’ll probably want to make sure all of your belongings are protected with insurance. You can do this with Endsleigh’s student insurance contents cover. You can let your hair down and enjoy yourself knowing that we’ll look after your belongings.
If you’re living in halls, you may already have contents cover in place with your accommodation provider. A lot of the time, Endsleigh provide that cover. Be sure to click here and check to see if you’re covered before taking out your own insurance policy.