Trust the process: A guide to thriving and surviving in halls

By Kashvi Cox, Second Year, English

Moving out of home and learning to navigate living independently can make the first few weeks of university seem daunting. However, it is important to remember that these first few weeks will pass, it gets easier and there is much to be excited about. Here are some tips on surviving and – most importantly – thriving during your first year living in halls.

Starting university usually means August is dedicated to Dunelm trips and farewells (amongst a lot of nerves). It’s a huge mix of emotions; eager to move on with life and gain independence, yet shaking at the thought of living in a new city with people you’ve never met. There are a lot of daunting aspects to consider, many of which will be out of your control, but there are a few things you can do to get yourself off to the best possible start in your accommodation.

First, let us start with the thing that is completely in your control: your room. While you may not be able to guarantee which room, building or location you’ll be allocated, you can make the most of what you get. Fill it with photos, fairy lights, fake plants (or real ones if you can keep them going!) and anything that makes you smile.

You want to make your room feel like a home away from home, somewhere you’ll feel comfortable spending time in throughout the coming year. It’s also a good idea to save some space on your pinboard for things you might pick up in the first few weeks; photobooth pictures from nights out or stickers from the Welcome Fair. This way, you can begin to feel the excitement of settling into this new city, and can look forward to all the memories still to come!

Perhaps your room at home hasn’t had a revamp for a while, or you have had to share with siblings. Now is the opportunity to put down your marker and go to town with the décor that just screams you. Just remember though, this room is on loan to you. Be respectful of the property and keep things relatively clean and tidy – you will only have yourself to thank when it’s time to move out in the summer. 

‘It is a good idea to get involved with Junior Common Room (JCR) events to get to know others in your accommodation’

Once you’ve taken care of your room, it is time to turn to something a little less predictable – namely, new flatmates. This can be one of the biggest anxieties for new students, but everyone is in the same boat – you can use this to your advantage. Start conversations about things you all have in common, like how you’re going to decorate your room or which societies you’re interested in. Going on a walk to explore the new area or cooking a meal together are also great ways to forge connections early on.

However, it is important to recognise your relationships with your flatmates might not always be smooth sailing and that is okay too, as long as you still feel safe and comfortable sharing a flat. It is a good idea to get involved with Junior Common Room (JCR) events to get to know others in your accommodation. You can find out about these by following your JCR on Instagram or by joining their WhatsApp group. Events last year included quiz nights, pottery painting trips, and scavenger hunts.

The first few weeks are a whirlwind of fun and excitement, but there are a few other important things to consider as well. Cleaning and bin rotas are two crucial matters to iron out with flatmates, and doing this early on will set you up well for the rest of the year. Katie, a second-year student here at Bristol, suggests setting up a group chat ‘Within the first few weeks because it becomes more awkward as time goes on’.

While some issues are common in first-year accommodation, it’s important to remember that you are not alone if there is something more serious going on. Residential Life is a team of full-time, trained support staff who offer free, confidential, and expert support to all students living in University accommodation.

The fact that students have the option of changing their first-year accommodation is often readily overlooked. If you are struggling to get on with your flatmates or the location isn’t working for you then you can apply to move. Epigram spoke to Helen, a second-year Medicine student, about her experience moving accommodations. She said: ‘Moving was the best thing that I did this year’, stressing that ‘it’s not worth it [staying in the same accommodation] it is so much better just to ask [to change]’.

If you are moving into student halls this year, remember there is help out there if you need it. There are so many things to look forward to in the coming term, from joining societies to exploring this new vibrant city. Your flatmates do not have to be your best friends but since you will be sharing a flat with them for the year, it’s important to get to know them and to make an effort to do this in the first few weeks.

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Bristol is such an exciting and diverse city and, while it can be strange adjusting to life away from home, living in halls can be such an exciting experience! You will be able to find your people, whether that be on your course, in your accommodation, or from events in Freshers Week and beyond, so trust the process and give it time.

Featured image: Epigram / Jess Cohen

What are you doing to prepare for living in halls?