Moving to university can feel like a daunting experience – especially at the beginning. You’re dealing with a whirlwind of emotions whilst settling into an unfamiliar place, finding your way around a new city, making friends and putting the social battery to the test. However, your accommodation should always be a safe space where you can relax and have fun all year round. Many of you will not have lived away from home or even shared living spaces with other people before, so in order to keep student accommodation a place where you feel comfortable and content, our Res life teams here at the University of Manchester are available 24/7 to adhere to any concerns or emergencies you may have. Not only are they here for wellbeing and flat-related issues, but they also host many events to keep the student accommodation community alive and buzzing all year round!

When you arrive to move into your accommodation, you will most likely be greeted by staff members, students and some of the Res life team. All halls of residence will have a dedicated Res life coordinator and several other advisors who are available to contact all year. In the first few weeks, Res life will introduce themselves to your flat and check-in with you and your flatmates to see how you’re getting on so far. They are an extremely helpful team of post graduate students and staff who have most likely been through the same experiences that you will face during your first year of university. Therefore, Res life are the perfect people to go to for recommendations for where to buy items for your flat, the best supermarkets to go to and how to find your way around Manchester!

Throughout the year, your assigned Res life advisor for your flat will conduct regular 1-2-1 check ins with you as well as group discussions with your flat. This is not only for your own well being but is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about other aspects of your university life. Res life are here to offer you both academic and personal advice. If you are struggling at all, whether that is falling behind on deadlines or not getting along with your flatmates, do not hesitate to contact Res life via email or phone call. They can offer advice on services such as mitigating circumstances as well as dealing with any flatmate related issues you may have. From personal experience, Res life are extremely efficient and respond to any issues almost immediately.

Moving onto my favourite part about the Res life team, the super fun events which they organise throughout the year. Anything from yoga nights to food trucks, Res life have a lot of things to offer to students throughout the year. Whether you’re crafty, sporty or just in need of some good food to save you cooking one night, Res life will have your back. The majority of their events are free and are great ways to either bond with your current flatmates or meet other students living nearby! During exam season especially, these events are helpful in breaking up long hours of studying and help you to wind down after a long day.

Res life are a truly amazing team of people here to make your experience of living in university accommodation as exciting as possible whilst making sure everyone is looked after and kept safe.

Written by Kara Dillon. 

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