Stay on Top of Your University Work and Christmas Plans

Stay on Top of Your University Work and Christmas Plans

As Christmas is fast approaching, it must already feel all festive. It is at this point that we start to realise how challenging it is to balance university work and Christmas plans. With some careful planning and time management, you can still enjoy the holiday season while meeting your academic responsibilities. Here are some tips to help you strike a balance:

Create a Schedule: Make a detailed schedule that includes your study time, deadlines, and social commitments during this holiday season. Allocate specific time blocks for studying and for Christmas-related activities. This will help you stay on top of both.

Set Realistic Goals: You, more than anyone else, know your biggest strengths and what tasks ahead of you are looking like. Be realistic about what you can accomplish. Don't over-commit to social events or plans. Set achievable goals for both your academic work and holiday celebrations.

Prioritize Your Tasks: Identify your most important assignments, exams, or projects that need to be completed during the holiday season. Prioritize these tasks and allocate more time to them in your schedule.

Utilize Breaks Effectively: If you have a short break between semesters, use this time wisely to catch up on assignments or study. This can help reduce the academic pressure during the holiday season.

Communicate with Lecturers: If you have important commitments during the holiday season, consider discussing these with your lecturers. They may provide extensions or alternative arrangements if you communicate your situation early.

Avoid Procrastination: Procrastination can be a major roadblock in hitting targets. You must stay disciplined and avoid putting off your academic responsibilities until the last minute.

Delegate Tasks: If you're responsible for organizing the Christmas gathering or are deeply involved, consider delegating tasks to family members or friends. This will free up more of your time for thinking and studying.

Set Boundaries: Communicate your study schedule and boundaries to your family and friends. Let them know when you'll be available for holiday events and when you need to focus on your studies.

Flexibility: Be prepared for unexpected changes in your plans. Be flexible and adaptable to accommodate both your academic and holiday commitments.

Remember that balance is key. You can still enjoy the holiday season and make lasting memories while successfully managing your university work. Planning and time management are your allies in achieving this balance.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Tips for Having Guests in Shared Student Accommodation

Tips for Having Guests in Shared Student Accommodation

While at university, having guests in your shared accommodation can be a great way to socialize and build friendships, and also a time to catch up with family and friends if they ever wish to visit. However, it is essential to be respectful of your roommates and the rules of your landlord regarding having guests around. Here are some tips if you are wanting to have guests in your shared student accommodation:

Check The Housing Rules: Familiarize yourself with your landlord's housing policy regarding guests. Most landlords have specific guidelines regarding the number of guests allowed, visiting hours, and any registration requirements.

Communicate With Roommates: Always discuss your plans with your roommates before inviting guests over. Make sure they are comfortable with the idea and establish guidelines for having guests in the house, such as quiet hours and the maximum number of people allowed at one time.

Respect Privacy: Ensure your guests respect your roommates' personal space and boundaries. Keep noise levels down, especially during quiet hours, and avoid intruding on your roommates' study or sleep time.

Register Guests If Required: If your landlord requires guest registration, make sure to follow the process. This helps maintain security in the house and ensures everyone's safety.

Be A Good Host: When you have guests over, make them feel welcome and ensure they follow the rules of the accommodation. Clean up after any gatherings, and be responsible for your guests' behaviour.

Keep Common Areas Clean: If you're hosting guests in shared common areas like the lounge or kitchen, clean up any mess afterwards. This shows respect for your fellow housemates and ensures a pleasant living environment for everyone.

Limit Overnight Stays: If your landlord and housemates are cool with overnight guests, limit the number of nights and frequency to avoid disrupting your roommates' routines and to prevent potential conflicts.

Be Considerate of Quiet Hours: Most shared accommodations have set quiet hours when residents are expected to keep noise to a minimum. Ensure that your guests are aware of and adhere to these quiet hours.

Use Common Spaces for Gatherings: If possible, use common areas or designated community spaces for larger gatherings or social events to minimize the impact on roommates and other residents.

Respect Your Neighbours: Be mindful of your neighbours in nearby rooms. Keep noise levels down in hallways and shared spaces, and be considerate of others' need for quiet.

Be Aware of Cultural and Lifestyle Differences: Your roommates and neighbours may have different cultural backgrounds or lifestyles. Be respectful and understanding of these differences to maintain a harmonious living environment.

Plan Ahead: If you plan to have guests, give your roommates advance notice. This allows them to make necessary adjustments or plans if needed. Have a conversation with them to establish if this is something they are comfortable with.

