Student Sophie Tomlinson shares her experiences and top tips on settling into university life after moving in.
Imagine this: you’re a first-year undergraduate at the University of Exeter, and you’ve just arrived at your new home for the year – your student accommodation. It’s an exciting time, full of new experiences, people, and opportunities. But let’s be honest – it can also feel overwhelming. Adjusting to a new environment and lifestyle isn’t always easy.
The good news? With a little perseverance and an open mind, you’ll soon find your rhythm. Discovering activities you enjoy and building connections will help make your university journey both fun and fulfilling.
Here are some helpful tips to make settling into campus life a little easier:
- Get to know your flatmates
Your flatmates are likely the first people you’ll meet at university, and they can play a big role in shaping your first-year experience. Since you’ll be seeing each other regularly, it’s a great opportunity to build lasting friendships. I was lucky enough to have a fantastic group in my first year – in fact, I’m living with some of them again next year in an off-campus house! Spending time together, whether it’s cooking, watching films, or simply chatting in the kitchen, can really help you feel at home.
2. Personalise Your Space
Student accommodation can sometimes feel a bit bare at first, but adding personal touches can make a big difference. I decorated my room with posters, photos from home, a painting my little sister gave me as a going-away present, and a few plants to bring the space to life. It helped make my room feel cozy, familiar and created a space that felt like mine.
3. Explore Residence Life Activities
The Residence Life Team run a wide range of trips and socials designed to help you meet fellow students, both within your accommodation and across the wider university community. It’s definitely worth attending these events, as living on your own can sometimes feel isolating, and the regular activities on offer are designed to help you feel more connected and supported.
Aside from events taking place in accommodation, ResLife also organise trips to areas throughout the South West. Many of the trips are subsidised, making them budget-friendly too. One highlight for me was a trip to Bristol during my first year – it was such a fun day out and a great way to explore beyond campus. As part of the Wellbeing team, Residence Life are also really supportive if you’re feeling anxious about attending events – their mentors are approachable and happy to help make any necessary adjustments for accessibility.
4. Take Scenic Walks Around Campus
Exeter is known for its beautiful, green campuses, offering a peaceful and inspiring setting for both study and downtime. One of my favourite places is Reed Hall, a stunning Grade II listed building surrounded by landscaped gardens, which is perfect for a moment of calm between lectures. I also loved wandering through the Belvidere Meadows, which you can access from various points around campus. I met lots of dogs on walks! These walks helped me unwind, clear my head, and make sure I was getting some fresh air, even during busy study days. Find out more on the Grounds Team webpages.
5. If You’re in Self-Catered Accommodation: Enjoy Home Comforts and Experiment with New Meals
Cooking for yourself can feel like a chore at first, especially after a long day of lectures, but for me it quickly became a comforting routine. Recreating your favourite home meals can bring a sense of familiarity, while experimenting with new recipes adds a bit of fun and independence to your daily life. Cooking with your flatmates is also a great way to bond, and you might even discover a new favourite dish together!
6. Join a Society (or Try Something Solo)
Societies are a brilliant way to meet like-minded people and get involved in something you enjoy but you don’t have to stress about having someone to go with! I joined BodySoc in my first year and attended lots of exercise classes like yoga and pilates. While I sometimes went with friends, I often went alone, and that turned out to be really valuable. It became a form of solo self-care as it was a chance to reset, de-stress, and do something just for me.
Settling into university life can feel like a big step, but it’s also the beginning of an exciting and transformative journey. By getting involved, making your space feel like home, and staying open to new experiences, you’ll soon find your place and your people. Everyone’s path looks a little different, so take things at your own pace – and remember, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions along the way. But before you know it, campus will start to feel like home.