Moving away from home?
Everything you need to know!
Becoming independent and moving away from home is a scary thing to do, many people question whether they are able to cope with workload and being on their own from living with their parents for so long.
You will find that the support around Aberystwyth is incredible, with its array of sports and societies to choose from, friendly local faces and beach surroundings it doesn’t get much better.
Leaving home, away from the safety of the people you live with, can be a daunting experience. If you have thoughts of not knowing where to start, it doesn’t help when you are trying to settle into a new place with new experiences.
Here are some tips for you from someone who took the plunge and moved away from home! Hopefully you will be more prepared than I was, but if you are not, never fear here are some things to help you on your way to the art of “adult-ing”.
1. Basics, basics, basics!
You should learn all the little things, of course there is cooking and cleaning but remember to learn how to use the washing machine! Smelling awful with ketchup stains all over your top is not the best start to making new friends.
- Cooking
- Washing
- Ironing
- Cleaning (both kitchen and bathroom, as well as dusting etc.)
- Budgeting and banking
- Shopping (and not buying things that you don’t need or can’t afford)
- Sewing (I know, I know, but it’s useful to know how to sew on a button on your coat that you break)
2. Put yourself to the test!
After learning how to do some of the things above, it is time to put yourself to the test. Do you really know how to wash your clothes? Why won’t that dreaded stain come out!!!? If you are on your own at home, of course you can call a friend to help you out, and google is always there with tips and help tutorials if you get stuck. Practice makes perfect!
3. Do a week’s worth of shopping for yourself
This one is important. The one most people struggle with when they move out on their own. Budgeting and knowing how much portion sizes are for one person, also what to buy when so that things don’t go off in the fridge!
Have a budget of £20 and just see what you can buy yourself for a whole week. You will start to learn what things are cheaper, things that last a long time and you will start to create a routine. If you add toiletries you could add your budget up to £30.
4. Learn how to cook so that you don’t have to live on takeaways!
My first day at University I made myself a toastie, I then lived on toasties for the past 2 weeks. It was not healthy. I had to really teach myself how to cook otherwise I would have turned into a toastie!! Pasta dishes are the best to start with, they are so easy and you can make a range of different dishes.
5. Pack the essentials (your teddy from when you were 2 years old can count in this)
You won’t have a huge amount of room if you live in halls, so bring useful little things and things such as photos of friends and family with you to make your room comfy and homely.
6. Bring the important stuff
- Passports
- Pescriptions
- Student Finance
- Bank details
- Toiletries
- Bedding
- Money
Make sure these things are up to date.
You will be asked to bring paperwork when you collect your keys on moving in day, so things like this are important to keep in a plastic wallet, safe and separate from your boxes of kitchen equipment and bedding.
7. Keep in touch!
Not everyone is really close with their family, but you’ll want to ask them about odd things that crop up and catch up with them and tell them all about the new things you’re doing at uni.
Messaging them over social media, like Facebook, or phoning them really helps when you might want a helping hand. Get a phone contract which allows you to phone them and friends without worrying about huge bills.
8. Don’t be afraid, change can be exciting!
Talk to people! Make friends! Best way you can do this is to throw yourself into societies, clubs and don’t isolate yourself from your flatmates, you will be living with them for a year so make the most of it!
Everyone is scared and will be in the same boat as you.
9. Know that it’s all normal
It’s normal to be a little homesick. It can sometimes be hard to learn to live with a lot of other people in close quarters but it teaches you patience and empathy.
10. We can help
Everyone is nervous moving out, so you’re not the only one. The University have people that can help you if you’re struggling and want any advice on any aspect of university life, including homesickness.
I followed these tips and it honestly made my year at University and living away from home the best thing I ever did!
We all have ups and downs but knowing that I could cope with all the normal things I had to do meant that I didn’t have to stress.
So don’t be afriad and enjoy this new experience! If you need any help you can contact the University or contact us, we will be happy to help.