Students Coming Back for The Spring Term: What to Expect and How to Prepare

For students coming back to University for this term, it has likely felt slightly strange and as if they were walking into the unknown. As every University will have different rules and a different plan for course structure regarding Covid-19, it can feel like a minefield coming back to your accommodation and your student life. Below we have listed some of the changes that you should be expecting, and how you can prepare for life back at university!

What Should You Expect?

Universities Will Not Be Fully Back to Normal Yet

 

Currently, it seems that different universities are handling students coming back differently. Some courses are being asked to come onto campus, while others are still functioning digitally from home. Other courses might start moving towards a more ‘blended’ learning environment, which could mean that you would be in uni part-time, and at home for the rest of the time.

 

For smaller courses, there’s a good chance that you might be able to be in person, as long as social distancing can stay in place. If you are unsure about how your Uni and course will be doing, check with your university to find out. There will likely also be protocols in place for students who are weary or are unable to come in for in-person learning, so find out what those protocols are for your course beforehand.

Covid Testing Will Likely Be Required

 

As Covid is still a big concern, most universities will likely require regular covid tests for any students who come onto campus. Particularly while students have still not received any vaccines, Universities will want to keep everyone safe, however, they can. Fortunately, all students will now soon have access to free rapid testing twice a week, as restrictions begin to ease. You can check with your university to find out what their protocols will be, and how the regular testing will affect your course.

 

Student Accommodation is Open, But Rules Will Need to be Followed

 

Unihousing has remained open throughout the pandemic, to ensure that all of our students have their accommodation needs taken care of, without worry. If you have not been back to your studios yet, it’s worth noting that things could be slightly different. As you share a complex, you must maintain social distancing where possible in the communal spaces and wear masks inside our Unihousing office. According to the government guidelines, you should:

 

- Wash your hands regularly

- Keep two metres away from other people

- Wear face coverings in all communal areas of the property (unless you can’t due to medical reasons)

- Stick to the current household socialising restrictions in your area

- Only share lifts with people in your household

- Only come to reception when necessary

 

How Can You Prepare?

Bring Back All of The Things You Want and Need

 

This year has been full of packing and unpacking for all students. But as you return to your accommodation this time, it’s worth noting that with the vaccine rollout, Universities are less likely to close again until the summer. So, when you come back to Uni, make sure you take everything you want and need. Try to splurge on your luggage allowance, and take all of the little things that will make your room as cosy and homely as possible. With the year we have all had, you deserve to have a place to feel comfortable in!

 

Stock-up on Food Sooner Rather Than Later

This is a good tip for any student coming back from time away at home. Try doing bigger shops where you can buy all of the things you need, instead of spending extra cash on takeaway and spontaneous shops. Try thinking of easy and quick meals, as cooking can sometimes seem more difficult than ordering in. Therefore, if you have simple, tasty meals already at your disposal, you are less likely to spend money on food delivery.

 

Though it is not fun thinking about possibly having to self-isolate in the future, it’s good practice to stay on top of your shopping, so that you are stocked up in case you do have to self-isolate at any point.

 

Get Stuck Into a Routine

 

With the year we have had, coming back to University probably triggers different feelings for everyone. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the trip, the move-in process, your new schedule and just getting back to ‘normal’. As there is so much change and uncertainty around all of us, getting into a healthy routine will help you stay focused and stay on top of all of your deadlines and your mental health too!

 

Try to get to bed at a fairly reasonable hour, and plan out all of your lectures and study times each week. Map out when your big deadlines are too, that way you always have all of the relevant dates at hand when you need them. Don’t be afraid to message your lecturers and tutors if you need help with your coursework, or if you are feeling a bit lost. They will surely be happy to have some one-on-one zoom calls if that is helpful.  

 

Since you will likely still be doing a bit of home study, try to balance your work with your break and relax time. Make sure you are also keeping in check with your mental health, ensuring that you can keep your head above water throughout all of the change.

 

Catch Up With Friends and Flatmates

 

As most students are now coming back to uni, you will be surrounded by people who are in a similar boat and going through similar things. Try to catch up with your friends, course mates and flatmates, whether that is by having a walk in a park, or a chat on zoom. Don’t forget to put time and effort into your relationships, as they will help you stay sane and tackle feelings of homesickness during these next few months.

 

If you have flatmates, try to set aside some time to hang out together, whether that’s by cooking a meal, watching a film or playing games. Since you are in a bubble, you have more freedom and can spend time together more freely than with friends outside your bubble.

