Which hall did you live in and what was it like? 
I lived in Harrow Hall. It was a pretty small room with hardwood floors and a small but very convenient bathroom. There was a shared kitchen space, which was cleaned bi-weekly. The room had a comfortable bed, a desk with a chair and overhead lights – the lights in my room were even dimmable. The large closets offered a lot of storage space. There was also a vacuum cleaner I could borrow during the day and return to reception. 

How did it feel moving into uni accommodation for the first time? 
Honestly, it was surreal. Since I worked two jobs at the university, living in the halls was the most convenient option. I was a second-year student living in halls and had the most nerves when I was the first one to walk into my flat, but I felt so at home. Everyone was so friendly, and the on-campus cat we have (Batman!) definitely made the move-in process better. 

What’s your favourite memory from living in halls? 
One night, my friend rang me and told me to come to his flat because he was making dinner. My whole friend group – who I’d met on campus – were all huddled in his kitchen while he cooked for us. After dinner, we had an amazing night just sitting around, listening to one friend play the guitar and another play his DJ set. We were all singing and laughing; it was the calmest and most at-home feeling I’ve ever had during my time at university. 

What’s one thing you wish you’d known before moving in? 
Even if you feel homesick during the first week, or don’t meet people you ‘click’ with right away, please don’t stress out. I met my people through a friend on a random afternoon, days after I moved in. They invited me to a karaoke bar one night, and that’s where things clicked. 

A lot of students expect to bond with flatmates immediately and have a friend group overnight, but everyone’s experience is different. Don’t be discouraged if things don’t go exactly how you hoped. This is just the beginning. 

Any surprises about shared living? How did you adjust? 
I’d heard horror stories about messy kitchens and unwashed dishes, but they’re not always true. If you set ground rules, are friendly with your flatmates, and make a group chat to communicate, everyone tends to be respectful. It’s all about building and keeping good relationships! 

How did you meet people and make friends in halls? 
The common room! I went there with one of my flatmates (since we didn’t know anyone else) and we ended up challenging two music students to a game of pool. Later, we met the rest of their group and went to a nearby karaoke bar. 

Also, the university-organised events are amazing for socialising – Messy Mondays, Drag Karaoke, Sip and Paint… Trust me, everyone is nervous at first. You’re not alone. Just remember – the world is big, and it’s really not that deep! 

Do you have a favourite spot in your room or building? What makes it special? 
The common room became one of my favourite spots. We celebrated birthdays, hosted events, had game nights, and so much more there. It also has a PlayStation and Wii if video games are your thing. 

Another great spot is the grassy stretch outside Harrow Campus. So many nights were spent lying on the grass, looking up at the stars.