Introduction, Halls and Housing

Hello!

I am just finishing my first year at university which has gone very quickly and it's now coming to the scary moving out of halls into an actual house part. I've been finding it both daunting and exciting at the same time! I thought I'd keep a blog of my experiences for the same reasons as I have started my Year Abroad blog (linked below)...to have a communal way of telling my friends and family about my experiences and hopefully helping other people with similar situations.

I found halls quite difficult, being a fairly shy, nervous person. I didn't gel as quickly as I'd hoped with people and so often felt quite lonely at home. During first term this was very tough, combined with homesickness and trying to settle in a new city, make friends and do well at university. I am not a 'going out drinking' kind of person, which was another thing that separated me from my peers.

However, it wasn't all bad! Having come to uni terrified and unsure as to whether I would last, I now, looking back on it, have actually really enjoyed first year. I've made some wonderful friends, two of which I am living with next year, got good grades and have joined clubs and societies which have made my free time very enjoyable.

So, housing...halls was pretty easy, in terms of all the bills are included, and all you have to do is buy your food, cook it and keep stuff clean (although some people didn't stick to that last one at times!) Next year will be very different, and like most students, it's something I haven't done before.

We found our house back in January, after searching later than most for a three-bed house, of which there aren't very many. Finally, we found a lovely house that is an annexe on the back of another student house. It is fairly small and cosy, and us three girls are excited to move in and start making it look homely!

So with the contract all signed, we all focussed on our work and exams. However now, the move in date is only a month away and we're starting to realise how much needs to be done before we can move in! We need a bank account, we need to set up bills and we need to learn all about finances! We are getting there slowly, and I will keep you updated on my progress, plus any difficulties along the way.

Thanks for reading!

Laura :)

Year Abroad Blog: http://lauraruthhooper1995.blogspot.co.uk/