Moving into Student Accommodation: Freshers Essentials
Moving into student accommodation is a very exciting time. However, it can be a little stressful and you might not be sure what to bring with you, what to leave behind and what to buy. At KCI Properties, we aim to please and so here is what to take into consideration when you are packing to move into student accommodation. Whether you’re relocating from another province or just moving closer to campus, the shift can be a lot to take in.
Between registration, orientation, and settling into a new routine, packing tends to get rushed or overlooked. This piece will help you avoid unnecessary stress by focusing on what’s essential, what’s optional, and what can wait until after you’ve moved in.
Understand What’s Already Provided on your student accommodation
Depending on where you choose to stay, you might find that the place is unfurnished, fully furnished or partially furnished. Some places might not provide a microwave and others might.
If you can get a list from your student accommodation provider, then you’ll have an idea of things you do not need to buy. At KCI we provide a single bed, a fridge, a kettle and toaster, a microwave, a fridge, a full-length mirror, a study desk and chair, and a study lamp with a rechargeable bulb. If you have a preference like wanting to use your own study chair, then you can let us know and we will remove ours from the room.
Clothing: Be Practical, Be Prepared
When packing your clothes you need to take into consideration a couple of things. The first semester starts in February and ends in June. That means that you will need to pack majority summer clothes and some winter clothes for June and colder days in autumn. Also remember to pack something that protects you from the rain. If you are not planning on going home between semesters, then you will need to pack both summer and winter wear.
Most students don’t pack any formal wear, but it is a good idea to pack at least one formal outfit that you can wear to an event or to an important presentation. Do some research into the different sporting activities offer by IIE MSA or your university, if there is a sport you are interested in joining make sure to pack clothing appropriate for that sport.
Bedroom Basics
KCI student accommodations are fully furnished so for your bedroom you just need to remember to pack your bedding. We provide a mattress protector but we recommend that you also come with your own one so you can strip it off and wash it when you do laundry.
It is also a good idea to bring a blanket that you can put over your lap while you’re studying. If you are lucky the previous tenant may have lefty behind their clothes horse for hanging wet laundry and/or their hangers in the closet.
However, that is all up to chance therefore it is a good idea to bring your own. If you do happen to forget to bring your own then come to the office and ask us if we have one, and we can check if there are any extras that were left behind. Finally, we have laundry facilities on site in a central location that means bringing a laundry basket to keep your dirty laundry and to carry your laundry to the laundromat is a good idea.
Kitchen Necessities
The kitchen we provide is also fully furnished so it is a matter of bringing your crockery, cutlery and groceries. One thing people tend to forget about is making sure to bring Tupperware for your leftovers or your meal prep. It may also be worth bringing a microwave cover for when you are warming your food to ensure that the microwave stays clean.
Miscellaneous (But Crucial)
As a first year you will more than likely end up catching freshers’ flu during o-week. Therefore, it is a good idea to come prepared with cold and flu medicine. If you’re anything like me then pollen is your biggest weakness, so make sure to pack your allergy medication. This will be especially useful in the springtime.
If you have a gaming system, whether its PC or console, feel free to bring it along with you and set it up in your room. If you are on our shared student accommodation unit, it comes with a TV that you can use and if you are in a bachelor unit then you’ll need to bring your own TV.
Bring a Piece of Home
If it’s your first time living away from home, then it might be overwhelming, and you might find yourself missing home. Bring something special from home with you to help carry you through those moments. Whether it is some family photos, pictures of your dog, your favourite cup or blanket. Whatever it is that brings you comfort if it can fit in your bag make sure to bring it with you.
Read More: Managing Stress in University
Don’t Overpack
The most important thing is not to overpack. Whether you are driving or flying there is no need to overpack. You can buy your groceries at the shopping centre that is 1km down the road form us. If you need to buy big things you can buy them at Makro or Game which are 6km from where we are located. Toiletries are another thing you can buy upon your arrival here.
Pack the basics and anything you need to buy you can buy when you arrive so that your bags aren’t too heavy.
Budget from Day One
If you are receiving NSFAS or another type of bursary funding, even if you’re not, it’s a good idea to plan how you are going to manage your monthly allowance. In university thing can very expensive very quickly. Especially when you consider fast food takeaways or deliveries, transport costs, and the cost of last-minute textbooks. Your best bet is creating a budget and sticking to it from the very start. That’s not to say that there is no room for having fun, there is, it’s just a matter of budgeting for that fun.
Ask for help if you need it – It is a community
The first few weeks of university can be overwhelming. You must make new friends, you need to adjust to your new living situation, you need to get used to how the teaching style in university is different from what you would have experienced in high school. To put it simply, there is a lot going on.
Do not struggle in silence. If you find that you are having a tough time that is completely normal, come have. A chat with us in the office or seek out some support from resources offered by IIE MSA or from friends and family. If the situation is dire then please make use of the emergency health and mental health contact that are provided on the back of your unit door.
Final Thoughts
Starting university is a big deal but you don’t have to figure it all out in one go. Look online for resources and advice and do the best you can with the information you have. Overtime you will learn to overcome and adjust to this new life you find yourself living. Your student accommodation will soon start to feel like home, and you’ll find your step before you know it just hang in there for the first few weeks! Contact us today to get started with your student accommodation application or view our gallery now.
