Student Accommodation Halls by Heather Hilder on August 29, 2016 “Student Accommodation Halls” Students Brighton & Hove Most students live in student accommodation halls of residence in their first year of university or college. This is on the assumption that you’re moving away from home in the first place. Halls of Residence are a great place to start life as an independent student. Not only are you in your own place, but you also have a support network of peers and university staff around you. Once you’re in accommodation you’ll get the hang of it in no time. But in the meantime we’ve put together some hints (from personal experience) to give you a feel for what to expect. Life in Student Halls Check Student Mates You certainly don’t have to make the first person you meet on moving in your friend for life. Take time to meet everyone in your immediate surroundings and lasting friendships will develop naturally. Three Term Eventing Any hall worth its salt will have theme nights, formal (and informal) balls and sports events going on throughout the year, especially when everyone first moves in. Go on, sign up! You’ll meet loads of people, have lots of fun and take a break from study. What’s that smell? The laundry room and the drying room should become a regular part of your staple routine. Otherwise, when your room starts to whiff like a really stale armpit, you’ll know the reason why. TV or not TV? Get your television licence sorted as soon as possible to avoid a fine. Your halls may have a licence covering TVs in communal rooms, but you still need a licence if you’re watching the box in your own room. The right ingredients Even if you’re living in catered digs, the likelihood is that you’ll have a communal kitchen: keep it tidy or it will get disgusting. If you’re storing things in the fridge, beware them getting nicked by other residents! Safe as Houses To keep your belongings safe, lock your door whenever you leave your room and be wary of letting people you don’t recognise into your building. Also, make use of the safe if reception has one. Clean living You may be lucky enough to have a cleaner. If so, their job is to do superficial cleaning rather than peeling scores of filthy T-shirts off the floor, so avoid using it as an excuse to live in a hovel. The sound of silence By all means study in your room. It might be easier during the day than at night, particularly if other students are popping in every five minutes. If there’s a football game in the corridor outside, perhaps head to the library for peace and quiet. Student Support Staff are on hand day and night to help with any problems you might have, so don’t be afraid to ask. Many halls have student wardens that you can turn to as well if you need advice. Room with a view This is something to think about when you’ve lived in halls for a few months. Time flies when you’re having fun but start scoping out who you might want to live with in your second year. If everyone’s in agreement you can start looking early. Callaways offer a comprehensive letting service and let many properties in Brighton & Hove to UK and Overseas Students. Competition for good properties is extremely high with many students chasing the same accommodation. To avoid not getting what you want we recommend you do your research early and visit our website or pop in and see us to find out what is available by location and budget.
