For many new students, the prospect of moving to the city you will be studying in is exciting and new. However, there are a large number of those who – for various reasons – choose to live at home whilst studying. For those who are worried about potentially ‘missing out’ on the full university experience, here are a few tips to help integrate yourself fully in to all aspects of university whilst still living at home.
Coursemates
For many living in student accommodation, the first people they meet and therefore more likely to become friends with are their
flatmates. In the case of those living at home, these will be your course mates. Whilst it may be difficult initially to spark conversation – particularly if they are living in halls themselves – it won’t be long before you are forming life long friendships. You never know, in second year you may decide to move out and live with these people!
over my years at uni I formed solid, lifelong friendships with people both of whom I lived with in first year and also who I had met on my course
Societies and Clubs
Joining a club or society is a great way to meet and interact with a number of people combined with a shared interest in the club you are all in! University societies are notorious for being sociable and as such, enjoy a weekly night out as a team; many of which involve some kind of fancy dress!
Sheffield Hallam University’s Ladies Football and University Of Sheffield’s Dance Society showcasing one of their many themed socials.
Experience Sheffield
Don’t let living at home stop you from exploring Sheffield and experiencing all it has to offer, especially for students in the city. For those who are not from Sheffield, make sure to integrate yourself with activities such as shopping, bowling and adventure golf (all of which can be found in the same radius!). If you’re after something a little more niche and different, the city is renowned for having hidden gems such as vintage shops and unique bars and restaurants.
Sheffield is a hub of activity – especially for students – and you won’t have to go far to experience some of its glory
– please note: further information regarding exactly what Sheffield has to offer will be provided in subsequent blog posts –
Sticking Around
It is often easy to be labelled as a ‘part-timer’ if you are living at home and aren’t around as often; this doesn’t have to be the case:
- get a later train – don’t always rush home as soon as lectures have finished, if you take public transport then try to occasionally get a later bus/train and spend time out of hours with your fellow students
- accept invitatons – if you have been invited somewhere, accept it. Whilst you may not always be able to attend everything, the more times you decline the less often you will receive invitations until eventually you will be diregarded. If you jump at the opportunites from the outset you will be remembered for always getting involved, despite living at home.
- forge friendships – by sticking around and accepting invitations right from the start, friendships will be built easier; with this, opportunities to stay over at others accommodation will likely arise. This will give you the opportunity to experience life from a student living in halls, along with any nights out that you needn’t miss out on.
- pack a spare pair – it never hurts to keep a spare pair of underwear / toothbrush on you in case of an impromptu overnight invitation, being prepared will make sure you have no reason to decline the opportunity of sticking around.
1st Year Problems 