5 Things no One tells you about moving into student accommodation

What students should really expect when moving into halls

So, you’ve got your uni offer, picked your student accommodation, and now you’re counting down the days to moving in.

Exciting, right? But before you start dreaming of flat dinners and spontaneous nights out, here are a few things no one really talks about — but every student should know.

1. The first week feels weird (and that’s totally normal)

You might walk into your residence hall thinking, “These are going to be my best friends for life!” — and maybe they will be. But truthfully, the first few days can feel a bit awkward. Everyone’s new, trying to act relaxed while figuring out where the bins are or how the oven actually works.

Tip: Keep your door open, say hi in the kitchen, or offer someone a cup of tea. Don’t worry if friendships take a little time — that’s completely normal.

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2. Your room will feel more like home than you think

At first, your room might feel a bit plain — just white walls and furniture you didn’t choose. But once you add some personal touches like photos, a cosy throw, or some soft lighting, it quickly starts to feel like your own space.

Bonus tip: A simple rug or a set of string lights can completely change the vibe.

3. Flat disagreements are a rite of passage

Someone’s going to leave dirty dishes in the sink for a week. Someone else will play music at 3 AM. It happens. The key is learning how to set boundaries without World War III breaking out in your kitchen.

Tip: Have a quick flat meeting early on to agree on stuff like cleaning, noise, and sharing food (or not!).

4. You’ll spend more time in the kitchen than anywhere else

Yes, even more than your bed, the kitchen is where everything happens — late-night snacks, life advice, deadline breakdowns, and someone burning their first attempt at pasta.

But if you’re living in a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), the good news is there’s more than just the kitchen to share. Most PBSAs come with social spaces, games rooms, cinema rooms, and more — perfect for hanging out, meeting people, or just taking a break from studying.

Tip: Show up. Be present. That’s where the real bonding happens.

5. It’s okay if you don’t love it right away

Not everyone clicks with their flatmates or feels at home in the first month. That doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice — it just means you’re human. Give it time. Make connections elsewhere — through societies, classes, or part-time jobs.

Moving into student accommodation is a huge step — but it’s also the start of one of the most memorable chapters of your life.

Keep an open mind, pack an extra loo roll, and don’t forget to rate and review your hall on Hallbookers to help the next student out.