Advice for your first year and living in halls

Ib shares her experience living in The Costume Store

Moving into halls is one of the biggest parts of first year, and it comes with its own learning curve. New flatmates, a new kitchen to share, and a whole new routine to figure out, all while you're settling into your course. Ib knows the feeling well.

Here's the advice she wishes she'd had before she moved in, on handling the pressure, budgeting for halls life, and still making the most of it.

1. The pressure is coming from you

If Ib could go back in time, this is the first thing she'd tell her fresher self. Your course knows it's your first year here. Your tutors know it too. They don't expect perfection, but they do want your best, and they'll help you get there.

The same goes for halls. Living independently for the first time, sharing a kitchen, figuring out a new routine, it's a lot to take in at once. Most of the pressure you feel isn't coming from outside. It's coming from you.

You're a student. You're here to learn. Mistakes are part of that. Stay humble, admit when you're wrong, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Handle your mistakes the right way, and the only way from there is up.

2. Stop saying yes to everything

Save your money. It's OK to miss out.

Ib's grateful for her student job, and working alongside her degree has been a real blessing. But first year Ib still made a few financially unwise calls chasing FOMO. Her advice: it's fine to skip a couple of things now if it means a stronger financial footing later. Future you, able to cover the tube, a weekly shop and maybe a treat, will thank you for it.

Remember, the Halls Life team run FREE and low-cost events across the year. Find out what's on here.

3. Life is only as serious as you make it

Yes, save your money. But you can still have fun without landing yourself in debt.

As a wise friend once told Ib: in a world that tries to strip away your joy, keep fighting for it anyway. You only live once. Choose joy. Some of the best first year moments happen right in halls, a flatmate movie night, a shared meal, time spent in the common room, and none of that has to cost much. If a small treat makes you happy, let it. You won't get this time back, so you can spend it worrying, or spend it present and enjoying the moment. Just be wise about it.