Tips for Settling into Your New Student Accommodation

Moving into your new student accommodation is a big step, and while it’s a super exciting time, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re living in a shared flat or studio apartment, this is going to be your new home for the next few months (or years!). Whether you’ve moved across the globe or a 30-minute drive down the motorway, it’s important to make it a place where you feel comfortable and happy.

At Collegiate Milan North, we want to help you make the most of your time at university, so we’ve put together a quick guide to getting you settled into your new space.

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The first week in your new accommodation is all about getting settled. Here’s what you should do:

Unpack Right Away

When moving your whole life to university, it can be easy to procrastinate unpacking all those boxes. But, unpacking as soon as you arrive will help you get organised and feel more at home. Buy some comfy cushions for your bed, put up some photos and make the space your own.

Explore the Area

Take some time to gather your bearings of the local area. Go for a short walk, find out where the nearest supermarket, pharmacy and coffee shop is. Knowing where these things are will set you off to a good start to really getting to know the local area.

Meet Your Flatmates

Whether you’re in a shared flat or studio apartment, introduce yourself to your flat mates or neighbours. Though the initial small talk may feel a little awkward, it’s important that you try to break the ice. These are the people you’ll be living with, and it’s always nice to start off on friendly terms.

Hang Out in Common Areas

It can be tempting to stay in your room, especially if you’re introverted, but common areas are great for some spontaneous socialising. Collegiate AC Group’s accommodation has been designed with exactly this in mind, our purpose-built accommodation has lots of facilities such as student lounges, study spaces and private gyms that you can head down to and hang out in.

Attend Events

If your university or accommodation offers student events, go to them! They’re a great way to meet new people and learn more about your new home. In fact, at Collegiate AC we organise lots of events throughout the year to help both our international and home students settle in and get to know each other faster.

Organising Your Space

Once you’re unpacked, it’s time to organise your space in a way that works for you. Here are some tips:

Maximise Storage: Invest in some under-bed storage boxes and over-door hooks to keep your space tidy. Keeping things organised will help you feel calm and focused when settling into your new home.
Create a Study Zone: Set up a dedicated area for study. Having a designated study spot can help you stay focused when it’s time to hit the books.
Personalise Your Space: Add some of your personality to your room. Buy some posters, plants, or even a comfy throw blanket. The more your room feels like “you”, the more comfortable you’ll be.

Types of Student Accommodation

There are lots of different types of student accommodation you might find yourself in:

University Halls:These are typically on or near campus, making them a great option for first–year students. While you’ll be living with other students, you might need to share facilities like bathrooms and kitchens.

Shared Apartments: These are usually off-campus and shared with other students. You get more independence and privacy, but you may also need to organise things like bills yourself.

Private Studios: If you prefer your own space, a private studio is the way to go. You’ll have your own kitchen and bathroom, but it might be pricier and less sociable than other options.

Accommodation with Collegiate AC!

If you’re looking for a place that’s more than just for walls, Collegiate could be your perfect match. Here’s why:

Luxury Living: Enjoy high-quality furnishings, spacious rooms and top-notch amenities like gyms, cinema rooms and study spaces.
Central Location: Collegiate’s accommodation is located right in the heart of each of its student cities, close to universities, shops and nightlife.
Community Feel: With regular social events and communal areas designed for socialising, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet fellow students and build a community.

Click here to find out more about our student accommodation.