Moving Day Tips

Hi guys, for my first post here’s one for those starting their first year at Warwick. First of all: congratulations! We all know A-Level results day was a stress, and whether you’re coming to us as your first choice uni, an insurance, or even through clearing, you have gotten yourself into a top 10 Russell Group university, and that’s always something to be proud of!

I don’t know about the rest of you, but for me the reality of coming to uni hit harder than I was expecting. To avoid tempting fate I actually put off buying a lot of the things I needed for halls until after I knew I’d got my place, which seems completely logical at first, but becomes suddenly daunting when you realise just how much you need to be able to function independently.

However, all the concerns about which of your favourite mugs to bring, and how much cutlery you need (trust me, you’ll have lost it all by Term 3!), will pale in comparison to one thing: MOVING DAY.

Some of you will be coming from across the world to be at Warwick, others from just down the road. Either way, moving in is a whirlwind of emotions which will leave you exhausted, excited and probably in need of a long shower. So here are a few tips to help you get through the day:

1-     1)  Know where you’re going

It may seem a little obvious, but even though I’d only travelled an hour to get to uni, and I’d been to enough open days to know my way around a little, we ended up in the wrong car park at least twice on moving day. The Warwick website has directions on how to get to campus, and you should have been given instructions on where to go when you move in. Additionally, if you’ve been given a time slot it’s wise to stick to it to avoid having to fight for a parking space or tripping over other people’s luggage.

2-     2)  Stay calm

I know that sounds like mad advice, but I honestly didn’t consider the stress of my parents shoving endless luggage into my little Redfern room before I’d even come to terms with the fact that it was my new home. Factor in two other people moving into my tiny flat at the same time, awkward ‘hello’s between parents of the students who I’d be spending the rest of the year with, and the general stress of trying to get a duvet cover on the bed, and you’re looking at quite an overwhelming experience. Take your time, breathe, adjust. It will be fine!

3–     3)  Bring a door wedge

This was something I read about online before I came to uni, and I’ve got to admit it was a good shout. If you’re a little shy like I was on my first day, an open door is a gesture to fellow flatmates that you’re available if they want to strike up a conversation. For me, having the door open while decorating my room not only made the space look slightly bigger, but also initiated a conversation with at least two of my flatmates and led to a trip to the pub that evening.

4-      4) Organise to meet people

One of the powers of social media is that it allows you to chat to people before you’ve even met them. No doubt you’re involved in some kind of group chat for your course or accommodation, and if people suggest meeting up on the first day, then go for it! It’s always a good idea to get to know people before that initial lecture, and there will be plenty going on around campus when you move in. Grab a coffee at Curiositea (I recommend the matcha latte!) , or go and buy some posters or plants to make your room more homely. Whatever you do, just don’t do it alone. Uni is the time to meet friends for life, so go out and do it!

Those are just a few tips to try and make what may inevitably be a hectic day a little more manageable. Moving in will probably feel like one of the longest days of your life, and even if you end up curling up in bed with Netflix and hot chocolate and feeling a little homesick on your first night, that’s ok! What’s important is that you make the most of your first day on campus- you only get to do it once, so make it brilliant!

Good luck, and have fun,

Becca. 

P.S. A week’s worth of Mum’s frozen spag-bol will be a comfort and a life saver when you’re sick of pot noodles and haven’t found your way to Tesco yet!