 

Finding Accommodation for Next Year: How Unihousing Can Help

 

As the final term of the year has begun, many students have started looking for their fall term accommodation. As one of the top student landlords in Selly Oak’s, Unihousing has a wide variety of properties and many years of experience providing properties for Birmingham students. Whether you are looking for solo or shared accommodation, our properties are fully fitted with all of the amenities a student would need during their stay. To view our properties and register your interest, visit our website today!

  

Working from Home: How to Help Yourself Succeed

 Times have been tough since the pandemic started last year, in 2020. Due to many campuses closing throughout the various lockdowns, students have had to learn how to fully commit to distance learning and getting inspired to keep going, even in these tough times. Working from home comes with its challenges too. The distractions are endless, people’s mental health tends to be worse than before, and staying organised and creative can seem impossible.

 

Though things have been extremely difficult, there are some steps you can take to give yourself the best chance at successful revising and general homeworking. Below we have listed some of the ways that you can help yourself stay on top of student life, instead of letting it overwhelm you.

Stick to a Routine and Study Plan

 

Our brains are programmed to do well when sticking to a routine, so try to recreate that with your home study. Though it might seem silly to always wake up at the same time, and finish work at the same time, the structure of a routine is likely what most people need, particularly in a year without much structure.

 

Losing your daily structure can massively impact your ability to retain information. Having a routine will not only give you purpose, but it will also make you feel inspired and driven. You could also try setting various goals for your revising, projects, deadlines etc. Scientifically, by meeting goals and having ‘successes’, no matter how small, your brain will get empowered and you are likely to feel more motivated to keep going.

 

If you are having a hard time with a particular project, try switching it up to something you know you could succeed at. This will help get your brain back in the game and feeling creative. And don’t forget to get plenty of sleep too! Lack of sleep will make you feel groggy and less energetic, which can make revising and working so much harder.

 

Give Yourself Space and Time to Rest

 

Particularly during this strange and hard year, it is likely that your mental health has had some major peaks and valleys. It can be tricky to balance your working schedule with your relaxing schedule, particularly if you are stuck at home for most of the day anyway. Though you don’t have to live by a strict work and rest schedule, it’s ok to give yourself a break when things are getting too overwhelming.

 

You won’t be doing your best work if your stress and anxiety is skyrocketing, so give yourself time to rest, meditate, breathe, and take the space you need. Giving yourself a break when you truly needed is likely to get your head in a better state, and will improve your focus and your work.

 

And if you start lagging in a project, try changing it up and working on something else. If you can get inspired working on a different section or project altogether, you are likely to return to the previous project feeling inspired and energetic.

 

Don’t Forget to Take Breaks

 

Though it may seem obvious, breaks are crucial to effective study, but it’s very easy to forget about them, or simply decide not to take them. Long term, this is not likely to improve your mental health and instead could make you stuck and resentful. Plus, giving yourself distance away from work will not only give you a fresh perspective, but it also allows you to mess around and procrastinate on your designated breaks, instead of your designated work time.

 

It’s also important to remember that it’s ok to work late sometimes but try not to do it too often. If you set a time to finish, try to stick to that time. Sometimes we feel the need to ‘make-up' time when we have easily gotten distracted throughout the day, but don’t make yourself guilty. You could quite easily work the extra time, but be too tired to do anything productive anyway!

 

Get Frequent Fresh Air and Exercise

 

Yes, we know this has been said so much over this last year, but let’s not forget it! Even just taking a step outside could be the difference between you feeling revitalised and ready to keep going, and completely giving up. Fresh air is good to clear the mind and can also help to give your brain the space it needs to recover and get back into gear.

 

You could try doing indoor exercises too. Mini workouts, yoga or even simple stretches throughout the day can help break you out of a funk. By getting your physical body moving, your brain will also start moving.

 

Maintain a Tidy, Peaceful Working Environment

 

This could be tricky for some, but having a more minimalistic working space is likely to help your brain focus more. The more things you surround yourself with, the more distractions your brain then has. Even if the only thing you keep tidy is your desk, it is still worth it! Our brains can retain more information when there are fewer distractions around and that includes less mess.

 

Stay in Touch with People

 

As many of us have probably learned this year, the isolation this pandemic has brought has been incredibly hard. Even for more introverted people, the lack of human contact can still make everyday life and tasks harder to do. Try to stay in contact with friends, family and housemates as much as possible.

