Staying Mentally and Physically Ready for Exam Season

 

As exam season rolls in, many of us will start stressing about how we'll perform. With the colder months surrounding us all, the urge is to just curl up under a blanket and enjoy the quiet, relaxing evenings instead of concentrating on work.

 

Though relaxing is extremely important, particularly this year with all of its' craziness, it’s good to also balance this with revising and prepping for what's ahead. As exam season is approaching, the worst thing you could do is enter in feeling extremely unprepared and lacking confidence.

 

Here are some of the things you can try to help prep for your exams in the new year.

 

Eating Well, Drinking Water and Staying Healthy

 

As often as we hear this, it still rings true. Everything we put into our bodies has a direct impact on our brain, affecting our concentration and motivation levels. Balancing wholesome eating with more relaxed eating can help fuel your body to revise, while also keeping the stress and frustration levels down.

 

Wholesome eating is particularly important for the days leading up to an exam. This will ensure you feel bright and ready to succeed. Try incorporating whole grains into your diet. These will provide you with energy that lasts longer than white grains which tend to have more sugar. Adding other foods like blueberries, broccoli, nuts, seeds and leafy greens will also give you more energy and brainpower.

 

Another tip is to keep drinking water. Staying hydrated is an amazing way to keep your focus and help with unhelpful cravings. Particularly now that many of us are working from home, it can be easier to indulge our afternoon snacking. Drinking plenty of water can help not only with these cravings but also with keeping your body chemistry working smoothly. 

 

Making A Plan and Sticking to It

 

For many of us, the initial planning stage can seem like the most difficult task to start. But the reality is until we start, our brain will remain scrambled and scattered. Planning your weeks is a good way to get all of your ideas, dates, timings and other bits out of your head and written down.

 

Try to make your schedules and planners fun and inspiring. You could try different stationery, using colour or highlighters or even including pictures. Planning out your revising days, particularly during the holiday period, can be helpful to balance relaxing and working.

 

This could also help you to mentally make the most of your ‘days off’. Another idea is to work most days for shorter periods of time. Try experimenting with different schedules until you find one that helps you stay inspired, motivated but still relaxed.

 

Don’t Go To Bed Too Early Before an Exam

 

As strange as this may sound, it’s a good idea to keep a balanced sleep schedule, which means not going to bed too early or too late. At times, when we try to go to bed significantly earlier than usual, we can spend a long period of time simply struggling to fall asleep. This can then create more stress leading you to have worse sleep.

 

It can be more helpful to start going to bed slightly earlier the weeks prior to the exam, to train your body to fall asleep earlier. You can also try reading or doing something that will relax you before bed, which does not involve digital screens. This should help your mind and body unwind and you are more likely to get a good amount of sleep.

 

Staying Fresh and Separating Yourself from Your Work

 

It is quite common for students to be doing large amounts of cramming the night before the exam. Though life is busy and time can get away from us, it’s a good idea to do as little studying as possible the day before an exam. In fact, by cramming the day and night before your exam you are more likely to give your mind and body extra stress, resulting in you forgetting crucial information the next day.

 

You could try creating flashcards to review the day before exams. This could help remind your brain of the information you have been gathering during your revision sessions and keep your anxiety levels down.  

 

De-stress as much as possible the day before. Whether that’s seeing friends, watching a film, listening to music or reading your favourite book, by focusing our brains on something separate to work, you are more likely to feel mentally refreshed the day of the exams.

 

Don’t Give Yourself Extra Stress

It’s common for students to put extreme amounts of stress and pressure on themselves regarding their studies. Though this may sound cliché, the truth is that you can only do your best. Many of us study and work as hard as we can but still beat ourselves up if the results are not what we needed or expected. Just remember, we tend to be much harder on ourselves than on anyone else around us, so keep moving forward.

 

In order to help maintain your mental health and keep stress levels down, make sure you don't leave important things until the last minute. By getting ahead and finding accommodation for 2021, you can reduce your workload and focus on the things that matter. At Unihousing we offer a variety of student accommodation options to satisfy your needs. We are here to help you find what you are looking for, whether that's solo or shared living. To see the properties we offer, visit our website or contact our team today.

