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.

5 Emotions to Look Out for When Starting University

Starting university is a brilliant achievement that you should be proud of. As you finish A-levels and your time at school comes to a close, it's important to know that you might go through a bit of a whirlwind of emotions. Though it can be extremely exhilarating for some to be moving on to university, for others it may be difficult to say goodbye and accept change. Here are some of the emotions that you might experience as you start this new chapter.

Accomplishment

It's important in life to always be proud of what you have achieved. Though attending university may not be the right path for some, the fact that you have made the decision to go for it and stuck with it is something to be proud of. There is a lot that you can learn at university, not just in your course but in the life you live, the friends you find and the choices you make. It can be a brilliant time for self-discovery, finding out what things you enjoy doing and growing in your responsibility and independence.

Stress and Worry

Though starting your degree can be thrilling at times, it's also important to take into consideration the stress you could experience. Change can be difficult for some to process, as the uncertainty of what your year will look like looms in the distance. It's OK to be a little bit worried about what happens next; we all would be too. Try to embrace the excitement of new things, while also remembering to savour every last moment you have at home with your friends and family.

 

You can also aim to be organised and plan. If you can write out your travel plan to university, your packing list and get to know your course schedule and modules, you might feel an immense sense of relief. Planning can help ease the stress of the unknown and can help you stay grounded during the somewhat chaotic process.

Determination

Just like you mustered the strength to get through college and A-levels, don't forget to keep pushing. You have gotten this far, and it is important to hold on to your determination as you begin the new year. Take a look back at all you have accomplished and remember that you can do anything you set your mind on. If you can start your university year feeling confident and excited for what is to come, you will most likely find it easier to make friends, master your schedule and start the year with a bang.

Sadness

Just as you might be feeling full of life and confident about the upcoming year, sometimes the reality of life and all of its changes hits hard. Though the thought of going to university is brilliant and exciting, the realities of leaving everything behind can be hard to process. For many of us, we seek independence and a time and place to find ourselves and experience life.

Though this yearning can be thrilling, it's still important to know that you may not be ready to fully say goodbye. You will be leaving an entire life behind that is familiar and comfortable to head off into the great unknown. That is a big, scary step for anyone to take. It's OK to feel sad and excited at the same time. This is a defining moment for you, so make sure you don't forget to process your feelings and say the goodbyes that will help you move onto the next step in your life and career.

 

Let's also not forget, that as great as independence is, being an adult can be extremely scary and daunting. Suddenly you are paying bills and rent, doing your shopping and cooking, looking after your money and managing your university schedule as well, all on your own. You are responsible for your own life, relationships and the choices you make.

 

Excitement

One of the best ways to approach the upcoming year is by embracing your excitement. Trying new things and experiencing new situations can be extremely stressful for some, so try to hold onto the excitement you have as much as possible. Try replacing the worry with the potential for opportunity. University is supposed to make you feel a wide range of emotions, and it should never stop being exciting. Make sure you find things that make you happy and interest you.

 

Whether that is course projects, university groups and activities or friends, keep your days fun and full of things you love. And when you are struggling, remember the reasons why you wanted to come to university in the first place. Whether you came to learn and develop in something you are passionate about, experience a new city, meet new people or go out and have fun, you now have the chance to do exactly that.

University is meant to be an exciting time of independence, development and self-discovery and there is so much to be excited about. Try to hold onto the good parts when the moments of doubt come your way.

What Unihousing can Offer You

Regardless of what you may be feeling, remember that there are thousands of other students who are experiencing similar things. To keep yourself sane and in complete control over your university experience, make sure you don’t leave the important things until last minute. Here at Unihousing, we offer a variety of student accommodation to satisfy your needs. Whether you are wanting a shared house or a studio just for you, we have got you covered. Head over to our website at www.unihousing.co to see all of our available accommodation for the new term.

What’s Your Preferred Method of Learning? Take the Quiz to Find Out

Learning isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing; we all have our preferred methods of learning which help us the most. Knowing what kind of learner you are can help you revise and study during university. Many different models have been proposed to help people understand the ways they learn best.

The VARK model is a popular theory, which proposes that there are 4 types of learner: auditory, visual, kinaesthetic and reading/writing. Most people will have a balance of these types, with a preference for an individual learning style. By discovering what type of learner you are, you can adjust your revision and study techniques to help you retain more information while studying.

Below, you can discover what kind of learner you are, and how to apply this information.

Auditory

Auditory learners take in the most information from listening to others, discussing and questioning the subject matter, and recalling the information to someone else. Hearing the information or talking about what you’re trying to learn will help your brain process and retain the information. Group revision sessions or lectures where you can discuss, question and listen are a good method of learning. Other useful tools you can use include recording yourself reading your notes or watching old lectures. You may also find online video tutorials helpful, including podcasts.

Visual

A visual learner will find that they can learn most effectively using illustrations such as charts, diagrams, graphs and flowcharts. Anything that can demonstrate the relationship between concepts or easily show a structural approach to a process will help visual learners. Highlighting with different colours, underlining key sections, or using white space and lines are all good methods for helping you retain information. As you’re going through your revision notes and studying, pay attention to the aesthetics of your work.

