Tips for navigating from a current student

Moving out of halls or leaving home for the first time and into private accommodation is a big part of university life. It’s exciting and gives you a new sense of independence, but it also comes with challenges and responsibilities that many students are unprepared for. There’s a lot to take into consideration when finding a place to live for the year ahead, but preparing in advance can make the whole move much easier.

During my first semester at university, one thing that surprised me was how quickly students started searching for their next house, just a month after moving in. I quickly realised this was because a lot of the houses get taken very quickly, especially in student areas like Cathays. This can be overwhelming for students, as you may end up committing to a house before you’ve had enough time to properly consider all your options, it’s important to not rush into making decisions without thinking them through carefully as with private housing you are committing to a contract that can be much harder to get out of. 

One of the biggest concerns for me and many other students was the uncertainty of finding people to live with. This can be difficult, as you are only just getting to know everyone and want to make sure you find the right people to live with for the year ahead. It would be helpful to have open conversations with your friends and potential future flatmates about important things like budget, location, rooms and living expectations. This is essential to help avoid issues later on and to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and included in the decision making process. 

Sometimes you may decide that, rather than living with others you’d prefer your own space and that is completely normal and just as valid to consider. Personally, I had thought I would follow the typical route of moving into a shared student house in my second year of university but the more I thought about it, the more I realised that wasn’t necessarily what I wanted for myself. Although I enjoyed being around people, I also appreciated having quiet space to study and relax. The idea of being able to come home after a long day at university and fully switch off in my own environment was something I felt was right for me. Luckily, in Cardiff there are plenty of Private student accommodations that provide this so it’s worth keeping this in mind when you’re exploring different options. 

For many students, myself included, overspending during university is almost inevitable. However, budgeting becomes especially important when you move into private housing. Unlike first year halls, bills are not always included in your rent, so keeping track of your spending and planning your budget carefully is essential. Make sure to check what is included in your contract before confirming your accommodation to ensure it suits your budget. 

There is a lot to look forward to when moving into your new house or accommodation, but adjusting to a new environment can still feel difficult at times, and that’s completely normal. From my experience, it really helps to decorate your space to make you feel comfortable and homely, especially as you’ll be living there for the whole year. The change from your first year can feel strange, particularly if you are living alone. In halls, there are constantly people around, noise in the kitchens, and lots of opportunities to socialise, whereas second year can feel quieter as everyone becomes busier and academic pressure starts to increase. Because of this, it’s important to take care of yourself and prioritise your wellbeing. Whether that’s attending Res Life events, joining societies, or even just trying out new hobbies, finding things that help you settle into your new accommodation can make the adjustment feel much easier and more comfortable. 

Finding accommodation isn’t a competition, what matters most is choosing a place that is safe and comfortable for you. Although the process can be stressful, it is always worth it in the end and is a big part of the university experience. You’ll find that the memories you make, the independence you gain and the lessons you learn from where you live are often what you cherish more than the accommodation itself.