Practically speaking, the move to a new place is a headache. The car is jammed full of everything you think you might possibly need, and still there’s a feeling deep within that you have forgotten something. 

And far beyond the bowls and bath towels lies a move that will insert you into accommodation with a group of people you have never met before. You may have absolutely no idea how your first 24 hours on campus will play out, so I put some questions to a student to see what she got up to, to give you a taste of what yours might look like. 

Roseanna started at the University of Reading in 2018.

 

Where was the very earliest memory you have of arriving on campus? 

Roseanna: “Spotting my accommodation in the distance and half joking to my dad that we should turn back around.”

Who is the first person you remember meeting in your flat? 

Roseanna: “I met one of my flatmates in the kitchen and had the typical awkward conversation of introducing ourselves despite having spoken online prior to moving in.”

Did your parents help you unpack or were you left high and dry with all your earthly possessions in boxes? 

Roseanna: “My dad helped me unpack the car and then left me to it.” 

What was your first act of independence? 

Roseanna: “Contacting maintenance to fix the many issues in our flat.”

What was your first meal? 

Roseanna: “Most likely pesto pasta, because what student doesn't live off pasta?”

Did you go out partying on your first night, or was it straight into bed after a long day?

Roseanna: “Definitely an early night!” 

What advice would you give to people who are about to head into freshers week? 

Roseanna: “Don't be ashamed to be yourself; you'll find your people with time! And get stuck in with a church.”