Tips to Help You Stay on Top of Your Mental Health

 

Tips to Help You Stay on Top of Your Mental Health

 

Taking care of our mental health has taken on new importance for many of us. For many of us, the realities of COVID-19 have massively impacted our mental wellbeing. Staying on top of self-care and ensuring you are looking after yourself and your mental health is extremely important.

 

But if you can spot the early signs of your mental health declining, you will be able to take action and find help before you begin to feel overwhelmed. Here are some tips to help keep your mind and body balanced throughout the remainder of 2020 and into 2021!

Trying to Squeeze in Daily Exercise

 

One of the hardest things to do when you are feeling stressed and struggling with your mental health is exercise. It can be so daunting to even consider attempting a quick walk, or an exercise routine. Particularly in the winter months, this can become even harder.

 

As difficult as it may be to get in the zone, staying physically active in whatever form you chose, will help clear your mind and give your brain a little rest and reset. For some, this could be taking a short run, home exercises or trying a little yoga. For others, simply taking a walk could be very helpful in keeping you grounded and giving yourself a chance to breathe in the fresh air.

If committing to a long-form of exercise feels like too much pressure, try finding a short exercise or yoga class online that could only take you 5 minutes! Even attempting short exercise bursts could help trick your brain into wanting to exercise more frequently.

 

Self-care

 

This is something that can commonly be overlooked. For some, trying out holistic self-care could be extremely beneficial. This could include meditation/mindfulness, pampering, using essential oils or having relaxing baths.

 

There are extensive amounts of research showing how holistic self-care can positively improve your mental health. Meditation/mindfulness, essential oils and bath salts have been shown to relax your body, mind and muscles, which then helps to relieve stress and raise your mood.

 

For others, self-care could simply be checking in with yourself, or doing an activity that rejuvenates you. This could be reading a book, writing, doing a jigsaw puzzle, listening to music or a podcast or even creating something. Hobbies are also a brilliant way to increase and promote good mental health.

 

When you are doing activities that inspire and interest you, your brain has a chance to bounce out of that negative headspace. Connecting with yourself in a way that relaxes and soothes your anxiety and low moods will have a positive effect on your mental health and wellbeing.

 

Keeping Track of Your Social Media Usage

 

For many of us, social media has become a very big part of our life. There are some real positives to having platforms where you can express yourself, be creative, communicate with family and friends and get inspired. The trouble comes when you look up from your device and hours have passed.

 

There is beauty in balance. Make sure you are giving yourself time away from social media and screens in general. This will help your brain rest and process your daily activities and experiences. Social media can be an amazing tool, but when it is overused, it can have a very negative impact on your mental health and general wellbeing.

Too much social media or negative interactions through social media could also create high-stress levels, making you feel anxious within your daily life. Try to listen to your mind and body and figure out when things cross a line from pleasurable, to damaging.

 

Getting Plenty of Sleep

 

This is something we have heard since we were little, but getting enough sleep is a massive factor in how well we can function day to day or week to week. The hours we lose at night can impact how focused we are and how well we deal with everyday struggles and frustrations. Getting less sleep can cause extra stress and worry to begin building up, affecting our mental wellbeing.

 

Having an evening routine could also help your body get used to sleeping at a certain time. If you struggle to fall asleep in general, try reading a book before bed, instead of looking at your screens. You could also try herbal teas or yoga before bed, to help calm your mind so that it isn’t going crazy all night.

 

Asking for Help

 

When you are struggling with your mental health, it can feel extremely lonely. Yet it can also seem easier to isolate yourself and stay away from the people around you that care. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There are people around who want to give you their love and support when you need it most.

 

Try reaching out to family and friends that you can count on, who can support you through your low periods. Particularly in the winter months, many of us are more likely to feel low due to the lack of sun and the shorter days. Daily life in a pandemic is also likely to negatively affect your mental health, as many of us are feeling isolated from the rest of the world.

