{"id":10349,"date":"2025-09-15T10:13:49","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T09:13:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/accommodation\/?p=10349"},"modified":"2025-09-15T10:13:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T09:13:50","slug":"how-to-settle-into-uni-life-after-moving-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/accommodation\/how-to-settle-into-uni-life-after-moving-in\/","title":{"rendered":"How to settle into uni life after moving in"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Student Sophie Tomlinson shares her experiences and top tips on settling into university life after moving in.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Imagine this: you’re a first-year undergraduate at the University of Exeter, and you\u2019ve just arrived at your new home for the year \u2013 your student accommodation. It\u2019s an exciting time, full of new experiences, people, and opportunities. But let\u2019s be honest \u2013 it can also feel overwhelming. Adjusting to a new environment and lifestyle isn\u2019t always easy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news? With a little perseverance and an open mind, you\u2019ll soon find your rhythm. Discovering activities you enjoy and building connections will help make your university journey both fun and fulfilling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some helpful tips to make settling into campus life a little easier:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Get to know your flatmates<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Your\u00a0flatmates\u00a0are likely the first people you’ll meet at university, and they can play a big role in shaping your first-year experience. Since you\u2019ll 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 \u2013 in\u00a0fact, I’m living with some of them again next year in an off-campus house! Spending time together, whether it\u2019s cooking, watching films, or simply chatting in the kitchen, can really help you feel at home.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Personalise\u00a0Your Space<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Explore Residence Life Activities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Residence Life Team<\/a> 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.\u00a0It\u2019s 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Aside from events taking place in accommodation, ResLife also\u00a0organise\u00a0trips to areas throughout the South West. Many of the trips are\u00a0subsidised, making them budget-friendly too. One highlight for me was a trip to Bristol during my first year \u2013 it was such a fun day out and a great way to explore beyond campus.\u00a0\u00a0 As part of the Wellbeing team, Residence Life are also really supportive if you\u2019re feeling anxious about attending events \u2013 their mentors are approachable and happy to help make any necessary adjustments for accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Take Scenic Walks Around Campus<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Exeter is known for its beautiful, green campuses, offering a peaceful and inspiring setting for both study and downtime. One of my\u00a0favourite\u00a0places 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.\u00a0Find out more on the Grounds Team webpages<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. If You\u2019re in Self-Catered Accommodation: Enjoy Home Comforts and Experiment with New Meals<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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\u00a0favourite\u00a0home 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\u00a0flatmates\u00a0is also a great way to bond, and you might even discover a new\u00a0favourite\u00a0dish together! \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Join a Society (or Try Something Solo)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Settling into university life can feel like a big step, but it\u2019s 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\u2019s path looks a little different, so take things at your own pace \u2013 and remember, it\u2019s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions along the way. But before you know it, campus will start to feel like home. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Student Sophie Tomlinson shares her experiences and top tips on settling into university life after moving in. 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