 

You could even try getting a study buddy that you video chat and study with throughout the day. It’s important to not let loneliness and isolation get the best of you, so don’t forget about your social life, even if it is limited.

 

Remove Stress by Finding Your Student Accommodation

 

Here at Unihousing, we want to help students find a good fit for University housing. Having your own space that fits your needs, wants and budget will help with not only your mental health but with your whole student experience. Unihousing is a top letting agency in Selly Oak, and whether you are looking for a shared house or a student studio, we have a variety of properties for you to choose from. Contact our team today to view our properties and register your interest.

Student and Professional Studios with Unihousing

Whether you are searching for student or professional properties, Unihousing offers an extensive list of studios and apartments to suit every individual’s wants and needs. As one of Selly Oak’s highest-rated lettings agents, we strive to provide modern properties that can not only be comfortable and stylish but suit functional living too.

 

Student Studios

 

Our student studios are a brilliant option for individuals looking for more independence and privacy. Being both spacious and affordable, our Selly Oak studios could offer you the freedom you seek while also not breaking the bank. Each studio is fully furnished and benefits from amenities including a desk/study area, ensuite, food prep area, 100Mb broadband and a smart TV included in the rent price.

 

As our Unihousing office is located right in Selly Oak, Birmingham, our team will be able to quickly and effectively help you find your best-suited studio apartment. Selly Oak is also the hub of student living, with a variety of entertainment, shops and services, greenery and parks, cafes, pubs, clubs and food hotspots. You will be able to find all that you need simply in Selly Oak, and also easily travel further out into the City Centre to find even more shops and entertainment.

 

All of our student accommodation in Birmingham is owned and managed by Unihousing, meaning that any maintenance and repairs will be handled swiftly and effectively by our team of qualified repairmen. Additionally, all of the communal areas in our studio complex’s will be cleaned by our cleaning staff, including the hallways, stairways and landings.

Working from Home

 

During these difficult times, one of the main benefits of having a private studio space is the independence it brings, allowing you to continue your studies from home. Having a quiet space to work throughout the day is extremely important particularly in the current times when many lectures and course studies are virtual. Reliable internet is also extremely important, which is why each studio property comes with 100Mb broadband and utility bills included in the price.

 

Unihousing’s student studios have an open plan living area with a double bed, office area with desk and smart TV, food prep kitchenette and an ensuite bathroom with a fitted shower/bath. These studio spaces offer both practical and comfortable furnishings, ideal for the bustling student lifestyle.

 

Location

 

Location is also extremely important. Our student studios are all only a short walk away from The University of Birmingham, and the student village of Selly Oak. You will have all the necessary amenities just down the road, including food shops, various goods and services, and even a shopping centre. Selly Oak is filled to the brim with diverse food hotspots and entertainment, giving you plenty of options for a good night out with friends and housemates.

 

With easy and reliable bus routes and a local train station, getting into the city centre and around the rest of the city couldn’t be easier! As a student, you will also be eligible for various student discounts for public transport, food and even shops, so saving some money throughout your stay will be a big bonus too.

Professional Studios/Apartments

 

Professionals looking for accommodation will find our new and modern apartments could be a great fit. With a varied list of professional properties, Unihousing offers living spaces that can cater to each individual’s wants and needs. We take both function and style into consideration and strive to create an atmosphere that bustling professionals can feel at home in.

 

With stylish fittings, a great deal of privacy and brilliant locations including Selly Oak, Kingsheath and Harborne, Unihousing’s professional properties can truly supply all that you might need during your stay.

 

This newly built studio is located in the centre of Selly Oak and provides both practical and comfortable living, which is ideal for any young professional. Our studios and apartments are designed to create both a relaxed and professional environment for the tenants, showcasing a beautiful open plan living space, spacious lounge, double bed and a designated work area with a desk.

 

These studio apartments also consist of a separate beautifully fitted kitchen, with all of the necessities and extras such as a brand-new washing machine and low noise fridge, to promote easy and comfortable living. Located off of the bedroom/lounge you will additionally have an ensuite bathroom, with modern fittings. Other important amenities will additionally be included such as a cosy sofa, smart TV and 100Mb broadband, increasing both the comfort and function of the property.

 

Location

 

We offer professional properties in a few different locations, including Moseley, Harborne, Kingsheath and Selly Oak. These villages are extremely business orientated and are ideal for professional living. Each local area contains all the amenities you will need during your tenancy, with a range of shops unique to the area, offering services including clothing, home goods, outdoor and garden centres, cafes, electronics and supermarkets. As Birmingham is extremely culturally diverse, you can be sure to find some amazing food just down the road.