 

You can also reach out to your university. Now more than ever, universities are making it a priority to have staff who can support students struggling with mental health. There are on-site wellbeing support services who can help, particularly if you feel other’s will not understand.

Additionally, there are a range of organisations you can contact if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Health professionals are also there to support you, so don’t be afraid to reach out.

 

The truth is, not everyone can fully grasp what struggling with your mental health can look like in everyday life. But people are getting better and better at understanding and listening. Try to communicate with friends and family and help them understand what you need in those low times so that they can effectively support you through it.

 

The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. The first step is to reach out. As difficult as it may be, it is the first step to getting support.

 

What Unihousing can Offer You

 

Maintaining our mental health is extremely important and remembering that there are thousands of other students who are experiencing similar things can be very helpful. It's important that you stay on top of your stress management and don't leave the important things until the last minute.

 

Sorting out your accommodation needs for 2021 is a great way of reducing stress levels. By having your accommodation ready, you can focus on the things that matter. Unihousing is proud to offer a variety of student accommodation to satisfy your needs. Whether you are looking to house share or live solo, we are here to help. Find out how we can help you.

Unihousing: Finding Student Accommodation in Selly Oak

The 20/21 student experience is very different than it has been in previous years. With the current state of the pandemic and the world on high alert, it can be nerve-racking to think about future decisions. The important thing to remember is that your university experience can still be something special.

 

The new year not only brings a fresh start but also a big boom of students trying to find housemates and accommodation solutions for the next academic year. It’s good to start thinking about your preferences early so you have a better chance of finding what you want. Here are a few things to start thinking of now before your search options become limited.

 

Location and Travel Options 

Many students want to live close to their university, to make their experience easier to manage. By eliminating a commute, you will profit from extra time in the mornings and in the evenings, which can hugely benefit your mental health and social life as well. It's also cheaper to walk into university than to take public transport.

 

All of our student accommodation is located right in Selly Oak, within walking distance to the University of Birmingham. This means that you can not only save time but money too. The cost of daily travel can add up very quickly, so choosing local accommodation can save you a lot of inconvenience in the long run.

 

Deciding on Your Budget

You must be aware of your budget and know what you can afford. This will make choosing your accommodation significantly easier. For some, living in a shared house could prove to be a cheaper alternative. You could save not only on rent but also on general shopping costs if you and your housemates decide to share the costs of meals and cleaning supplies.

 

On the other hand, our studios and twodios can also be a really good option for people seeking independence. Though they do tend to be more expensive than shared houses, Unihousing prides itself on offering fair prices and value for money. Just like shared houses, staying in a twodio can also provide opportunities to share expenses and safe money in the long run.

 

Finding a Trusted Letting Agent

One of the most important things to look out for is finding a letting agent that is fair and trustworthy. Always pay attention to reviews and listen out for recommendations. Unihousing is one of the most well-reviewed registered-landlords in Selly Oak and holds a strong track record in providing properties that satisfy the needs of students and professionals.

 

We have an excellent team of professionals who are passionate about finding you accommodation that would best suit your needs, ensuring you feel supported throughout the process. With a responsive maintenance team, we are also able to deal quickly and efficiently with any problems that may arise in your accommodation. By looking at our website, you will be able to find out more about Unihousing, our team and the extensive list of properties we provide.

 

Exploring the Local Area and Amenities

For many students coming in from other cities, the area they live in is extremely important. Many students want to have a diversity of shops, food hotspots and places to explore throughout their time at university. Selly Oak is a brilliant place for students who want all of their needs met locally. With its variety of pubs, clubs, cafes, shops and parks it truly is the ideal student village.

 

Additionally, the bus systems and train station are highly developed, with easy access into the bustling Birmingham City Centre and other well-known villages such as Kings Heath and Harborne. Students will never run out of exciting places to explore and new restaurants and cafes to try out.

 

Choosing Shared or Solo Living

It's worth knowing what type of accommodation you are interested in, before starting your search. Every student will be different with their own needs and expectations. If you can decide on the kind of accommodation you desire, the process will run much smoother when the time comes.

