The first day in the student residence is full of different emotions. From the moment you pack the last box at home to the moment you greet your roommates, you’ll feel like you’ve finished one stage of your life and started another.

It is normal to experience a bit of nostalgia mixed with anticipation and satisfaction. Even feeling somewhat intimidated is fine. After all, the first day in residence marks the beginning of university life and true autonomy.

These are some of the most common experiences that students experience that day:

Saying goodbye to home

This is the day you start your journey. Officially, you must leave your home and bedroom. Those spaces that until now were your refuge and gave you peace of mind when you needed it. It is also time to say goodbye to your family and promise to come back during the holidays.

In this first moment of the day, nostalgia reigns, but also the certainty that you are making the right decision.

The best thing would be that your family accompanies you on the trip, since feeling supported will do you very good. In addition, they will help you load your luggage and it will be much easier to settle in.

Arriving at the university residence

Travel is often exhausting, so it is normal to be tired when arriving at the residence. However, it is time to regain your strength because no one will be waiting to take your luggage to your room. Especially if your family has not been able toaccompany you and you have traveled alone.

At this point, the best thing that could happen to you is that the building has a lift. Thus, the task of uploading your belongings to the corresponding floor will not be so complicated.

Getting to know the university residence

University residences offer different amenities to students. In fact, most of them include:

• Bed
• Desk with chair
• Wardrobe
• Air-conditioning
• Bathroom
• Fridge
• Kitchen equipped with oven, microwave and dishwasher

They can even include a living room with a sofa and TV, and a dining area to make you feel more at home.

After taking your luggage up to your room, this is the best time to explore what your residence has to offer. You may well spend the next few years there, so you will surely be curious and end up exploring all the nooks and crannies.

This is also a time to visualise what it will be like to live there, open your suitcases and begin filling the spaces and cupboards with your things.

Making friends at the student residence

If you have chosen private accommodation, you will not have roommates, so it is not yet time to make friends. In your case, to make friends at the university residence, you will have to visit the common areas or wait to meet someone in the hallways.

On the other hand, if you have shared accommodation, it is likely that you will soon have your first encounter with your roommate. If you arrive earlier, it will be your turn to greet them, help them with their luggage, and eventually start talking to get to know each other.

You should know that the first interaction with your roommate is usually a bit awkward. Don’t feel bad if either of you is feeling embarrassed or acting shy. Trust will come little by little.

The important thing is to stay friendly and find spaces to talk and get to know each other. You will be surprised how much you might have in common. In addition, they would be one of your first friends at this stage of your university life.

Exploring the building

The university residence buildings have several common areas for the fun and well-being of the students. Therefore, after tidying up your belongings at the residence and meeting your roommate, taking a look at the facilities is the best thing to do.

Head to the dining room and find out about the meal times, explore the gardens, visit the games area… This whole tour will allow you to feel more familiar with the new environment. In addition, you may meet other new residents along the way, so this walk becomes an opportunity to make friends.

On the other hand, many university residences organise recreational activities for students to relax, entertain themselves, and meet other residents. For this reason, we also recommend you know the activities that will take place soon in the building. Maybe you will find one that you like and can attend!

This usually includes:

• Yoga classes, meditation, Zumba, workout routines in the gym, etc.
• Presentations ranging from personal productivity topics to music and theatre
• Masterclasses on cooking and art
• Live events and presentations

By discovering all that your university residence has to offer, you will feel much more motivated and confident that you are in the right place. At the end of the day, this will be your new home and there is nothing like feeling comfortable with your surroundings.