Advice for Halls
Exterior of Cathedral Court
Starting University for most, means moving into halls. This is can be a shock to the system as for many this is their first time living away from parents, and the idea of sharing with strangers is sometimes daunting. But it’s also very exciting, and a fantastic opportunity to make new friends, we’ve gathered a selection of top tips to ensure you have a positive experience.
- Nerves are normal. It’s important to remember that everything is subject to who you are living with. Some flatmates are going to be more bearable than others and it will vary between each flat what the people are like. Don’t expect to get along with everyone straightaway, especially since it’s very common to feel nervous and it can often take awhile for things to settle down.
- Don’t hide away! Yes you need to unpack and make yourself at home in your new room. But don’t forget to say hello to your new flatmates, it’ll just be more awkward when you eventually scuttle out! Alternatively leave your door open, that way your new flatmates can come and say hello to you, relieving some of the pressure from yourself if you’re not confident.
- Compromise. It’s an important one when these people with be sharing your kitchen space. Again it varies between each flat and each set of people. Some groups prefer to take cooking and cleaning in turns, others prefer to all work together and some prefer to just each look after their own things. Any of these methods are good as long as you’ve discussed them. Don’t expect other people to do your dirty dishes without doing something in return.
- Communication, it sounds obvious. But when you don’t communicate arguments happen, over silly things like who ate the last slice of bread. Ensuring you include everyone in important decisions such as food shopping eliminates the risk of this. If you decide to split the bill or each by your own, it’s a decision easier made as a group; it’s important to consider the feelings of you flatmates. You’d be annoyed if someone took your last chocolate biscuit, so will the person you’re thinking of pinching one off.
- Inclusion really is the key. It underlies most of the above points realistically, but if you think about it it makes sense. You’re all new to this place and all finding your feet, so it makes sense to try and do things together. Attending Welcome events together is a good place to start, and if you’ve communicated then it should be easy to find events that you can all go to, and if there are some that aren’t for everyone then that’s fine too! Remember it’s nice to be invited somewhere, rather than ignored, even if its not for you, nobody minds you saying no.