 

What's next?

 

As Unihousing offers a wide range of properties, we are truly invested in finding the right place for you and your needs. If one of the properties above sparked some interest, or if you would like to view more of the properties we offer for the start of the academic year, head over to our website today, and register your interest with one of our team!

Things to Know Before Moving into Your Student Accommodation

As the time approaches for students to move into their new student accommodation, we want to make the move-in process as easy as possible. With varied properties to suit both solo and shared living, our team will be able to help you find a good fit.

 

Before moving into your new property, you need to consider certain variables including the location of the property, the contract, furnishings, extra costs and your general budget. Here are some of our tips to help you cover all of the basics and be ready to move in with confidence and excitement.

 

Location

 

One of the really important things to look out for when searching for student accommodation is the location. It’s crucial that you pick a place that has all of the essentials and amenities you will need close by so that shopping and spending time with flatmates and other friends is super convenient. You will also likely want to have a short/easy journey to and from University so that you can have those extra minutes in the morning and evening.

 

With Unihousing, all of our Selly Oak studios and houses are within walking distance to the University of Birmingham, whilst also having easy access to Birmingham City University and Aston University in the City Centre. Selly Oak is also well known for its student lifestyle, filled to the brim with activities, food, pubs, clubs, takeout and more. The area is also well supplied with supermarkets and shops where you will be able to find everything you need during your stay at University.

 

Budget: What Can I Afford?

 

One of the first things for students to do is to decide on a budget. There are a variety of properties you can live in, including a solo studio or a shared house. Start by working out the amount you can afford weekly/monthly, plus the utilities and food expenses and then you will have a good starting point.

 

Shared houses do tend to be cheaper and you can also share the costs of food, bills, cleaning products etc, which will enable you to save money with your housemates. Though solo living is slightly more expensive, you benefit from extra privacy, freedom and space to yourself.

 

Your studio will consist of an open plan living area, ensuite bathroom and a private or shared kitchen (but you will only be sharing with 1 other person). You could also decide to rent a twodio with a friend which would work out cheaper than a 1-bed studio. One of the main bonuses of renting one of our studios is that the utility bills and 100Mb broadband will be included in the rent.

 

Look Over the Contract

 

When getting ready to move into your new accommodation, it’s easy to just skip over a rental contract, sign at the bottom and be done with it. And though this is always the temptation, it’s really important that you read through the whole document. You could also have a parent or relative, guardian or even a teacher look it over, to ensure it is all straightforward without any hidden clauses.

 

A rental agreement or contract should give an outline of the important information regarding your stay in the property. The details will include the rent amount, move in and move out dates, what you aren’t allowed to do in the property, the agency’s rules regarding damage and repairs, etc. By reading over the contract from start to finish, you are less likely to overlook any important information.

 

How Much is the Deposit?

 

Many students tend to forget to factor in the cost of the deposit, they will need to pay for their accommodation before they move in. These deposits are usually taken as a way to pay for any damages and repairs at the end of your tenancy, so by keeping your accommodation clean and well looked after, you are likely to get your whole deposit back at the end of your tenancy.

 

The property you are wanting to rent should have the deposit amount written out in the informational section online. But if not, it’s always a good idea to check with your student estate agent to make sure you aren’t suddenly surprised with a deposit that you weren’t expecting. At Unihousing, we often have various offers regarding deposits, including low or even no deposits for students. It’s worth checking out our website to see what offers we have up right now!

 

Is The Property Furnished?

 

Most student accommodation does come either fully or partly furnished, but it is always essential that you check before signing your rental agreement. Commonly students do not have much if any of their own furniture, so our student properties come fully furnished with all you will need for your time at uni. All of our studios come with a desk, TV, double bed, various kitchen appliances, and white goods.

 

Our houses will also have similar furnishings, with an added bonus of couches and other seating in the communal areas. Additionally, for some of our properties, we do allow you to swap out furniture if you desire something different. For example, you could swap a desk for a bedside table, or a chest of drawers for a wardrobe. Make sure you check whether this is an option for your accommodation!

 

Student Accommodation With Unihousing

 

Unihousing offers a wide variety of student properties at affordable prices. Our team will be able to help you find accommodation that suits your needs, wants and budget in the booming location of Selly Oak. Whether you are interested in solo living or sharing a house, we have countless options for you to choose from, with modern and stylish fittings, perfect for student life. To find out more about the properties we offer or to book a viewing, visit our website today.

