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.
