Be friendly and open<\/strong><\/h2>\nIt might sound obvious, but a simple smile or \u201chi\u201d can go a long way in those first few days. Everyone is nervous about making friends, and showing that you\u2019re approachable helps break the ice. Try keeping your bedroom door open as you\u2019re settling in, or invite a flatmate in for a chat over a cup of tea. Putting out some snacks or a game in the kitchen to share is also a great way to get people together. And don\u2019t worry if you\u2019re not sure what to say – even small questions like \u2018Where are you from?\u2019 or \u2018Have you explored campus yet?\u2019 can spark a conversation. Those little chats are often the first steps to lasting friendships.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust be kind, be friendly, and be respectful. These will be the people that you live with for the year, and if you\u2019re able to make friends with even just a few of them at the very beginning, it makes the start so much easier as you know that you\u2019ve got someone to talk to and spend time with as you find your feet, branch out, and make new friends.”<\/em><\/p>\nIsobel, Drama and Theatre student<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/files\/2024\/09\/Friednly-and-open.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Set ground rules early<\/strong><\/h2>\nIt might not be the most exciting task, but sorting out house rules makes life a lot easier. You and your flatmates are responsible for keeping your accommodation clean, so once you\u2019ve settled in, have a quick flat meeting to agree on things like cleaning, noise, guests, and shared spaces. You could make a cleaning rota or decide when to keep noise to a minimum. Sorting this out early helps prevent arguments and makes everyone feel respected. If it helps, you can make these flat meetings a regular thing – over time, they might become a great opportunity to catch up and check in with each other.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t hesitate to talk to your flatmates and eventually establish some rules you will all be okay with! It will help you a lot and relieve some stress.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nCassiopee, Digital Arts student<\/strong><\/p>\nGet involved<\/strong><\/h2>\nUni is packed with opportunities to get stuck in and meet people. Whether it\u2019s Welcome Week events<\/a>, ResLife activities<\/a>, or joining a club or society<\/a>, saying \u201cyes\u201d is a brilliant way to make friends. Even something simple like hosting a movie night or playing a board game in your flat can bring people together. The more you get involved, the quicker you\u2019ll feel part of the community. You don\u2019t have to say yes to everything – it\u2019s important to rest too – but being open to new experiences, like a quiz night, society taster, or even a last-minute day trip, can lead to some of your best memories at uni.<\/p>\n\u201cDon\u2019t be afraid of not being able to make friends. It is so easy to meet people by joining societies and sports clubs. Also, make sure you find your work-life balance; otherwise you could fall behind easily. Don\u2019t forget you\u2019re here to study hard but also enjoy new experiences.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nYasemin, Law student<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/files\/2024\/09\/Get-involved.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Be considerate of others<\/strong><\/h2>\nYou\u2019ll be living with people from different places, backgrounds, and cultures, each with their own habits and routines. Maybe your flatmate loves early mornings while you\u2019re more of a night owl, or perhaps they have food traditions you\u2019ve never heard of before. Respecting and celebrating these differences helps make your flat a friendly, welcoming place. Little things like cleaning up after yourself when cooking, keeping shared spaces tidy, wearing headphones for music, and keeping noise down late at night all go a long way in avoiding tension and making life easier for everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave patience. Create a group chat with your flatmates because communication is key!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nLiliya, Law student<\/strong><\/p>\nDecorate your room<\/strong><\/h2>\nYour uni room is your own space, so it\u2019s worth making it feel homely. A few cosy, personal touches can ease homesickness and help you feel settled. Photos of family, friends, or pets are a simple way to make your room feel more like home – stick them where you\u2019ll see them every day. Throws and cushions make the space warmer, while plants (real or fake!) add colour and life. Posters, art, or even a wall calendar can brighten bare walls. Keep it comfy and personal without overcrowding. Just check the Accommodation Handbook<\/a> first, so you don\u2019t decorate with anything that isn\u2019t allowed.<\/p>\n\u201cHouseplants are great for your bedroom, as they brighten up the space and have a positive effect on your mood.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nDaisy, Anthropology student<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/files\/2024\/09\/Decorate-your-room.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Balance fun and study<\/strong><\/h2>\nIt\u2019s easy to get caught up in the social side of university – there\u2019s always something going on. While it\u2019s important to make time for fun, don\u2019t forget your studies. Keeping on top of lectures and assignments will save you stress later and help you enjoy social time guilt-free. Finding the right balance is key to a happy uni life.<\/p>\n
