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!

Tips On How To Manage Stress While At University - Part Two

Tips On How To Manage Stress While At University - Part Two

With students juggling their busy lives including fast-paced courses, heavy workloads, vigorous scheduling and deadlines piling up, it is not surprising that 37% of university students in England reported experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to a survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics. The majority of students appear to be experiencing academic burnout, so here are a few tips to help you cope.

Find Someone To Talk To

Talking can be therapeutic and can provide some stress relief, even if it’s just a mere conversation about what you think is causing you stress. This can be a conversation with a friend, partner, University staff or even your parent. You are not alone! Although it might feel daunting at first to open up, most of us have likely struggled with similar issues. So, speak to someone. A problem shared is a problem halved. 

Identify Your Triggers And Try To Manage Them

Knowing your triggers and avoiding them where possible requires a bit of practice, which only comes from repeated patterns of observation and attention. Nobody will know you like you know yourself, therefore knowing what triggers you into stress is a good step toward being able to manage it. These can be things like social media, crowds, alcohol, lack of sleep, etc. Try to avoid situations that might cause you stress and in turn, you will feel more peaceful. Exercise a little more love for yourself.

Surround Yourself With The Right People

The friends we have and the people we spend our time with will heavily influence our day-to-day lives. People who bring negative energy into your life, don’t encourage you or listen to your ideas will likely also make you feel more stressed. It is therefore important to choose the right company. Nothing will give you a burst of energy quite like some quality time with the people who matter the most. 

Set Realistic Expectations

Setting goals for yourself is a good thing, but it’s also important that you are setting yourself realistic expectations and tasks that you can achieve. Creating goals for yourself that aren’t realistic and therefore are too hard to complete will cause you more stress in the long run. Although it may seem like the rewards are higher the more you work or achieve, this will likely take a toll on your mental health. Pushing yourself too hard, especially if you do not have the resources or the environment to achieve your goals, will cause you unnecessary stress and disappointment. The key point is to assess the resources available, and set realistic expectations based on those resources. This will help in avoiding stress overall. 

Identify Stress Outlets

Make an honest assessment of yourself and figure out what outlets help you ease the stress you already experience. This can be things like laughing, taking deep breaths or getting into hobbies like music, dancing, or reading a book. Getting to know the activities that help calm your mind will ensure that you have more control over your mind and body when you have poor mental health or experience stress.

If you feel your high stress and anxiety levels are causing distress or making it difficult to function in your daily life, it is important to seek help. Many universities offer resources that can help. You can also talk to a parent, another trusted adult, or a qualified doctor.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help! 

At Unihousing we have shared accommodations for everyone, from small friend groups to big friend groups and everything in between, there's housing for you and your friends. With our housing being just a walk away from the university it means you and your friends don't have to worry about getting up too early or coming home too late to do anything after uni.

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 On How To Manage Stress While At University - Part One

 

Tips On How To Manage Stress While At University - Part One

It comes as no surprise that 37% of students at university reported depression and anxiety symptoms in England according to a survey by the Office for National Statistics. Further findings revealed that 37% of the students do not have enough time to study, 31% report inconvenient schedules, fast-paced courses, and a heavy workload, 29% feel as though there are unclear guidelines and the majority are suffering academic burnout. 

Stress for students is further attributed to several reasons. And in no particular order, here are a few of them.

• Loneliness
• Homesickness
• Debt
• Failure to Balance Work and Study
• Relationship Difficulties
• Drug and Substance Abuse
• Pressure to Succeed
• Fear of Transitions
• Examinations Stress
• Endless Essay Writing 

Overall, the reality is that studying at university can be extremely challenging, and all of the above can be overwhelming. With this in mind, here are a few tips that we think will help you cope and effectively manage stress.

Regularly Exercise 

Exercise is a great way to manage stress. It doesn't have to be an intense workout, even a simple walk or jog can help. You can gradually increase your routine with cycling or light weights. Regular physical activity can help reduce your stress levels.

                              

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for your well-being. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your mood and academic performance, and can even increase the risk of accidents. Prioritize your sleep to reduce stress and improve concentration. Remember that operating on little to no sleep can become dangerous over time. Make time for adequate sleep to benefit your body and mind.

                             

Create Healthy Eating Habits

Small changes like drinking more water, eating fresh food, and reducing caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can improve your mental health. A well-balanced diet can help you avoid mood swings, dizziness, and unwanted weight gain caused by unhealthy eating habits. Prioritizing a healthy diet is essential for effective stress management.