8 Reasons to Choose a Selly Oak Studio with Unihousing

With the new year in full swing, it is never too soon to start looking for a student property for the next academic year. Though you may not have to make a decision right away, the longer you put it off, the less likely you are to find accommodation that suits your wants and needs.

 

One of our most popular types of student accommodation is our modern, fully fitted studios. For someone who is seeking their own private space that is close to the University of Birmingham, one of our studios could be a great option for you. Still unsure if a studio with Unihousing is right for you? Have a look at our list below to see some of the reasons why a studio could be a good fit!

 

1. Privacy and Quiet

 

One of the main benefits of renting a studio with Unihousing is the privacy you will receive. Though there are perks with living in shared houses, it can be tricky with cleaning rotas, personal space and different lifestyles. Our studios offer an open plan living area, with a spacious double bed, food prep area, ensuite bathroom and a desk/revising space.

 

By having your own private space, you have more freedom to go about your daily life without any disruptions, schedule clashes, or cleaning rota stress. You will also have the freedom to invite friends into your space when you want, instead of being surrounded by people at the times when you may just want to be alone.

 

2. Modern Fittings and Spacious Interiors

 

Unihousing’s student studios are modern, up to date and contain all of the amenities you could need. Many of our studios have been newly refurbished and are maintained regularly to ensure they are up to date.

 

Our fully furnished studios include a fresh, stylish ensuite bathroom with modern fittings and other amenities including a quiet fridge/freezer, hobs, electric oven and a washer/dryer. Your desk area will also have a flat-screen TV for your personal use and high-speed internet will also be included.

 

3. Brilliant Location

 

All of our studios are ideally located in the student village of Selly Oak. Here you will find many necessary and desirable shopping and food hot spots including cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, varied takeout, a local gym and parks in the surrounding area. With supermarkets and a large shopping centre located close by, you will surely find everything you need throughout your stay in Selly Oak.

 

4. Easy Transport around Birmingham and Beyond

 

Selly Oak is not only populated with shops, entertainment and various food hotspots, but it also has a great transportation system. With a local train station and bus lines into the city centre and around Birmingham, Selly Oak has access to the majority of the city, including Aston University and Birmingham City University. A quick trip to the centre will also then give you access to other cities you can visit and explore.

 

If you want to discover more in Birmingham, the historical Harborne, Moseley village and Kings Heath are worth checking out. With even more entertainment, culture and amazing food, you will surely never have a dull moment as a student. You will also be eligible to various student discounts for shops and travel including bus passes and railcards, which will come in handy with your travels.

 

5. Closely Located to the University of Birmingham

 

Though this might not be the biggest consideration for some students, the distance from your accommodation to your campus can have a massive impact on your student life. All of our studios are within walking distance to the University of Birmingham, which means that you can get to all of your lectures and classes with ease. This could save you not only time and energy, but money too as you wouldn’t need to spend anything on transport.

6. Dedicated Team of Professionals

 

Unihousing is one of the top student landlords in Selly Oak, with years of experience and a team that will provide support whenever possible. All common areas in the student complex are regularly cleaned by our wonderful cleaning team, while any studio maintenance is dealt with by our dedicated maintenance team as well. This allows us to tend to any issues that could arise quickly and effectively.

 

7. Bills and High-Speed Broadband Included in Monthly Rent

 

There frequently are hidden costs when renting a property, which can cause problems for tenants down the road. To make the process easier and more cost-effective for our students, we include utility bills and high-speed 100Mb broadband into the price of the rent. This way you won’t be caught up with various setup fees, paperwork and confusion regarding bills.

 

This will also allow you to create a more fool-proof budget for yourself, as you will know the exact monthly costs in advance. Our high-speed internet is great for streaming, gaming and studying throughout your year at University.

 

8. Low Deposits and Flexible Contract Deals (Limited Offers)

 

At Unihousing we frequently offer low and even no deposits for our student studios, to make the process a bit easier and more affordable. Additionally, we also offer flexible contract lengths for many of our properties, which will allow tenants to start and end their tenancy when it best suits them. Have a look at our website to find out more about our current offers.

 

What’s Next?

 

As the peak for students searching for accommodation approaches, it’s important to begin looking sooner rather than later. Unihousing is one of the top-rated landlords in Selly Oak and we are here to help you find accommodation that fits your wants, needs and budget.

