Moving into university halls is an exciting experience but can also be a very stressful one. I have done it a total of 3 times, so I know what I am talking about!
However, moving in and out of university halls three times has given me the opportunity to come up with a few tips and tricks on how to make the whole move-in experience a lot easier!
Hopefully, by sharing this advice with you, I can make your move-in day a lot less stressful!
If you are still wondering what to pack for moving into university halls, why not also check out my University Packing Guide!
Coming to study at the Unversity of Aberdeen but not sure yet which accommodation to choose? Check out my Guide to Student Accommodation in Aberdeen!
So, without further ado, here are my top 10 tips for moving into university halls:
10 Tips for Moving into University Halls
#1 Pack “lightly”
Now, I don’t mean this in the sense that you should only bring a small amount of things (although you shouldn’t go too crazy, as the rooms are often quite small).
Instead, I mean that you have to remember that you might be walking up several flights of stairs to your room and there might not be a lift.
So, don’t fill boxes/bags/suitcases with so many things that they are impossible for you to lift – trust me, I’ve been there and it’s no fun.
Trying to carry heavy boxes up stairs is a nightmare
It’s a lot better to pack your things into a few carrier bags that you are actually able to lift, even if it means having to make multiple trips up the stairs.
#2 Say goodbye to your parents fairly soon
I know this may sound harsh, but it is definitely a good piece of advice. It’s great to let your parents see your room, help you carry in all your things or help you unpack a little. But then it´s better, in my opinion, for them to leave.
Firstly, saying goodbye is always going to be painful so it’s best to just get it over with. Or, if they are still staying in town then you can always meet up with them again later!
But with your parents gone, it is much easier for your other flatmates to come in and have a chat with you. You are far more approachable when you are on your own. When the parents are around it’s often a bit more awkward to go up and speak to someone.
Also, it gives you some more space to unpack, because trust me, the rooms in halls are often so small, you´ll hardly be able to move if there are too many people in it…
#3 Make your bed first
It’s late, your tired and all you want to do is go to bed. But there is stuff spread all over it, the duvet is still wrapped in its plastic and you don’t even know where the sheets are…
I have been there, and it’s not a great feeling.
Although it is good to try and unpack everything as soon as possible, you might just not get around to it on the first day.
My top advice would be to at least make time to make your bed as soon as you arrive! So, remember to keep your duvet, pillows and sheets somewhere handy!
With the bed made, you can then dump other things on it whilst trying to unpack. And even if you don´t unpack much, at least when you eventually want to go to bed, you can just move things off it and go straight to sleep…😊
#4 Label your boxes.
This may seem obvious to you, but I made the mistake that I had thrown items for different places into the same box. That made it difficult to collect all my kitchen items and take them over in a oner. I kept finding something else that belonged in the kitchen as I continued to unpack!
So, I´d recommend keeping the items for your room, kitchen and bathroom separate and label the box.
Also, keep your bedding handy in an extra bag so that you can make your bed first thing, as mentioned in tip #3.
#5 Bring a key hook.
I had a flatmate in first year who I would always walk to uni with (we had mostly the same courses). But she was ALWAYS late in the morning. Not because she wasn’t ready to go, but because she couldn’t find her key amongst all the mess in her room!
In some halls you cannot get back into your room without the key so it is really important to always have it handy!
I’d advise you to bring or buy a little key hook and hang it beside the door. I did this and I can really recommend it!
As soon as I entered my room, I would hang my key there. That way I always knew were it was and could quickly grab it before leaving the room.
#6 Try to arrive early.
If it´s possible, I would recommend arriving as early as possible. Not only does this give you more time to unpack, explore the area and meet your flatmates, but also means you can bagsy the best cupboards in the kitchen…
This may seem like a rather selfish thought, but trust me it will be worth it (especially if you end up not liking some of your flatmates…)!
I´d recommend, if possible, to find a cupboard/drawer that is near the fridge, and slightly further away from the hobs/oven and work surface. That way when other people are in the kitchen cooking or preparing their dinner, you can still access your cupboards without constantly having to say “excuse me” and ask people to move out of the way so that you can get out something that you want.
#7 Check what your hall provides before you buy.
This is an important thing to think about when packing for moving into university halls. Your room will be pretty small, so you don’t want to have any things in it that you don´t need!
Check what your halls provide (you might want to email them if it doesn´t say on their website) to check if there will be a paper bin, desk lamp, iron etc. Because you really don´t want to have items twice, as it will only take up space that you don´t have!
#8 Agree to share things with your flatmates
Linking to tip #7, wait to buy a few kitchen items before moving into halls.
Items like kitchen scales, colanders or sandwich makers take up a lot of space and are something that could be used by everyone!
Wait and see what individual people bring and ask if you could all share a particular item. Or go shopping together and buy a colander or a clothes airer that you can all agree to share.
That saves money, space and keeps the kitchen clutter-free!
#9 Things you might not have thought to pack:
- Toilet roll, hand wash and cleaning materials:
There is nothing worse than arriving at halls bursting for the loo, but not having any toilet paper or soap to wash your hands! So don´t forget to pack some so that you have something for when you arrive.
You also might want to give the bathroom and some bits of the bedroom a clean when you arrive – things might have got a bit dusty over the summer! - Doorstop:
The doors in university halls are all fire doors and are often on a strong hinge. The doors can be extremely heavy and them closing every time you enter your room can be extremely annoying.
I therefore recommend you bring a heavy, non-slip doorstop with you. I have found that a simple wedge is often not enough definitely invest in a heavier weight. Not only does a doorstop make moving things in and out of your room easier, but it also allows you to keep your door propped open.
That is great, especially for move-in-day, when you want your new flatmates to know that you have arrived and make them feel like they can come over and say hi. It also means you will hear/see when other people arrive, and you can go out and introduce yourself. - Over-door Hangers:
Space is limited in your room so you might be glad for some extra hanging space for coats and bags. Often, you won´t be able to hang anything over the door to your room (as it is a fire door), but often you can use an over-door hanger on the bathroom door (if you have an en-suite) or over the wardrobe door. - Coat Hangers:
Talking about the wardrobe, don´t forget to bring coat hangers… I did… Whoops! - Command Hooks/String/Bluetack:
Remember to bring something to hang up any pictures or posters that you bring! Most halls won´t allow you to use pins, but bluetack or command hooks should be fine! - Adapters
If you are coming to the UK from abroad, don´t forget to bring an adapter in order to charge your phone/laptop when you arrive!
#10 Relax and enjoy yourself!
Once you have arrived and started to unpack just try and relax and enjoy yourself! Get to know your flatmates by having a games night or going out to dinner. Why not explore the surrounding area together or go and do your first food shop? Check out my post here on How To Bond With Your Flatmates.
University halls also often organise welcome events on move-in-weekend, so make sure you go to those for free food and meeting people from other flats!
I really hope you have enjoyed these 10 Tips for Moving into University Halls and they make your move-in-day a lot more relaxing for you!
Here’s to a great start at university, I wish you all the best of luck and an amazing time! University is meant to be fun – enjoy yourselves!