Remember that maintaining a respectful and considerate living environment is crucial when having guests in shared accommodation. Open communication and courtesy towards your housemates and neighbours are essential for a positive living experience.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

International Student Tips for Adjusting to University Life in the UK – Part Two

Part One of this blog is available here

Adjusting to a new environment away from your own country, away from family and all the things you’ve known, can seem daunting at first. On the positive side, you are furthering your education and pursuing something you are passionate about that will set you up for future success. Your time at University here in the UK will be filled with plenty to do, from learning, exploring new places, and making mistakes, to going out and meeting new people. The UK is a beautiful country, so make the most of your time while you are here.

 

Below is a continuation of more tips to help you transition smoothly.

 

Language Skills: If English is not your first language, take advantage of language support services, which are usually provided by the university. Practice your language skills by interacting with native speakers, watching movies in English and reading some English books and materials provided in the library.

 

 

Healthcare and Insurance: Register with a local doctor (GP) and do some research to learn how the UK healthcare system works. Many internationals will have healthcare included during their stay at university as part of their visa application fee, so check with your doctor once you have registered to find out more about your options.

 

 

Finances: The new currency might confuse you at the start, with everything having to be converted into your home currency. Although this might seem overwhelming at first, creating a working budget will help you track and manage your expenses. The cost of living in the UK can vary significantly depending on the region. To help boost your finances, you could explore part-time job opportunities if you're eligible to work on your student visa.

 

 

Social Life: You can build your social life by joining student clubs, societies, and sports teams to meet new people who share your interests. Attending social events is also one way to get involved in the culture of your new environment to help you settle in more quickly. These are usually organised by your university or in the local community.

 

 

Travel and Exploration: Take advantage of your time in the UK to travel around and visit the neighbouring countries too. There are often student discounts available for travel, food and other things, so do your research and you will likely find some good deals.

 

 

Homesickness: It's completely normal to feel homesick at times. Stay connected with family and friends with frequent calls and messages. You can make the most of the internet and any available international call deals from various phone service providers. Try to establish a support network of friends and university staff here in the UK too, who can help support you when you need it most.

 

 

Remember, adjusting to a new country and university takes time. Be patient with yourself, stay proactive, and seek assistance whenever you need it. The UK offers a rich cultural and educational experience, and embracing the journey will lead to personal growth and unforgettable memories.

 

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

 

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

 

Unhousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

 

Tips for Successfully Juggling Work and Studies

Finding the balance between work and studies can be very challenging. It requires a high level of dedication, discipline and focus. As a matter of fact, both are important, hence the need to juggle them effectively. Here are some tips to help you cope.

 

Make a Schedule: You need to develop a detailed schedule. This should include all your classes, work hours, study time, and personal commitments. Use available digital planning tools or even a good old notebook, diary or calendar. These will help you to stay organised and allow you to prioritise work.

Regularly Communicate with Your Employers and Lecturers: Let your employers and lecturers know you have commitments in both work and study. Maintaining clear communication can lead to flexibility and understanding. Which may lead to potential accommodations when necessary.

Stay Away from Procrastination: Pushing off tasks for later can be a setback to your success; in both work and university. This is because you will likely have a work overload when catching up with tasks you could have done earlier. Try to stay disciplined and focused on your work. This will help to prevent last-minute panics.

Set Realistic Goals: It's good practice to always set achievable short-term and long-term goals. These can be for work, university or any other things you are involved in. Break down your goals into smaller tasks and action points. This makes them more manageable and less overwhelming, allowing you to see progress.

Utilise Your Time Efficiently: Aim to maximise your productivity by using some of your downtime at work or during breaks to study or review some of your course material. You can definitely do with using your commuting time on long train journeys by listening to educational podcasts or reading up on your course materials.

Limit Work Hours if Possible: Consider reducing your working hours during peak academic periods. This can be during periods such as exam weeks or when major assignments are due. Time off would allow you time to concentrate on reading and prepare you for academic success.

Find Work-Study Balance: Create a healthy balance between your work and studies. Think hard before taking on those extra work assignments, especially if you have equally demanding studies. Taking on too much work might hurt your academic results.

Make Use of Campus Resources: Take advantage of resources offered by your university. Tutoring, study groups, and academic counselling can help manage your coursework and school assignments effectively.

Practice Self-Care: There is no doubt that balancing work and studies is sometimes overwhelming and, on some occasions, can become stressful. It's crucial to take care of your physical and mental well-being. Get enough rest, exercise regularly, and make time for activities you enjoy.

