In the meantime, there are ways to make the transition easier. Stay connected with home\u2014FaceTime your family, message your friends, keep a little bit of your old life with you. Create a solid routine to help things feel normal. And most importantly, cut yourself some slack! Settling in isn\u2019t instant, but when it happens, you\u2019ll be so glad you stuck it out.<\/p>\n
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Practical Tips for the Move<\/h3>\nPacking for University<\/h4>\n
A huge step in the process of moving\u2014packing. A mix of excitement, stress, and wondering if you really need to bring that random decorative cushion you\u2019ve never used. (Spoiler: probably not.)<\/p>\n
To make life easier, stick to the essentials:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Kitchen:<\/strong> Pots, pans, cutlery, plates, bowls, tea towels.<\/li>\n
- Bedroom:<\/strong> Bedsheet (a mattress topper can also be life-changing), duvet, pillows, clothes, hangers, some cosy decor. (Don’t forget to check your bed size<\/a>!)<\/li>\n
- Bathroom:<\/strong> Towels, toiletries.<\/li>\n
- Self-Care:<\/strong> Hairbrush, hairdryer, toothbrush, toothpaste, shower stuff, skincare, medication.<\/li>\n
- Miscellaneous (aka the stuff everyone forgets):<\/strong> Scissors, tape, Blu-Tack, bin bags, cleaning supplies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
On the flip side, try not to overpack. Storage space can disappear fast, and too much clutter will only stress you out. Be ruthless\u2014channel your inner Marie Kondo. Will that item actually spark joy, or will it just collect dust?<\/p>\n
Being away from home for the first time, this is likely your first opportunity to fully own your space\u2014so have fun with it! Having a space that reflects your identity not only helps with settling in but also helps new friends get to know you. Your room is going to be home for a while, so fill it with things that bring you comfort\u2014photos, posters, and fairy lights being a few.<\/p>\n
[You may find the University’s ‘What to Pack’ blog<\/a> and prohibited items lists<\/a>\u00a0helpful]<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\n<\/div>\nSettling In at University<\/h3>\n
Finding Your Social Balance<\/h4>\n
Freshers’ Week\u2014seven days of absolute chaos, right? Not necessarily! While some will be Venue regulars, others may find the whole thing overwhelming. The good news? You get to decide how it goes. Whether you\u2019re all about clubbing or prefer arts & crafts, there\u2019s something for everyone.<\/p>\n
[Check out our amazing ResLife team<\/a> to see what’s in store]<\/strong><\/p>\n
Pushing yourself is great, but don\u2019t force yourself to be someone you\u2019re not. By doing what you actually enjoy, you\u2019ll naturally find people who share your interests\u2014and those are the friendships that last.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Exploring Your New Surroundings<\/h4>\n
Another tip. Get out and explore! Familiarise yourself with your new city, note down cool places to visit, and take plenty of photos\u2014you\u2019ll love looking back on these moments later.<\/p>\n
The first day can feel like a weird social experiment, but remember, everyone\u2019s just as nervous as you are. Be the one to say hi, knock on doors, and suggest a group hangout. If you hide in your room, you\u2019ll only make things harder for yourself (and Netflix will still be there later). Shared kitchens are a great way to bond\u2014just maybe avoid being that person who steals everyone\u2019s milk on day one.<\/p>\n
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\n<\/div>\nStaying Connected with Home<\/h3>\n
Home is where the heart is\u2014and where free laundry service used to be. It\u2019s completely normal to miss it! Some people dive headfirst into uni life, while others can feel un-anchored like they\u2019ve left a piece of themselves behind.<\/p>\n
Finding a Balance<\/h4>\n
The trick? Balance. Stay in touch, but don\u2019t let homesickness stop you from embracing your new environment. Set a routine for video calls, and don\u2019t be afraid to reach out.<\/p>\n
If homesickness hits hard, remember that university support services<\/a> exist for a reason. You\u2019re not the only one feeling this way, and there\u2019s no shame in seeking help if you need it. It also helps to plan trips home during breaks\u2014having a visit to look forward to can make all the difference.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\n<\/div>\nIndependence and Responsibility<\/h3>\n
One of the biggest changes at uni? Realising that you are now responsible for everything. This means managing your own time, cooking, cleaning, budgeting\u2014basically, being a real, functioning adult.<\/p>\n
Staying Organised<\/h4>\n
To avoid feeling like a free-falling mess, get yourself a planner (the \u2018Notion\u2019 app<\/a> can be an extremely helpful alternative!) to keep track of deadlines, events, and daily tasks. Staying organised will save you so much stress.<\/p>\n
Learning the Basics<\/h4>\n
When it comes to cooking, start simple\u2014learn a few easy meals, because surviving on super noodles will get old fast. Also, having a set laundry day is vital\u2014don\u2019t wait until you\u2019ve run out of underwear to figure out how a washing machine works.<\/p>\n
Making Decisions for Yourself<\/h4>\n
The biggest shift, though, is decision-making. Uni gives you total freedom over how you spend your time and who you surround yourself with. It\u2019s empowering, but also a bit daunting. Make choices that feel right for you, document your growth (journals can be great!), and don\u2019t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\n<\/div>\nEmbracing the New Adventure<\/h3>\n
At the end of the day, while university may seem as though it comes with a template, it really all comes down to what you make it. It\u2019s your chance to try new things, meet new people, and grow into the next version of yourself.<\/strong> Join a club or society<\/a>, pick up a new hobby, join a ResLife event<\/a>, say yes to spontaneous plans\u2014some of the best memories come from the unexpected.<\/p>\n
That being said, missing home doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ve made the wrong choice. Adjusting takes time, but as you build friendships and create routines, things will start to feel familiar.<\/p>\n
So, take a deep breath, embrace the nerves, and dive into the adventure ahead. You\u2019ve got this!<\/strong><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/files\/2025\/03\/Blog-author.jpg\")
– Kirsty<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" - Bedroom:<\/strong> Bedsheet (a mattress topper can also be life-changing), duvet, pillows, clothes, hangers, some cosy decor. (Don’t forget to check your bed size<\/a>!)<\/li>\n