 

As most students will have spent their first year in halls, the second year is the perfect time for you to be selfish about what kind of living experience you want for the upcoming student year. You should have a good idea if you want to share with many or few people, or whether you want to be completely independent instead.

 

Some students cannot even imagine living fully on their own and seek the community that shared living brings. The positive thing about shared houses and accommodation in your second year is the fact that you can pick your housemates and find people who you trust and who you think would make great housemates.

 

For others, it could be extremely refreshing to live on their own in a studio or twodio. Our Selly Oak studios/flats are fully fitted with all the necessities a student would need including a double bedroom, ensuite bathroom and well-sized living space. Though many studios will have a shared general kitchen, each will have their own food prep area with separate storage, where students can store and cook most of their meals if they want.

 

Each studio also consists of a double bed, desk and chair, quiet fridge freezer, a flat-screen TV, 100Mb broadband and central heating. This provides students with a place for both effective study and relaxation. 

Whatever direction you decide to go in, Unihousing will help you find the ideal living situation to suit your needs and budget. Our team are devoted to support you through the accommodation process and make sure you are satisfied with the outcome. Check out our available properties here.

 

Finding Your Ideal Accommodation

Once viewings start, you need to be aware of how you feel in every student property you visit. Noticing whether you would be comfortable and happy in the accommodation is extremely important and the right place must fit your needs and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to see a variety of accommodation options as this will help you settle on one and feel confident in your decision.

 

What Unihousing Can Offer you

Unihousing is one of the best-rated landlords in Selly Oak and has an impressive track record in finding students and professionals their desired accommodation. For students looking to rent near the University of Birmingham, our extensive list of properties will not disappoint.

 

Whether you are searching for a studio or a shared house, we aim to help you find the best fit for a reasonable and fair price. As a bonus, most of our student houses and studios come fully furnished, with utility bills included in the price. Have a look at our website to view our properties and get in contact with our team today.

 

Don’t miss out on your choice of the best student accommodation, contact our friendly reception team today and they can help you find your ideal let in Selly Oak.

8 Reasons Why You Should Go to University This Fall

So much has changed in the world over the last several months, and for many, it can be difficult to picture what university will be like in the fall. As we are still living in a time of uncertainty, things are constantly changing and developing to help keep everyone around us safe, whilst also trying to establish some kind of normality. You may be wondering, ‘Is it still worth it for me to go to university this year?’. Our answer is yes, and here are a few reasons why!

1) A wide network of support

As Covid-19 has had such a massive impact on many of us, it can be strange imagining yourself having a ‘normal’ university experience. For some, it has been a continuous mental and physical health struggle, resulting in needing a great amount of support from the people around them. The reality is, the normal we once knew is going to be very different for quite a long time still.

Though family and friends can be very helpful through this time, it is important to note that universities also have some wonderful resources designed for you, with people to look after you and provide extra support. Now more than ever, the university staff will be more aware of the mental health needs of the students, ensuring that people can easily get and find help when needed. 

In response to the pandemic, Universities will have a helpful team whose focus is to provide help and support as you navigate through your university experience and studies. Here at Unihousing, we have a dedicated team who will be focusing on our students, making the accommodation process as easy and straightforward as possible. We strive to help you find your ideal living situation that creates the least amount of stress and can positively boost your mental health in the upcoming year.

2) New city, new experiences

Though life is not back to normal yet, there is still a lot to experience in a new city. Your university experience will most likely be different than you expected, but you will still be granted the freedom to grow and shape your days and weeks as you like. Moving from home into a new place is an exciting new chapter, and the fact that you still get the chance to be independent is brilliant. You will still get the benefits of being out on your own, with the freedom to explore and fall in love with a new place and city.

Don’t be afraid to wander the streets, explore the culture and find the exciting and unique things that make your new city stand out. Another thing to remember is that you have an entire three years to explore and get to know your surroundings. Even though some places and hotspots might still be closed, you will have plenty of time in the future to experience and enjoy them.

