London is like nowhere else on earth (well, it’s a little bit like New York, but our taxis are black, not yellow), and settling into this bustling metropolis can be quite a shock to the system.
Here at The Hive, we’ll do everything we can to help you feel welcome and adjust to your new London student accommodation, and that includes blogging our top tips for settling in to the ‘big smoke’. So here goes nothing…
Attend your University’s welcome events. You’re tired, you’ve barely unpacked your suitcase, and all you want is to lie back and catch up on some sleep – why on earth would you abandon your lovely student accommodation to attend a welcome event with a load of people you don’t know?
We know, we know, but the only way you’re going to learn your way around student life and make new friends is by putting yourself out there. Your university will offer orientation days/weeks, which will teach you about important issues like healthcare, immigration rules (for international students), welfare, opening a bank account, and police registration. There will also be social events to help you meet new friends and introduce you to the surrounding areas, such as social evenings, talks, campus and local tours.
Don’t forget that we’re also around 24 hours a day, and if you need any advice on anything, we’ll do our best to help, just pop down to reception and talk to us.
Personalise your room. Ok, so we’re not talking about refitting your studio apartment with a Mezzanine level and hot tub, but little touches really do help keep home sickness at bay. We provide pin boards for posters and mementos of home (postcards from loved ones work a treat) and personal items, like flowers, or keepsakes, really make a home your own.
Stay in touch. Here at The Hive we offer free Wi/Fi to all residents, so there’s really no reason not to drop your loved ones a quick Skype from time to time, just to let them know you’re settling in and enjoying your student living experience. It’s also a great way to keep track of the gossip!
Join (start) a society. If you miss spending time with people from your culture, why not join an international society? Most London Universities have one where you can find friendship, intelligent conversation, and news of things going on back home. Remember, though, that you will get more out of your time in London and improve your English if you mix widely with all cultures and don’t just stay with people from home, so try your best to make friends with other Hive residents (they’re not a bad bunch, we promise).
There are many weird and wonderful student societies, beyond international ones (most will try and get you to sign up to them during Fresher’s week!) – whether you want to discuss economics, build the Death Star out of Lego, raise money for charity, practice Origami, or even play football with robots! Whilst not all the examples featured in education UK are London based, there’s nothing stopping you setting up your own!
Come and live at The Hive. Ok, if you’re already a current resident, you’ll know this already, but here at The Hive we take all the stress out of student living, so you can concentrate on learning and enjoying your time studying in London. Our custom built student apartments are safe and secure (we have a 24-hour staff presence, CCTV in all access areas, and secure key fob access to both the main entrance and your studio), and our all inclusive costs mean you won’t have to worry about paying utility bills on time. We’re also incredibly popular with international students, so you’ll quickly find new friends and settle right in.
We hope you found our guide useful – if at any time you’d like to book a viewing of The Hive, just fill out this form and we’ll come right back to you.