Looking back at the time I got an offer from The University of Manchester, I get vivid flashbacks of the dichotomy I was suddenly faced with. I was over the moon, daydreaming about this new chapter of my life but at the same time I was anxious about getting my CAS, securing a student visa, making shopping lists, booking a flight, getting my documents in order and a hundred other things I had to plan before setting out on this journey. However, if there was one thing I did not have to stress about, which ironically was the most crucial part, was finding the right accommodation. As soon as I logged into the accommodations portal, I knew I was in the right hands. There was a variety of beautiful resident halls, sorted by type, location, prices, and features. All I had to do was rank them and hope for the best while tending to the said hundred things. To my surprise, I got allocated the place I was the most drawn to; and you know what they say: the rest is history. The ResLife team made sure I had all the information I needed before arriving, and answered any queries promptly.

Starting over a week before classes were scheduled to begin, the ResLife team at my accommodation organised an array of welcome events that not only helped me get through the initial homesickness but also enabled me to interact with people, exchange contacts, and make friends. On the very first day I arrived, as I was trying to figure out where I could get groceries from for dinner, I was told there was a pizza night downstairs. Seven months later, I still hang out with the same friends I made with a slice of pizza in my hand that day. As the first week kicked in, the ResLife team had planned an IKEA visit, a walking tour, numerous social events, and giveaways for food and goodies. There were also some skill-based, therapeutic workshops, regular news and updates regarding transport/ travel, and even GP visits. We were also made aware of the mental health and wellbeing support available, and the ResLife coordinator and advisors were introduced.

Before I knew it, I started referring to my university accommodation as ‘home’ and suddenly I found myself meaning it. Throughout my stay here, the ResLife team has come up with fresh new ways to make this experience a lot more lively, fruitful, memorable, and just easier. Each month there is a list of fun opportunities to break free from the monotonous university life. Coordinators and advisors are always available in case of any issues and hold regular chats to ensure everything is in order and all flatmates are satisfied. There are special events and assistance during exams which actually help manage mood and productivity. Honestly, my favourite part about choosing a university accommodation is that the care and support doesn’t end once you check in, it only keeps going and growing. ResLife cares about the little things you can’t easily find in a place away from home, and I think it’s safe to say that the people in those green hoodies fairly represent what the colour stands for– vitality, growth, and security.

Written by Ananya Sharma, a current MSc Finance student.

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