 

Whether you desire a studio, twodio, or a shared house, we have an extensive list of properties to suit your preference. To find out more about our student accommodation in Birmingham, have a look at our website or contact our team today to arrange a viewing.

 

8 Ways to Make the Most of Being at Home During Lockdown

 Being stuck indoors can be boring for most of us; there’s just not enough to keep our interest! For others though, having to stay indoors can be like a dream. With both the national lockdown and wintery weather, everyone is going to have to make the most of their time at home.

But there’s only so much doomscrolling and Netflix a person can take before they need to find something else to fill their time with. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 8 things to do while you’re stuck at home; stop endlessly scrolling through social media or watching the same TV show for the umpteenth time and try your hand at one of these.

1) Try Baking Some Treats

Winter is the time for eating indulgent snacks, so why not try making some yourself? You can appreciate the fruits of your hard work first-hand, and it’s a great skill to have in the future.

Baking is a great activity for both beginners and experts; no matter your skill level, there’ll be something you can make. It’s also inexpensive dependent on what you’re making, and if they’re well stored, they can last for a week. If you can resist eating all of them at once!

BBC Good Food is a great place to go for recipes and can help you get started.

2) Play Games with Your Friends

Games are a great way to catch up with your friends, what’s more, there’s something for everyone. If you are living with some flatmates, a board game night can bring all of your friends out of their rooms so you can enjoy some face-to-face interaction.

Before anyone suggests Monopoly, there’s plenty of good board games out there which can get your brain going, try looking at Settlers of Catan, Codenames, and Chameleon to name a few. But if you’d rather not spend money on a physical copy of a game, or you have friends you don’t live with that you’d like to play games with, there are free app versions of many board games as well.

3) Share Your Views or Interests in a Podcast

Laptop with inbuilt microphone? Check. Internet connection? Check. Then you have all you need to start a podcast. There’s plenty of free recording software (try OBS) and making an account on YouTube to post your podcasts is also free. You just need to think about something to talk about.

This can be a great group activity, and you don’t even need to all be in the same room. Chat server software like Discord allow you to speak to your friends and record their voices as well, so you can easily record whatever you and your friends want to talk about.

The best part of this? If you just want to talk or rant about something, this can be a therapeutic way to do so, you don’t even need to publish the video.

4) Learn That Skill You’ve Always Wanted to Do

We all have that secret interest in some random skill that you never know where to start with. Well, being stuck at home gives you a great opportunity to invest a couple of hours a day into this. It can also help give you some much-needed structure to your day.

While there are online classes or websites that can teach you these skills, they do sometimes cost money. YouTube meanwhile, can be a great source of free learning. Got a magic trick you’ve always wanted to do, or maybe would you like to know how to say “I’m bored and stuck at home” in Japanese? Now’s your chance to learn.

5) Explore Your Surroundings

Admit it, when was the last time you let yourself get lost somewhere? These days we can all be a little too reliant on technology, especially when it comes to learning a locale. While we’re only able to go out and exercise locally once a day, this provides a great excuse to put on your winter coat and scarf and explore what’s around you without looking at a map. (unless you get really really lost!)

Set yourself a challenge; try and hit 10,000 steps by exploring a new area around you each day.

6) Find a Workout Routine That Suits You

It’s all too common; we tell ourselves that we’ll stick to this new exercise routine and proceed to never do it again. Well, now that you’ve got nothing better to do, you can really stick to it this time. Start by trying different workouts and see what fits you, after all, you know your body and what works for you.

You don’t need to invest in anything to start working out at home. Try looking up bodyweight exercises or give something like Yoga a go. If you’d like to spend a little money on something extra to help you at home, resistance bands can help you work out without taking up too much space or breaking the bank.

7) Dip into Your Creative Side

Doing something artistic can help stifle the boredom settling in. Creativity can cover any number of things; collages, drawing, painting, photography, writing and more. The important thing is to not get despondent when something doesn’t work. Be kind to yourself and try again.

8) Mix it Up with an Online Scavenger Hunt

It’s easy to get into the same conversational loops with your friends and family. Add a little spice to your video chats by hosting an online scavenger hunt. All you need is a games’ master and to have knowledge about common household objects. The games’ master states a random item (like a wooden spoon, shampoo bottle or drink coaster) and whoever comes back with the item first wins.

About Unihousing Student Lettings

We are a student landlord based in Selly Oak Birmingham, providing studios and houses to those attending the University of Birmingham. We help both individual and groups of students find quality accommodation, within walking distance of the university. Contact Unihousing today to find out how we can help you.

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.