3) Safety is a priority

In these current times, Universities, student accommodation providers and local authorities are working hard to ensure you are kept safe and have adequate places to live and study in. Safety and following the government guidelines is a main priority and focus, which will ensure that you can have the best experience at university, knowing you will be well taken care of. Though it may be difficult to picture how this next year will look like, you can be sure that people are putting in a huge amount of work and effort behind the scenes.

Many universities have also put various systems in place to keep their tenants and students safe. This includes numerous cleaning measures, as well as social distancing rules that are emphasised throughout the campuses. Universities and accommodation providers in the UK will also be bringing in these systems, ensuring that students feel safe and have as little stress as possible.

4) There could be an influx of students next year

As difficult as it already is to get into University, it is likely that next year the number of students applying will greatly increase. Therefore, this influx of students could mean that it will be even more difficult to get that acceptance letter, and the spots for each degree will be filled a lot quicker than normal. It is hard to predict what next year will look like, so it is not a bad idea to start your degree now when the numbers of applicants are a bit more evenly balanced.

The possible influx of students in the 2021 academic year could be furthermore complicated as it is likely that most international students may also postpone their studies until next year. This could be due to finances and limited travel depending on the country.

5) Taking advantage of the world-class university facilities

As there could be fewer students around in the 2020 year, you are more likely to have free use of the University facilities. This could mean that you have even more freedom to explore all the University has to offer, without being blocked by other students who got there first. Library’s, computer labs, and even equipment could become more easily accessible to you regularly. Imagine, not having to worry about being unable to book out a laptop, finding a free computer or printer to use, or even scoring the best study nook in the library!

6) More opportunities may open up

As our economy is going through a massive rough patch, jobs are harder to keep and companies are harder to keep open. As difficult as this is, it could create a lot of possibilities for many students this year. More companies will likely begin advertising for volunteers or low paid work, which could be the perfect opportunity for you to gather experience to add to your CV.

Many companies have also begun focusing on remote work, online courses and skill-sharing and collaborative projects. This could also result in many courses reducing their prices, enabling students, freelancers and other workers to find online resources and qualification courses that are more affordable. 

7) A gap year might not work out

Though some people may be thinking of trying a gap year instead of university this year, it could prove more difficult to find opportunities than it has been in the past. Since many businesses have been struggling financially, finding internships, apprentices or side work could prove more difficult than ever before. Travel is also a difficult thing to predict right now. You might end up spending your gap year sitting on the couch!

With countless travel bans, quarantines and general health monitoring, it could be extremely difficult to even leave the country. And travelling from country to country and in some cases, even city to city could prove to be near impossible. As all countries are independently experiencing the virus and government-induced lockdowns, you could quite easily get stuck in a country with no place to stay and unable to leave for long periods. It’s important to remember that this pandemic is still evolving, and each country is dealing with it differently.

8) You’ll still make friends and experience new things

As strange as this year has been so far, it’s important to keep your head above water. Having something to focus on and work towards throughout all of this craziness could be a very good thing. Many universities have already begun planning ways to bring students together online, creating social events where students can meet other students, and continue to follow their interests. There are likely to also be some supported by face-to-face events, which are done safely and with limited numbers. This means you’ll still be able to follow your passions and sign up to clubs and societies, to meet friends and explore your interests further.

You will still have countless opportunities to make friends on your course and in your accommodation, and you will be able to go through the future changes together. Lockdown for many, was a very lonely time, so having people by your side who are experiencing similar things, could be extremely helpful. And as frustrating as this pandemic has been, it could bring you closer to the people around you, your tutors, housemates and course mates. You are all in this together! 

How can Unihousing Help out?

At Unihousing, we are putting your health and peace of mind first. We have put certain systems in place to help protect our students and our staff, including first-class cleaning, more in-depth hygiene standards, carrying out social distancing measures and avoiding face to face contact where possible.

Visit our website at www.unihousing.co to have a look at our available accommodation this term.