Be Flexible and Adaptable: Working and studying requires a lot of flexibility. Some unexpected challenges may arise when you least expect it, and you may need to adjust your schedule. Flexibility and adaptability will help you handle these situations with less stress.

Consider Online Classes: If your work schedule is rigid, explore the possibility of taking some online courses. These offer flexibility in managing your work and study time.

It’s important to note that successfully juggling work and studies requires patience and perseverance. Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, and try not to be too hard on yourself if things get tough. With dedication and time, you can achieve your goals in both areas.

 

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

 

Here at Unihousing, we have some of the best properties all around Selly Oak with varying prices and sizes depending on whether you want solo or shared living.

 

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodations. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

 

Unhousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

 

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Tips To Building Meaningful Friendships While At University

Tips To Building Meaningful Friendships

While At University

Making friends can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and although it may come naturally to some people, for others it might require a bit of effort to make and keep friends. Here are a few tips which we feel might help you build and keep meaningful friendships during your time at the university.

Be Yourself: Authenticity is crucial when making friends. Don't try to be someone you're not, as genuine connections are built on honesty.

Exercise Patience and Persistence: Building lasting friendships might sometimes take longer than you anticipate. Be patient and don't get discouraged if you don't make close friends immediately. Keep being yourself and eventually, the connections will naturally form.

 Be Open and Approachable: For whenever possible, try to keep your smile, maintain good body language, and be generally open to meeting new people. When you are approachable, it helps people feel comfortable initiating conversations with you, which in turn can lead to building meaningful relationships.

Attend your University Orientation Events: Universities usually organize orientation events which are an avenue for new students to meet and get to know each other and also make friends.  Take advantage of these events as they are designed for people to interact and get to know their way around university life.

Introduce Yourself: You should not be afraid to introduce yourself to people you meet in classes, on campus, or at events. Learn to initiate conversation. Something as simple as introducing yourself and starting a conversation can go a long way. 

Utilize Social Media Platforms: You can connect with classmates and other students through social media. This can help you stay updated on any local events, socials, and shared interests. This generally helps you get to know people better outside of class too.

Join Clubs and Organisations That Interest You: The majority of universities have a wide range of clubs and organizations that cover various interests, hobbies, and academic fields. Find those that suit your liking and become a part of them. It is from groups like these that you will have an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, some of whom will usually end up becoming your friends.

Have Respect for Diversity: Universities will often have a diverse community with people from various backgrounds and cultures. Embrace this diversity, and be respectful and open-minded.

Participate in Group Activities: Try as much as possible to engage in group activities such as study groups, sports, or volunteering. These activities provide excellent opportunities to bond with others over shared interests.

Be a Good Listener: When engaging in conversations, show genuine interest in what others have to say. Do not be the one who always wants to be listened to. Being a good listener is key to building strong connections with others.

Don’t Be Afraid to Invite Others to Hang Out: If you've met someone you click with, don't hesitate to invite them to grab a coffee, study together, or join you in other activities.

Stay Positive: Do not be the friend that is known to always be complaining, negative and bitter all the time. Always try and maintain a positive attitude. This will usually attract people and make you more enjoyable to be around.

Just remember that making friends is a gradual process, and not every interaction will result in a deep friendship. Keep an open mind, and you'll find your circle of friends growing over time. Also, don't forget to balance socializing with academic responsibilities to ensure a successful university experience overall.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Why Choose Shared Housing with Unihousing

 Why Choose Shared Housing with Unihousing

From a university student's perspective, shared housing can be one of the most practical and rewarding decisions. Living with housemates at university offers a unique blend of economic, social and personal benefits, as it not only eases financial burden but also enriches the overall University experience by providing a supportive community and valuable life lessons. Interested in living in shared accommodation? Keep reading to find out more.

Cost-Effectiveness: One of the most significant advantages of shared housing is the ability to split expenses, groceries and bills, making it even more affordable compared to living alone. This arrangement can help you as a student save some money to be allocated to be spent on other personal essential expenses.

Builds a Supportive Community: Living with housemates creates a sense of community. University life can be challenging, especially if you are used to being around your family and friends. You may start to feel homesick and sometimes overwhelmed. Shared housing provides an opportunity to build strong relationships with your housemates and go through the emotions together, whilst also helping you build your social networks.

Gives a Boost to Your Social Life:  With your housemates around, you are more likely to engage in more social activities and even make friends quickly. You can share experiences, join clubs as well as attend events together. This will give you a more enriching and enjoyable university experience.

