The Information and Advice Service Guide to…

Moving into Halls

Moving into halls can be both scary and exciting, remember everyone else will be in the same situation so spend some time in the

communal areas, stick the kettle on as chat to your new flat mates. Join in with as many of the activities as you are able to, your

Students’ Union will put on lots of non-club events so everyone can get involved.

As you move into your halls there are a few practical thing you can do to help you have your deposit returned at the end of the year.

You should:

Check your inventory thoroughly

Email your halls manager with any discrepancies with the inventory

Take photos of each item on the inventory

Take close up photos of any existing damage marks or stains

Email these photos to yourself to provide a time and date stamp.

There are a few things you can do to make you room feel more like home

Photos An obvious one, but these really can do wonders for a bare room. Pictures of familiar faces will make it feel your own,

and can really comfort you when homesickness strikes. Photos can also prove a talking point with friends, or serve as an ice-

breaker with new hall mates who pop their head round your room door for a friendly snoop: “Who are they?” “You look so

much like your mum!!” etc.

Keep a few snacks at hand This may sound silly, but keeping a tin of biscuits, a bag of satsumas and some squash in your

room can really help if you’re feeling a craving but don’t feel up to braving the communal kitchen in your pyjamas, or are

feeling ill or a bit down.

Here’s a bit of a girly one: candles Now I would love to suggest bringing these as a way to make your room instantly cosier of

an evening, but the reality is that most halls probably won’t allow these for health and safety reasons. You can, however, get

little battery-powered tea-lights that will give a similar effect, without the fire risk!

A plant … to sit on the windowsill could help freshen up your room, while giving you a sense of achievement in being able to

keep something other than yourself alive… although mine died. Don’t tell the teacher who gave it to me!

Ensuite bathroom goodies If you are lucky enough to have bagged an en suite bathroom, little additions such as a colourful

bath/shower mat, towels, or an unusual liquid soap to stand on the basin (you can get great ones really cheap at TkMaxx)

can make it feel less clinical, more homely.

Bedding As a major part of the small student bedroom, it is nice if your bed is dressed nicely with a favourite duvet cover. I

brought a beautiful quilt that I got for my 18th birthday to my room in halls – it really added a touch of home.

Cushions Whether you’re a girl or a boy, your halls bed will double up as a sofa, so, whoever you are, it’s nice to have a few

of these to prop yourself up2. Photos An obvious one, but these really can do wonders for a bare room. Pictures of familiar

faces will make it feel your own, and can really comfort you when homesickness strikes. Photos can also prove a talking

point with friends, or serve as an ice-breaker with new hall mates who pop their head round your room door for a friendly

snoop: “Who are they?” “You look so much like your mum!!” etc

Some kind of stool Another slightly random suggestion perhaps, but a useful one that may not be at the top of your list! My

mum suggested I invested in a little fold-down stool last year; it can become an extra seat when friends come round, but will

also be a great help if you have high wardrobe or book shelves to get to.

Please remember that not everyone will be out every night and to respect your flat mates and neighbours when you come home by

letting them slepp.