Moved away from home for the first time?
We have put together twelve tips for students who have recently moved!
Moving on your own for the very first time can be a big transition. Suddenly you have to stand on your own two feet, and there is no longer anyone to watch when you come and go, what and when you eat, or when you go to bed. You may have more freedom than you were used to, but with this freedom comes more responsibility.
Dormitory life is exciting and fun, but for many it can seem a little intimidating. It can be hard to settle in, and it is quite normal to have doubts about whether things will go well. If you feel this doubt - relax! We are here to help you cope with the transition from your childhood home to the student dormitory.
Here are twelve tips for students who have recently moved:
1. Use the student association (SiÅs)
The Student Association in Ås (SiÅs) rents out housing, runs canteens, a bookshop, a training center, and the student post office. In addition, SiÅs has a Student Life Center and other opportunities for you on campus. Read more on our website or ask us if you have any questions!
2. Get involved in the student community
Getting involved is a great way to get to know new people, and in Ås there are many opportunities. For example, you can volunteer at Samfunnet, join a social organization, get involved in student politics, or join a sports team. You can find an overview of teams and associations at the «Samfunnet i Ås» website.
3. Keep your dormitory in order
Try to keep your accommodation in good shape. After a long day, it's nice to come home to a tidy and clean dormitory.
4. Make good routines
Try to make some good routines for yourself around physical activity, laundry, cooking, cleaning the dormitory, and bedtime. If you get into good routines from the start, it is easier to maintain them throughout the semester.
5. Familiarize yourself with campus
Orient yourself and find out where things are. Which activities would you like to join, where will your lectures be, and where can you find answers to your questions?
6. Be social
It may seem as if everyone else is safe, both socially and professionally, right from the start. That's not always true. Most people feel insecure at first, and that's only natural. Try to be welcoming, and don't wait for others to contact you. A smile or a "hello" to a stranger can mean a lot!
7. Have good communication in the collective
In a collective you live quite closely. Therefore, be clear, and address anything that can create challenges in the collective up front. If you are going to share a bathroom with someone, it is good to agree on when and how you will share the cleaning. Agree on which assets you consider personal and which can be shared. In a communal kitchen, you have a unique opportunity to get to know others and their taste for life. Here it is also important to agree on cleaning, order, routines, rubbish disposal, and perhaps joint purchases for shared dinners from time to time.
8. Remember personal item insurance
As a tenant in SiÅs, you are not covered by personal item insurance. SiÅs has regular home owner's insurance, and this does not cover theft or damage to things stored in the home. It is therefore important that you have your own insurance.
9. Manage your money
Think smart when it comes to spending money. It is a good idea to set up a budget, so that you get a rough overview of your finances.
10. Think reuse
Used is good, more affordable, and environmentally friendly. Therefore, a good tip is to buy what you need used, if possible.
11. You are not alone
It can be scary to come to a new place with many unknown people, but remember that most of them are in the same situation as you. Loneliness is something that everyone feels from time to time.
Try to invest in relationships with people you feel safe around and see if the friendships can grow. Building a circle of trusted friends takes time, but it worth the investment.
It can also be a big transition to have fewer people around you than you might be used to at home. Therefore, we recommend practicing enjoying your own company as well.
12. Remember that help is close
Help is close by if you feel lonely or have any other challenges. Speech therapists, psychologists, and student chaplains are available for those who need someone to talk to.