You Learn to Compromise and Communicate: Living in a shared house with a group of friends opens you up to learning some invaluable life skills such as effective communication, compromise, and conflict resolution. Successfully living with other people requires understanding and respecting different boundaries, preferences, and schedules which in turn will promote personal growth and maturity.

Shared Responsibilities: Housemates often divide household chores, such as cleaning, cooking, and grocery shopping. This not only saves time for individual students but also instils a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

Academic Support: Living with fellow students who are studying similar courses can help you achieve your academic goals. This will also help create an environment conducive to academics, and you could even try having group and individual study sessions during the week! These study sessions will help you all have a culture of learning and academic support.

Safety and Security: Sharing housing with others can provide an added layer of security. With multiple people present, the chances of encountering safety issues or emergencies are reduced. Additionally, students can look out for each other, promoting a safer living environment.

More Space and Amenities: Shared housing often provides a bit more space and amenities. You get to enjoy access to a fully equipped kitchen, larger living areas, and sometimes outdoor spaces too.

Flexibility and Freedom: By living with housemates, you will always have a group of friends to go out with, and you will never make the journey home alone either. You can all have fun together, but you can also look out for each other during events and on nights out.

Free Lifts: If any of your housemates drive, you will likely be able to get free/cheap lifts if your schedules coincide. This will help you save money and you can avoid the long walks and extra time spent travelling too! 

Preparation You For The Future: Shared housing serves as a transitional step between living at home and being completely independent. The skills you are learning during this phase will be invaluable when you eventually move into your own space one day.

In conclusion, choosing shared housing can be a wise decision for you if you are seeking a more social and well-rounded university experience.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

 

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

 

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

 

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Tips For Navigating Your First Year Successfully

Tips For Navigating Your First Year Successfully

Starting out at university? It’s a whole world of adventure and uncertainty. You are not alone. Progressing through the first year at university can be both; exciting and challenging as you transition into a new phase of your academic life. Here are some tips to help you navigate your first year successfully:

Get Organized: Always set up a system to help you keep track of your assignments, deadlines, and class schedules. There are several digital tools to do this, but something as simple as keeping a good old diary can help. Staying organised will help you manage your time effectively and keep on top of things.

Attend Orientation Programs: Every university will have an orientation program before the academic year. Such programs are designed to help you get familiar with the campus, meet fellow students, and learn about crucial resources and support services. Be sure to take advantage of such programs offered by your university.

Establish A Routine: Establishing a consistent routine and sticking to it will help you stay on top of your studies and maintain a healthy school-life balance. It's good practice to set aside specific times for: studying, attending classes, socializing, and self-care.

Take Care of Yourself: The reality is that university life can be demanding at certain times, so it's crucial to prioritize self-care. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and manage stress through relaxation techniques or activities you enjoy.

Utilize Campus Resources: Take time to familiarize yourself with the various resources available on campus. These include academic support centres, libraries, counselling services, and career development offices. These resources can provide valuable assistance and guidance throughout your first year.

Be Proactive During Your Lectures: For whenever possible, try and actively participate in discussions, ask as many questions as you can to confirm that you have understood, and engage with your lecturers. Building relationships with your lecturers can be beneficial when you need help or guidance.

Manage Your Workload: Take time to understand the expectations and requirements for your course. This will help you plan your workload accordingly. Break down seemingly large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks, and above all else, avoid procrastination at all costs.

Get Involved in Activities on And Off-campus: You can consider joining clubs, volunteering with charities that help in the community, or sports teams that align with your interests. Getting involved in on and off-campus activities will help you meet new people, develop new skills, and create a sense of belonging.

Find A Study Routine That Works for You: As you start your first year at university, experiment with different study techniques and environments to discover what works best. Some people prefer quiet libraries, while others thrive in more active settings. Find which environment helps you focus and retain information effectively and go on with it.

Seek Help When Needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help. Whether it's academic support, mental health services, or assistance with personal challenges, your college likely offers resources to support you. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Build A Support Network: Surround yourself with positive and supportive friends who share your academic goals. They can offer motivation, collaboration, and assistance when you need it. Additionally, maintaining connections with family and friends outside of college can provide emotional support during this transition.

Embrace New Experiences: The first year is a time of exploration and growth. Embrace new experiences, step out of your comfort zone, and take advantage of the opportunities available. University is not just about academics but also about personal development.

At the end of everything, always remember that university experiences and events are unique, so adapt these tips to fit your circumstances and goals. Enjoy the journey and make the most of your first year.

Looking for Summer Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Here at Unihousing, we have some of the best properties all around Selly Oak with varying prices and sizes depending on whether you want solo or shared living. 

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodations. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unhousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!