{"id":6441,"date":"2022-09-06T11:00:53","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T11:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.exeter.ac.uk\/accommodation\/?p=6441"},"modified":"2024-02-07T14:16:26","modified_gmt":"2024-02-07T14:16:26","slug":"guest-post-top-5-things-to-do-when-you-arrive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/accommodation\/guest-post-top-5-things-to-do-when-you-arrive\/","title":{"rendered":"Guest post: Top 5 things to do when you arrive"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello everyone. It’s September already so that means we’re on the countdown to arrivals! To help get you prepared, today we have a guest blog from current student Rebecca Johnson who is sharing her advice on the top five things to do when you first arrive.<\/p>\n

When I first moved into student residences, these were the first things I did to ensure I acclimatised myself quickly and felt right at home.<\/p>\n

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  1. Become familiar with your surroundings and explore your new accommodation.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    After you\u2019ve seen your room, found where the bathrooms are located, the kitchen and any common or study areas your building has, familiarise yourself with what\u2019s outside. Locate your residence reception, if you haven\u2019t already, along with the nearest laundry facilities.<\/p>\n

    Then, get to know the campus – you\u2019ll also want to take note of the nearest convenience store to you \u2013 most likely a Market Place shop<\/a> on campus or local Co-Op. This will come in handy for any immediately needed supplies. Then, take a quick trip to the Forum building at the centre of the Streatham campus and, when you have your timetable, the buildings where most of your lectures\/tutorials or seminars will take place.<\/p>\n

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    1. Explore Exeter and get your necessities.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      It\u2019s nearly impossible to pack everything in a suitcase or a car. I have fond memories of walking with my new flatmates to the centre of the city to pick up some essentials and some groceries! Princesshay<\/a> shopping area and the Guildhall<\/a> shopping centre is just a short walk from campus and most residences, and you\u2019ll find everything you need. There is a Sainsburys Central and Tesco Express in the city centre or there is also a large Morrisons supermarket not too far if you\u2019d like to do a full grocery shop. Another great place to visit, perhaps on your first weekend, is the nearby IKEA which you can reach by bus. My flatmates and I went here to pick up d\u00e9cor for our bedrooms and kitchen.<\/p>\n

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      1. Take a look at all of the Freshers\u2019 events and follow the appropriate social media accounts! <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        It\u2019s worth following the societies you\u2019re interested in on social media as they will publicise their events here. The Exeter Students\u2019 Guild<\/a> website will have all the up-to-date information too. You might find it handy to follow the Guilds\u2019 Instagram: @exeterguild. Be sure to have a look at the Give it a Go events and society events too!<\/p>\n

        You can visit the Freshers\u2019 Fair<\/a> taking place on Streatham on Thursday 22nd<\/sup> September and on St Luke\u2019s on Friday 23rd<\/sup> September to see the societies on offer, grab memberships and ask any questions you might have to the society committees. Plan out all the exciting taster sessions and social events you want to go to during the first week in Exeter and see what your flatmates are up to as well. Putting yourself out there and getting involved in as much as you can at the start is a guaranteed way to make friends and feel settled.<\/p>\n

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        1. Make sure you\u2019ve checked your emails and have done the necessary admin! <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          It\u2019s not the most fun but it is important. Perhaps you need to change your GP to one in Exeter, set up a student bank account, sign up for a student railcard or double check your student loan has been sorted. You\u2019ll feel a lot better knowing that all of this has been handled and that you can enjoy your first week without any worries!<\/p>\n

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          1. Have a housewarming get together with your new flatmates! <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            You are bound to make wonderful friends in the societies you join and, on your course, but you\u2019ll be seeing a lot of your flatmates throughout the year. It\u2019s good to make an effort with them at the start and hopefully you\u2019ll all become great friends. Perhaps you can arrange to go to the same events or club nights or plan a night in and watch a movie together in your living space.<\/p>\n

            For help and further information on Rebecca\u2019s recommendations, visit the various websites below:<\/p>\n