Living away from home

If you’re going to move away from home to go to university then we know you might be a bit nervous about it.

This is probably going to be the first time you have lived away from your home comforts for more than a couple of weeks.   Whether you’re excited, nervous, confident or apprehensive there are some common things to consider.  You will certainly need to work out how to study and socialise effectively while managing the task of keeping on top of everyday living.  Whilst it might seem like the meaning of freedom is being able to wear the same clothes for a week and go out every night, you probably don’t want people to turn their noses away when you walk by!  That means keeping on top of the basics like washing, eating and sleeping properly. 

Here is a really quick list of tips:

• Budget!  A simple plan will help you manage food/clothing/cleaning/partying costs.  The Student Finance Office has staff who can help and loads of advice.
• Keep In Touch.  It doesn’t matter who you are, we all need friends and family sometimes.  Don’t forget they will worry about you too so try to call or email once a week at least.
• Travelling.  Get yourself a railcard or bus pass so that you can get to and from the campus and around the local town and area.  Try to plan trips home in advance where you can to keep the cost of train tickets down.
• Eat.  This is simple.  People work/think/play better on a full belly.  It doesn’t cost too much to have a healthy diet and it will help you.
• Exercise.  Seems straightforward but exercise of any type releases endorphins in the brain and that helps to keep you feeling good and happy.
• Health.  Don’t wait until you’re dying to see a doctor.  The University has a health centre and you should sign up there or at a local practice as soon as you can. 
• Washing.  Find out where the laundrettes/washing facilities are near your accommodation.  Buying washing powder from a supermarket will save you money.

Links:

Student Finance Office – Great source of information and help

Facebook Pages – Connect with other students at the University of Huddersfield

Metro – Links to travel information for local and national buses and trains

First group travel - Links to travel information for local and national buses and trains