What to Expect on Your Move in Day

As exciting as it can be to move out of home and begin a new lifestyle of independence, this process can be quite difficult to wrap your head around, causing extra stress and anxiety. To make sure you know what you are getting yourself into, here are a few tips to keep your head in the game.

Getting Ready for the Big Move...

 

1. Know your travel route:

As your move-in date looms in the distance, you mustn't be stuck finalising all of the details days before you move in. Try to plan out your travel route beforehand, to ensure that on the day you know where you are going and the best way to get there. Try to find places to park in advance, this way you will be able to find spots that are relatively close and hopefully inexpensive. It's also good to remember that on weekends you may struggle with traffic, parking and an excess of other students trying to move in as well, so leave yourself plenty of time.

2. Take precautions to ensure you are ON TIME

With the current state of the world and the effects of COVID-19, it'll be extremely important that you stick to your time slot as it is likely that the student housing office will be giving separated slots to maintain social distancing and provide a safe environment. It will be crucial that you are on time and not running late, as it could mean that you lose your slot.

3. Bring all of your necessary documents

On your move-in day, you don't want to experience that horrible moment when you realise that you have forgotten something very important. Make sure that you bring all of the requested documents and ID with you. A good way to remember all of the things you need to bring is to make a checklist that you can keep track of. This will help alleviate any extra anxiety on the day since you will have planned everything out.

An extra reminder if you are an international student, you may likely need to provide extra documents, so make sure you stay informed with the student housing office to avoid any hiccups on your move-in day.

 

The Day Has Come!

 

1. Documents check and final details

This is where it all goes a little crazy. Move-in days will always be a stressful and busy process in all stages of our life. Once you have parked up and you arrive for your slot, your appointment will shortly begin. The process will start by your documents being checked over by the office staff.  

Some of the documents you may need to present are:

• A photo ID
• Passport and visa (if you are an international student)
• Your University acceptance letter
• Bank details to set up a direct debit for paying rent

After finalising property details, info, contracts and general logistics, you will be officially handed the keys. This is when the real craziness begins!

Moving in and Getting Settled

 

1. Make sure things are in order

The first thing to always do when you move into a new place is to give the space a good look around. It's important that you are happy with the state of the room/property and if there are any issues with the accommodation, you must let the lettings agency know. If you do not report it and do not take pictures of things that are broken, not as they should be or not clean, it could come out of the deposit at the end of your tenancy. A helpful document to help with this is the inventory checklist that you should be given when you pick up your keys.

2. Get to know the neighbours

It's good to remember that you aren't going through this process alone. If you are feeling weary about being in a new place, you could keep your door open to meet other students who are also moving in, and begin creating relationships. It can be easier to connect with new people when you have something that you are doing or experiencing together. You could also help each other out, or even go out for a celebratory meal after.

3. Making your space into a home

One of the things that can instantly help with this transition, is to make your space your own. By hanging up artwork and pictures on the bulletin, or putting up some fairy lights for a bit of warmth and cosiness, you can change the feel of your space quickly. Adding personal knick-knacks, décor and memories will also make you feel more at home. This can make unpacking and settling in more fun and less stressful.

4. The final stretch

After the gruelling task of unpacking and the heartfelt goodbyes with your family, you can now breathe. Your new year has officially started, and it's time for you to start grabbing life by the reigns and moving forward into the year with confidence. It might take a few weeks for you to properly settle in and get your bearings, but you will get there.

Don't forget that you are NOT in this alone, as there are thousands of student going through the same whirlwind. To help you stay focused, start familiarizing yourself with your timetables, schedule, and the area you have moved into. Selly Oak is full of brilliant student hotspots, from restaurants and pubs to various shops and cafes. The area is booming with students who are on the same path as you, so don't be afraid to go out and see what lies ahead.

 

We are Here to Help!

At Unihousing we are here to support you and find you the best-suited accommodation. Whether you are wanting to share a larger house or have the desire to live in a smaller place that is just for you or maybe to share with one other person, we have you covered. Head over to our website, www.unihousing.co to check out our available accommodation.