Get the most from living in halls
Published on 18 September 12
Ten top tips for living in halls of residence
Here are a list of tips and advice given by students who have 'been there and done that', about what they’ve found useful and what they wished they had known;
- Bring something personal from home to put on your wall or shelves to make your new room feel like home.
- Label your cupboards so that everyone has their own kitchen space.
- Let your flatmates know when you’re not coming home, so they won’t worry when they don’t see you for days!
- If you're in catered halls always have breakfast bars in for those days you’re not up early enough for it.
- A mini fridge is useful to stop people from using your food.
- Make use of campus bars, they are cheap.
- Take flip flops for the showers.
- Exchange phone numbers with your housemates and people you're going out with.
- If you’re not planning on getting a TV license, bring a good stash of DVDs.
Building healthy flatmate relationshipsIt can be very difficult moving in with somebody new, especially if you’ve never met the person before, but it’s important to build relationships with your flatmates to ensure you’ve got a nice calm environment to return to after a busy day of studying. If you are struggling to resolve issues, make sure you speak to the pastoral team in your hall, who are there to support you. Manchester Mentoring have a quick little guide about how to solve conflict, which you may find useful. |
Student Tip: “Living in halls is a must-do of the Uni experience, there’s always someone to talk to, something to do, support and lots of great friends to make. Living in halls made my first year of Uni an amazing time” Rob Marshland (Dalton Ellis) |
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Social networkingThe Students’ Union has very kindly put together this list of official halls of residences Facebook groups for students to follow, so if you are following, or want to follow, the news and activities of your hall of residence via Facebook, and make friends online, make sure you’ve found the official page here. And don't forget Browzer, the new website that has been designed specifically for students living in halls of residence at the University of Manchester. Here you can find news and events that are taking place, advice on getting the best from halls life and much more. See http://browzer.co.uk/man |
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Decisions about alcohol useIf you do enjoy having a few drinks with your friends, don’t allow the occasional night outs to become a daily event. Many pubs and clubs around Manchester promote cheap, student nights, so make sure you don’t get too caught up with all the offers. For further guidance and advice about finding your limits, check the NHS website. |
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A number of student socials are becoming less drink orientated. If your course has a peer mentoring programme, have a look at what activities and socials they have planned. An increasing number of their events are moving away from the stereotypical, student pub crawls in favour of activities such as comedy nights, meals out and theatre screenings. If you want to find more ways of enjoying yourself, alcohol free, check Drink Aware for some ideas of different, hangover free, activities. |
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Getting involvedEvery Hall of Residence has a Residents’ Association (RA) or JCR (Junior Common Room). This committee is a group of students, elected or appointed to run events and services for students in that particular hall. Living in halls gives you the perfect opportunity to get involved with a society. By doing so you may find people who will be living in the same building as you, or studying the same course as you, who have similar interests. If you didn’t sign up to any during the Welcome Fair, don’t worry; you can still browse the different societies here and it’s not too late to sign up. |
Student tip: “Our Residents’ Association organised social events during the year and I made so many friends.”
Anna Neale (Opal Gardens) |
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Keeping safeStudents’ safety is a top priority here at Manchester, not just during the day at lectures but anytime you’re out and about around Manchester. The University’s security team operate around campus, including halls, 24 hours a day, to keep you safe. If you ever need to contact them you will find their number, 0161 306 9966, on the back of your student card. If you want more advice about staying safe around campus, click here. |
Student tip: “I spent my second year in a private house and came back to halls for my final year - They are reliable, easy to book and make me feel safe."
Meaghan Couture (Whitworth Park) |
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Getting sportyOnce you’re settled into your new accommodation, you should check out the sporting opportunities that are available to you free of charge and right at your doorstep. The Hall Sport programme, which is partially funded by Sport England and the National Lottery, is aimed at newcomers to sport or those who want to get involved with sport on a social level. Click here to check out the full range of activities available.
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Student tip: “Halls are an environment where everyone is sharing new experiences and gaining independence. There are also great sport opportunities”
Simon Willis (Richmond Park) |
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Remember, if you are struggling with any aspect of living in a hall of residence, each hall of residence has an experienced pastoral team, who are there to help and assist you in what can be a very tumultuous time of life. The Students’ Union can also give you impartial advice and support. |
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