Tips for settling in and getting on with your housemates

There are lots of different ways to get to know each other. You might go to all the Students’ Union welcome events, or have your meals at the same time, or figure out how to get around your new campus together. 

If you have any questions, you’re welcome to ask students who are already at uni, and see how if they have any other good tips.

Here are some tips to help. 

If you’re nervous or adjusting to your new surroundings, the last thing you want to do is go hungry. So have an idea of what you’d like to get at the supermarket, or see if you can get some of it the day before you move in – then you won’t have to run to the shops on day 1.

Plus, sharing food or eating together is a nice, easy way to spend time with your housemates. Here's some tips on navigating the food shop for student accommodation.

As well as welcome sessions for your course, your Students’ Union will run a series of welcome events designed to help you get to know people and have a good time. These are such good ways to spend time with your housemates, as well as keeping an eye out for people you’ve met in your first course welcome sessions.
Each uni has a different range of events – but they could include:

• comedy nights
• club nights
• film screenings
• sporting events
• pub crawls
• chances to join student societies
• tours of your campus

And you might finish with a ball to celebrate the start of uni – think DJs and getting dressed up (rather than ball gowns and canapés). We've got lots of great tips on meeting people at uni to help you settle in.

You’ll be living and studying in your uni room a lot. Check what your new room looks like, so when you’re getting things like bedding you can decide what’s the best colour. For study room walls and curtains etc, the colours will probably be neutral, or maybe with one primary colour – you could take a virtual tour of your accommodation to check. Then you can choose things that work and feel homey.

• Duvet cover and pillows (if you take a couple of sets in different patterns and colours, this is a really easy way to switch up your decor).
• Flags (if you’re allowed bunting or to hang a national flag etc.).
• Lights or a desk lamp.
• Postcards for your desk or noticeboard.
• A houseplant.
• Cushions and throws to make it feel cosy.
• Photos and momentoes to remind you of family and friends.

If you’re outdoorsy, bring your tennis rackets, skateboards, footballs, running shoes etc – playing games together is a great way to get to know each other and let off steam. Or see if there’s a local games night or board game café. You could also check if anyone has a games console or a favourite multiplayer app. 

Even if you don’t immediately hit it off with some of your housemates, you’re all in the same boat – uni is a new experience. So you’ll all need a hand with things, like where (and how?) to do laundry, how to cook tasty and affordable food, and how to not get lost on campus.

If you’re exploring or going to events together, look out for each other. Even if you’re very different people, you’ll be able to connect by helping each other out.

One of the best things about uni is meeting people who have different interests and backgrounds. If you don’t have that much in common at first, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. See what they’re into – you might enjoy trying out some new interests or hobbies, or they might know loads about a subject or place you’ve always wanted to know more about.