Settling In OK?

Starting university and moving into a new home is a big change. There’s a lot to get used to, from meeting new people and finding your way around campus to figuring out where to do your food shop and making your new accommodation feel like home.

If you’re living in HudLets accommodation, we want to help make that transition as easy as possible. As the University’s Approved Accommodation Service, we’re here to support you with your accommodation while you settle into student life in Huddersfield.

Whether you’ve moved away from home for the first time or you’re already familiar with the area, it can take a little while to find your feet. So, if you’re still settling in, here are a few ways to make your new home and your new city feel a little more familiar.

Get to know your new home

Moving into a new house or flat can feel strange at first. You’re getting used to a new room, new housemates and a different routine, so don’t worry if it doesn’t immediately feel like home.

Start with the little things. Unpack your favourite belongings, organise your room in a way that works for you and make your space somewhere you actually enjoy spending time.

If you’re sharing with other students, take some time to get to know your housemates too. You could cook together, watch a film, have a chat in the kitchen or simply say hello when you see each other. You don’t need to become best friends overnight. Everyone will settle in at their own pace.

It can also be useful to work out the practical things early on. Find your nearest supermarket, learn where your bins are, figure out your journey to campus and make a note of anything you need to know about your accommodation.

Those small things can make your new surroundings feel much more familiar.

Why choose University Approved accommodation?

If you’re living with HudLets, your accommodation is provided through the University’s Approved Accommodation Service.

HudLets works with approved and verified landlords to provide quality student accommodation in prime locations across Huddersfield. Our accommodation includes shared houses, studios and other options designed with student living in mind.

Being University Approved gives students additional reassurance when choosing their accommodation. It means the properties and landlords we work with are part of an accommodation service approved by the University.

We’re also here to help if you have questions about your accommodation. If you’re unsure about something or need some support, you can contact the HudLets team rather than trying to work everything out yourself.

Find out more about HudLets and our accommodation at HudLets

Get involved with the Students’ Union

Your accommodation is just one part of your university experience. Once you’re starting to feel settled, getting involved with Huddersfield Students’ Union can be a great way to meet people, discover new interests and make the most of your time at university.

The Students’ Union runs events, activities, campaigns, societies, sports clubs and opportunities throughout the year. There’s something for all sorts of interests, whether you want to get involved regularly or simply try something once.

You could join a society based around something you already enjoy, try a completely new activity, get involved in a sports club or head along to an event with your housemates.

You don’t have to know exactly what you want to get involved with straight away. Have a look at what’s available and see what catches your attention.

Find out more about Huddersfield Students’ Union on our website.

Don’t be afraid to try something new

University can be a great opportunity to step outside your usual routine.

If you see an event advertised that sounds interesting, go along. If someone asks if you want to join them for an activity, give it a try. If you’ve always wanted to take up a new hobby, see what societies or clubs are available.

You might not enjoy everything you try, and that’s okay. Getting involved is about finding the things that work for you and meeting people along the way.

It can also be easier to meet people when you have something to do together. Joining a society, attending an event or taking part in an activity gives you a natural way to start conversations and get to know other students.

Now that Huddersfield is your home, take some time to explore it.

You don’t need to travel far to find somewhere new. Spend an afternoon exploring the town centre, grab a coffee between lectures, find somewhere you like to eat or head to Greenhead Park when you need some fresh air.

You could also look out for local events, visit somewhere you haven’t been before or simply take a different route home and see what you discover.

If you’re living with housemates, exploring together can be a great way to get to know each other too. You could make a list of places you want to try and work your way through it during the year.

Find your favourite student spots

One of the best parts of settling into a new city is finding your own favourite places.

Maybe you’ll find a café that becomes your regular study spot, a takeaway you always order from, a park where you go for a walk or somewhere you and your friends meet before heading to an event.

You’ll also start to work out which places are useful for everyday student life, from supermarkets and shops to places to eat, relax and spend time with friends.

It might take a few weeks to find your favourites, but that’s part of making somewhere feel like home.

Keep an eye on what’s happening

There’s always something going on around university and Huddersfield, so keep an eye on the Students’ Union and HudLets for events, activities, opportunities and useful student information.

You can follow HudLets on Instagram and Facebook for accommodation updates, local recommendations, student tips and things happening around Huddersfield.

The Students’ Union is also a great place to find out what’s happening on campus and how you can get involved.

Remember that settling in takes time

It’s easy to look around and feel like everyone else has already settled in, made loads of friends and knows exactly what they’re doing. In reality, everyone adjusts to university differently.

Some people settle in straight away, while others need a little longer. You might feel completely at home after a few weeks, or it might take a few months.

There’s no right way to settle into university.

Give yourself time to get used to your accommodation, your course, your surroundings and your new routine. Keep trying things, meet people at your own pace and don’t put pressure on yourself to have everything figured out immediately.

We’re here if you need us

If you’re living in HudLets accommodation and have a question about your home, we’re here to help.

You can find the HudLets team on Floor 5 of Student Central, call us on 01484 258601 or email hudlets@hud.ac.uk.

You can also find out more about HudLets and our accommodation on the website.

Moving to university is a big step, but it’s also the start of a new chapter. Take your time, get to know your home, explore Huddersfield and get involved in the things that interest you.

Before long, the place you moved to for university can start to feel like your own.

Welcome to Huddersfield, and welcome to your new home with HudLets.