                            

Manage Your Time Better

Nothing creates more stress than realizing that you do not have as much time as you thought you had. Having a to-do list of what you plan to accomplish in a day is one way of staying ahead and on time. Assignments can come at you fast, that karaoke night that you do not want to miss, and that essay is also due in a few days. If you do not prioritize and assign time to each of these, you will end up in a frenzy which results in stress. Avoid unnecessary stress by planning and managing your time better.

                          

If you feel your high stress and anxiety levels are causing distress or making it difficult to function in your daily life, it is important to seek help. Many universities offer resources that can help, and you can also talk to a parent, another trusted adult, or a qualified doctor.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

At Unihousing we have shared accommodations for everyone, from small friend groups to big friend groups and everything in between, there's housing for you and your friends. With our housing being just a walk away from the university, it means you and your friends don't have to worry about getting up too early or coming home too late to do anything after uni.

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!

Summer Lets are Great! But Why?

Here at Unihousing, we offer a wide range of properties as summer lets for students.

However, as a student, you may be wondering, what is the benefit of a summer let? Here are a few reasons why a summer let might be ideal for you.

What Are They?

Summer lets are student accommodations available between July – September. They are a place to stay in the transition to the next academic year.

Additionally, summer lets are much more cost-effective than other short-term leases as student accommodation typically includes utilities which are ideal for students looking to save money.

If You Live Abroad or Far from Home

Summer lets can be ideal for those who live abroad or need to travel a large distance back home for the summer. A summer let eliminates the travel and allows students to explore the city more without the need to go back early for studies.

Summer Break with Friends

Summer lets enable students to stay local to the university and have friends for the summer so they can sightsee, go on nights out, have BBQs, and enjoy the break while the sun is shining brightly.

Summer with friends is ideal to make friendships that last a lifetime. There is nothing like being able to spend time with people without the stress of studying or tests and just allowing yourselves ample time to rest and relax. This will ensure you feel refreshed and ready for the upcoming academic year.

Stay Near Facilities Such as a Library, Gym or Sports Clubs

Additional benefits that students can take advantage of when they stay in a summer let, is to enjoy the facilities the university has to offer over the summer. This includes sports centres & gyms, libraries and any guilds that may be available during the summer break.

While living in a summer let near UoB, there will never be a concern about having nothing to do, especially in the student centre of Selly Oak. Selly Oak not only has a multitude of stores and places to eat, but it is also only one train ride away from the ever-growing nightlife of Birmingham City Centre.

Looking for a Summer Let or Accommodation in the Fall? 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!

Why Our Summer Lets Could Be Perfect For You

Why Our Summer Lets Could Be Perfect For You

Are you looking to experience the summer in Birmingham? Our Summer lets are a great option! Our student properties are right in the heart of Selly Oak and will give you the flexibility of exploring the lovely student city of Birmingham. You will also have a chance to meet up with your university friends and try a wide range of activities happening this summer including festivals, day events and lots more. Still not convinced? Keep reading to see why renting our student summer accommodation can be beneficial to you. 

Convenience: If you're a student and have summer classes, internships, or research projects for your university course, renting summer accommodation allows you to stay close to campus. This eliminates the hassle of commuting long distances and will save you time and money.

Continuity: Renting summer accommodation ensures continuity in your living arrangements. Instead of moving out of your current student accommodation at the end of the academic year and then finding a new place for the next academic year, you can simply transition from your regular accommodation to summer housing. This eliminates the need to find temporary housing or deal with the stress of moving twice.

Flexibility: Summer accommodation typically offers more flexibility in terms of rent duration. You can rent for a shorter period, such as a few months, rather than committing to a full-year contract. This is particularly useful if you have plans to travel or if you're unsure about your living situation for the upcoming academic year.

Cost-sharing: If you have roommates during the academic year, renting summer accommodation together can help distribute the cost among multiple people. This can make summer housing more affordable and economical for everyone involved.

Access to Amenities: Many student summer accommodation provides access to various amenities such as communal spaces, study rooms, gyms, laundry facilities and social events. These amenities can enhance your summer living experience and contribute to a well-rounded student living experience.

Networking Opportunities: Living in student summer accommodation allows you to interact with other students who may come from different academic backgrounds or institutions. This can foster networking opportunities, broaden your social circle, and potentially lead to new friendships or collaborations.

Rent Includes Bills: In our modernly designed properties, the cost of rent includes utility bills and broadband too. Many of our properties also have private parking, round-the-clock security, CCTV and a ready team to attend to your maintenance needs at all times. 

It's important to note that the reasons for renting summer accommodation may vary depending on individual circumstances. Consider your specific needs, budget, and plans for the summer before deciding whether renting student summer accommodation is the right choice for you. 

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!