University comes with the promise of exciting new beginnings, personal development and lifestyle changes. For many, it will also mark the first time they’ve moved away from the place they grew up and called home for the first 18 years of their lives – or even longer, in some cases.
You don’t need us to remind you how exciting, or big, this step in your life can be. But, there are many things to factor in at this time: When are you going to go? What course are you going to take? How will you adjust to living on your own?
The last question around living arrangements may cause some sticking points. Do you rent a place and live with friends in your new city/town? Do you move into halls, or do you stay at home? It’s a big decision, and whilst there’s no right or wrong answer, it’s something that’s going to affect you for the next three years of your life, at least.
So, if you need a hand with your decision, we’ve drawn up some helpful considerations to help make your mind up.
Courses
The subject you’re going to study is why you’re at this crossroads of moving away or living at home. But, as not all universities offer the same courses, you’ll need to look around to find your available options and facilities.
Once you know your potential list of universities, you can start narrowing down based on areas you either want to live or are close enough to commute to a few times a week. Do you want to go somewhere just enough distance away from home where you can have independence, or are you reliant on home comforts such as your own bed or your family’s cooking?
Accommodation
One of the sticking points for many moving to university is the state of accommodation you’ll potentially be calling your new home. For freshers, you’re likely, and really should, go into student halls if you move away.
Not only will you meet a diverse mix of people from all walks of life, but you’ll also meet coursemates, new friends and even potentially a romantic interest (or two!). You’ll also learn to live independently, picking up valuable life skills such as how to cook (or at least how to put food in the microwave!), clean and do your own laundry.
However, perhaps understandably, not everyone is keen to live in a room that looks like a down-budget version of a Swedish prison cell, especially at the price of some rooms in bigger cities. Staying at home for some means you’re away from unclean flatmates, noisy neighbours and cramped living arrangements – although the repercussions could be that you’re missing out on social events and time bonding with your fellow students.
Social Life
Whilst your studies play a crucial role in shaping your future, for many, one of the main attractions of moving away to university is the social side of things.
It might feel strange at first, but once you’re in and settled, you’ll find there’s nothing better than the newfound freedom of being in university accommodation with new friends. Not only do you have a world of independence, but you can live on your own terms, something you probably haven’t been able to do whilst living at home.
However, if you’re a quieter person, or even someone who isn’t necessarily fond of new people and environments, living at university, particularly in halls, may not be for you. And that’s okay too – it’s not for everyone!
In a place where you don’t know anyone, and are forced to make new ties, university can quickly become an isolated experience. Sure, it would be nice to finish your lecture and be in your room again a few minutes later or have a place to come home to after a night celebrating Freshers Week, but it doesn’t have to define your social life or time at university.
Finances
As good as this all seems, you also have to consider the costs associated with living at university; it isn’t cheap, and your student loan will only stretch so far! On top of accommodation costs, you will need to buy food, pay for travel (buses to your campus or town), and have enough left for books, shopping and going out.
Some people opt to stay at home for the sake of money, especially if they can get a job at home. That way, they only have to cover travel expenses and university fees with the odd social event factored in from time to time. In the current climate, more people may opt to stay at home to save extra money, but if you want the real university experience, living on campus is unparalleled. You’ll still get to meet new friends through your course, societies and extracurricular activities you choose to do, but you may feel left out when they’re spending evenings on campus together whilst you’re at home.
Ultimately, if you ask 100 people who have been to university for their opinions, you’ll likely get 100 different answers. It mostly comes down to personal preference; some people prefer to be at home, whereas others crave the freedom that comes with living away from home. It’s dependent on the type of person you are and the experience you wish to gain from this.
It can also be quite a hassle physically moving to university, but we can always help you with that part! Visit our website, www.anyvan.com and get a free quote for moving your things.
Whatever route you choose to go down, make sure you do it because it’s what you want to do. Don’t feel pressured or persuaded into a decision you may regret. University is a big part of your life and a great experience, so you want to make sure you enjoy the way that’s best for you; good luck!
No matter what you are moving: from a King-Sized bed to a framed picture of the Queen; a Grand Piano to a classic Capri; we’ll take care of it all the way from Penzance to Peterhead and beyond.