Kinaesthetic

The word kinaesthetic relates to the awareness of the position and movement of the body. This means that the most effective methods for kinaesthetic learners are the use of senses, experience, and practical exercises. Using real-life examples can help these learners memorise information, even if they’re examples from a third party such as a lecturer. Getting hands-on with practical learning experiences, including lab work and field trips, will also benefit kinaesthetic learners. Make sure you use lots of case studies and examples to learn, and wherever possible use practical examples.

Reading/Writing

Those who learn the most from reading/writing are going to find that writing information and reading their notes will be the most effective method for them. Utilising lists and handouts are going to be crucial for your success. You may find that rewriting your notes into a new notebook, making alterations as you go will help you remember the most. You’ll also find that converting visual information or rewriting ideas can be very helpful. Make sure you stock up with a good supply of notebooks and pens.

Take the Test

Now you know about the different methods of learning proposed by the VARK model and how to get the most out of them, you can take the quiz to discover which categories you fall into. Bear in mind that you may fall into several categories, so trying out several techniques may be required for you to find what works best for you.

About Unihousing

Unihousing provides quality student lets in Selly Oak, only a short walk from the university. Our accommodation includes modern studios, flats, apartments and shared houses, all of which are fully fitted and furnished to suit a student lifestyle. Don’t miss out on your ideal choice of student accommodation, take a look at our website today.

7 Things All Students Should Do While Studying in Birmingham (Once Quarantine Ends)

The city of Birmingham has a rich history and culture. Even though it’s second in population to London, Birmingham is more ethnically and culturally diverse than the capital. This mix of different people and ways of living has produced a range of interesting places to visit, foods to eat, and sights to see.

Below, we look at just a small selection of things available in Birmingham that all students should experience. After the COVID lockdown, you could go down this list and choose something to do with your friends to catch up. Alternatively, something on this list might make a nice date experience for you and your significant other.

1) Dive into the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

The National SEA LIFE Centre makes for a wonderful day out, with loads to see and experience. With over 2,000 sea creatures, you’re very likely to find your favourite animal. Some events take place throughout the day including talks and feedings. You can also enjoy a close-up look at the sea life by walking through the 360° ocean tunnel. The SEA LIFE Centre is very easy to visit, being just a short walk away from Birmingham New Street.

2) Indulge Yourself at Cadbury World

Located in Bournville, just up the road from the student village of Selly Oak, visiting the famous chocolate factory is a unique experience. On a self-guided exhibition tour or the factory, you can learn about the history of the brand, how the chocolate is manufactured and shipped around the world and have a go at making chocolate. Of course, there will also be plenty of opportunities to eat chocolate along the way!

3) Get Spicy with a Balti

One of Birmingham’s claims to fame is being the birthplace of the classic Balti curry. While there are copious Indian restaurants in the UK that can cook up a Balti, to get the full experience you’ll need to visit one of the original ‘Balti Houses’ that make up the ‘Balti Triangle’ in the south of Birmingham. Luckily, this is just a short taxi ride away, or you can catch a couple of busses.

4) Peruse the Custard Factory

The Custard Factory is a great place to spend a day looking around shops and finding interesting experiences. This beautifully restored Victorian factory is a creative hub for many different independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. The Mockingbird Cinema & Kitchen is a great place to visit for your first time at the Custard Factory. You can easily walk to the Custard Factory from Birmingham New Street.

5) Treat Your Taste Buds at the Digbeth Dining Club

Birmingham’s award-winning street-food market is a popular event in the Midlands, where food traders around the UK come together to provide a quality dining experience. Whatever you’re fancying, whether it’s burgers, hotdogs, waffles, pies, or burritos, there’s likely to be a vendor for you. Digbeth Dining Club is just a short jaunt away from the Custard Factory, making it easily accessible for students via Birmingham New Street.

6) Learn Something New at the Library of Birmingham

The Library of Birmingham is the largest public library in Europe, spread over 10 floors with over 800,000 books and numerous collections. The architect referred to the building as the ‘people’s palace’, and it’s easy to see why, with so much knowledge freely available to the public. The library also includes other facilities, such as an outdoor amphitheatre, garden terraces and a panoramic viewing gallery at the very top. Located in the city centre, you can easily visit the library from Grand Central.

7) Partake in Beer and Hotdogs at the Christmas Market

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is yet another result of the cultural diversity in Birmingham. The market is a great reminder that Christmas is on the way and is a great way to spend time with friends. You can find all sorts in the German Market, including carol singing, classic German food and drink including pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, glühwein and Weissbier, and handcrafted decorations and toys. The Christmas Market runs from mid-November through to the 23rd of December each year.

Having a bucket list of the things you’d like to see, try and do while living in Birmingham is a great idea, but first-things-first, you’ll need somewhere to stay during your studies. Unihousing offer student accommodation in Selly Oak, just a short walk from the University of Birmingham. We have a selection of studios, houses and apartments which can fill your requirements. We can also cater for student couples, with one of our twodio properties.

Don’t miss out on your choice of the best student accommodation, contact our friendly reception team today to register your interest and book a viewing.