Fresher guide to moving to universities

Moving to university (with or without using delivery companies) does not mean there will be lots of funs ahead–

moving from your home with all luxuries such as plasma TVs, Wii etc to an empty room on campus might not sound very appealing. However, once you have all your possessions sorted and have made your first friends, mum and dad will be nothing more than a distant memory. So settle into University as quickly as possible. It will give you more free time to party away the night, eat your own weight in take-away and sleep until the afternoon. So, get past the setting up part of Uni as quickly as possible and start enjoying the fun stuff as soon as you can.

Halls of residence

Some first year students will end up in halls of residence or “Halls” for short, which are flats and buildings privately owned by the University, designed to cater to their students. You will be in capable hands and in nearly every case there will be people specifically appointed to help you move in to your new room.

It is obvious why so many students spend their first year in Halls. They are usually at the centre of campus life and within stumbling distance of subject buildings and lecture theatres. Commonly, costs and utilities are incorporated into the accommodation charge. But best of all you get to share your first year experience with hundreds of fresher’s in same situation.

Remember: If you want to have a TV at your place you are going to have to pay for a your own separate TV licence - it's the law!!

Living on your own

Most students will end up having to arrange their own private housing with other students they have only met for the first time. The process of finding your house can be daunting and you will likely not find your perfect place straight away. Do not rush into signing on the dotted line though! Your Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement aka your contract, should be given to a respected individual for review. The university will often have an expert at hand to go over student housing contracts.

More so than with hall of residence, you will need to create an accommodation budget as there are extra financial concerns when in private housing. You should check to see how much you will be paying for utilities such as water, heating and electricity. Read the house’s meter upon arrival and write it down. The company you choose should given a reading of the meter. This will avoid the unpleasant surprise of having to foot the bill of the previous tenants. Organise the internet and landline for the house or apartment.

Remember, a TV licence is a legal requirement if you you're going to be watching TV in your own room. We imagine you will be! You will have to pay the dreaded council tax if you're a part-time student. If you are unsure whether you need to pay or not, contact your University – they will be happy to help.

An inventory can be a life-saver when trying to claim back the deposit at the end of the year. Do not sign your contract before creating an inventory of all the important places within the house as well as taking photos as proof. Any damages should be documented and a copy made for your landlord to sign. It might sound like overkill but you’ll thank us when your landlord claims the hole in the wall was all you’re doing!

Staying safe

Students are unfortunately a target for local thieves, so do as much as you can to protect your abode and possessions. The first rule, one that is neglected a surprising number of times, is to lock up. Burglars can often pry open windows that are only slightly ajar, so make sure they are locked shut as well as any doors. your new house should come with a burglar alarm and if yours doesn't, badger your landlord to get one installed.

Insurance

Make an inventory of all the possessions you wish to insure. At the very least you should have your laptop insured against theft as they are the most commonly stolen possession from student accommodation. University will often be partnered with a insurance company who will give bespoke student insurance that covers the academic year.

moving your stuff

In most scenarios, mum and dad will be own personal delivery companies, however annoying for them that may be. If for whatever reason you can’t enlist the help of the parents to move in your possessions, then it might be necessary to hire a removals company.

You should try to pack as much as you can into two suitcases that you will be able to lug around personally. Your remaining stuff is what needs to be shipped. Work out what items you will actually use in your new place and leave anything that is non essential. You may want to pump your guns but personal gym equipment will be a chore to ship. So let the dumbbells and other non-essential items remain at home – it will save you both time and money.