Look after yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\nStarting university is a big change, so it\u2019s important to take care of yourself. Make sure you\u2019re eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks when you need them. It\u2019s normal to feel homesick or overwhelmed sometimes, so don\u2019t be too hard on yourself. Looking after your mental and physical health will make settling in much easier. You don\u2019t need to have everything figured out straight away – and if you\u2019re finding things tricky, whether it\u2019s academically or personally, there\u2019s lots of support available. Your Residential Life Assistants (RLAs)<\/a>, student support services<\/a>, and even your flatmates are there to help. Asking for help isn\u2019t a weakness – it\u2019s a smart way to look after yourself.<\/p>\n\u201cStudying is important in life, but so is self-care. If everything gets too much, just step back for a bit and focus again, because, no matter what happens, you have to be your own top priority.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nYasemin, Law student<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/files\/2024\/09\/man-studying.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Living with new people can feel like a big step, but it\u2019s also one of the most rewarding parts of university life. With a little kindness, effort, and openness, you\u2019ll not only make your flat feel like home but also build friendships and memories that last long after uni.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Isobel, Drama and Theatre student<\/strong><\/p>\n It might not be the most exciting task, but sorting out house rules makes life a lot easier. You and your flatmates are responsible for keeping your accommodation clean, so once you\u2019ve settled in, have a quick flat meeting to agree on things like cleaning, noise, guests, and shared spaces. You could make a cleaning rota or decide when to keep noise to a minimum. Sorting this out early helps prevent arguments and makes everyone feel respected. If it helps, you can make these flat meetings a regular thing – over time, they might become a great opportunity to catch up and check in with each other.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t hesitate to talk to your flatmates and eventually establish some rules you will all be okay with! It will help you a lot and relieve some stress.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Cassiopee, Digital Arts student<\/strong><\/p>\n Uni is packed with opportunities to get stuck in and meet people. Whether it\u2019s Welcome Week events<\/a>, ResLife activities<\/a>, or joining a club or society<\/a>, saying \u201cyes\u201d is a brilliant way to make friends. Even something simple like hosting a movie night or playing a board game in your flat can bring people together. The more you get involved, the quicker you\u2019ll feel part of the community. You don\u2019t have to say yes to everything – it\u2019s important to rest too – but being open to new experiences, like a quiz night, society taster, or even a last-minute day trip, can lead to some of your best memories at uni.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid of not being able to make friends. It is so easy to meet people by joining societies and sports clubs. Also, make sure you find your work-life balance; otherwise you could fall behind easily. Don\u2019t forget you\u2019re here to study hard but also enjoy new experiences.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Yasemin, Law student<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ll be living with people from different places, backgrounds, and cultures, each with their own habits and routines. Maybe your flatmate loves early mornings while you\u2019re more of a night owl, or perhaps they have food traditions you\u2019ve never heard of before. Respecting and celebrating these differences helps make your flat a friendly, welcoming place. Little things like cleaning up after yourself when cooking, keeping shared spaces tidy, wearing headphones for music, and keeping noise down late at night all go a long way in avoiding tension and making life easier for everyone.<\/p>\n \u201cHave patience. Create a group chat with your flatmates because communication is key!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Liliya, Law student<\/strong><\/p>\n Your uni room is your own space, so it\u2019s worth making it feel homely. A few cosy, personal touches can ease homesickness and help you feel settled. Photos of family, friends, or pets are a simple way to make your room feel more like home – stick them where you\u2019ll see them every day. Throws and cushions make the space warmer, while plants (real or fake!) add colour and life. Posters, art, or even a wall calendar can brighten bare walls. Keep it comfy and personal without overcrowding. Just check the Accommodation Handbook<\/a> first, so you don\u2019t decorate with anything that isn\u2019t allowed.<\/p>\n \u201cHouseplants are great for your bedroom, as they brighten up the space and have a positive effect on your mood.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Daisy, Anthropology student<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to get caught up in the social side of university – there\u2019s always something going on. While it\u2019s important to make time for fun, don\u2019t forget your studies. Keeping on top of lectures and assignments will save you stress later and help you enjoy social time guilt-free. Finding the right balance is key to a happy uni life.<\/p>\n Starting university is a big change, so it\u2019s important to take care of yourself. Make sure you\u2019re eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks when you need them. It\u2019s normal to feel homesick or overwhelmed sometimes, so don\u2019t be too hard on yourself. Looking after your mental and physical health will make settling in much easier. You don\u2019t need to have everything figured out straight away – and if you\u2019re finding things tricky, whether it\u2019s academically or personally, there\u2019s lots of support available. Your Residential Life Assistants (RLAs)<\/a>, student support services<\/a>, and even your flatmates are there to help. Asking for help isn\u2019t a weakness – it\u2019s a smart way to look after yourself.<\/p>\n \u201cStudying is important in life, but so is self-care. If everything gets too much, just step back for a bit and focus again, because, no matter what happens, you have to be your own top priority.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Yasemin, Law student<\/strong><\/p>\n Living with new people can feel like a big step, but it\u2019s also one of the most rewarding parts of university life. With a little kindness, effort, and openness, you\u2019ll not only make your flat feel like home but also build friendships and memories that last long after uni.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\nSet ground rules early<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Get involved<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nBe considerate of others<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Decorate your room<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nBalance fun and study<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Look after yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n