Now that term two is almost at an end, you’ve probably created your own uni life routines and made your space your own. But have you embraced loving where you live?
With Uni Mental Health Day taking place this week, the timing is perfect to consider the space around you. Would having a good spring clean help boost your mood? Is there something broken that you could ask to be fixed? Here are 5 top tips to help you love where you live.
1. Declutter your life
Having a messy or over-filled space can sometimes feel overwhelming. A tidy space can boost mental wellbeing, reduce stress and increase focus, so do you really need all of the things in your room? If you get rid of just a few things it can have a big impact. To help, the Gift it, Reuse it shop at Clydesdale House is open for donations on Wednesday 19 March, 13:00-15.30 and Thursday 27th March, 10:00-12:30.
2. Be kind to yourself and others
Learning to live with others when you first arrive at university can be a big change from what you’re used to. Having had two terms to settle in, the polite efforts of being considerate with flatmates may have slipped, so why not revisit that cleaning rota to make sure the chores are still divided equally?
Making time for your own wellbeing is also really important, and with the weather turning more spring-like, getting out and about could be just what’s needed.
3. Live sustainably
Recycling your waste in University accommodation just got easier, with most things now able to go in the dry mixed recycling bin instead of needing to be separated out. Take a look at the Recycling poster for more details.
The Sustainability Team have also created a Quick Guide to Recycling to help, and a Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Guide to show how to make the most of items before they reach the bin.
4. Keep spaces clean and safe
Now is the time for a good spring clean, whether that’s in your own room or in the communal spaces that you share. But where to start? Our Cleaning Guide video offers some quick tips and hacks to help make the chores easier.
You might have also experienced the inconvenience of having to evacuate your accommodation when the fire alarm goes off. You can keep the accidental fire alarms to a minimum, as well as importantly keeping yourself and others safe from fire risks, by taking a few small steps:
- Place appliances like air-fryers on heat-proof surfaces and away from walls
- Charge electrical items (laptops and phones) on a desk rather then on your bed or carpet
- Don’t prop fire doors open or leave your cooking unattended
Take a look at our Fire Safety section on the website for more information.
5. Report things that need to be fixed
There’s nothing more annoying than putting up with something that doesn’t work properly. Whether it’s a broken appliance or mould starting to form, doing something about maintenance issues will help to keep your living spaces inviting and comfortable.
You might be able to resolve some issues yourself, such as opening windows for 10 minutes each day and closing the bathroom door after taking a shower to prevent mould. You can also use a free defrosting kit (available from your Residence Reception) on your freezer when it needs it.
Other maintenance problems need the team to come and fix them, and there are no charges for general faults. Details of how to report a fault or maintenance issue can be found here.
We hope you’ve found these five tips helpful to keep your student accommodation an enjoyable and relaxing to live. You can find more information on the love where you web page. Here’s to making the most of your remaining time in university accommodation!