Welcome to your new home!

Moving into uni halls is an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with independence, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Whilst meeting new friends, exploring your campus and getting to know your new city, there are a few ‘must-do’ tasks you need to address to ensure a smooth transition into uni life.

From updating your address (so you don’t miss any amazon deliveries) to signing up with your local GP (freshers flu inbound), this blog will guide you through the crucial steps to settle in seamlessly. Now let’s make your move as stress-free as possible!

1. Right, where am I?

You’ve moved all your stuff in, everything is starting to look a little bit more homely, but you’ve not done a food shop yet, and you’re not sure how close the campus is, and, what about the pubs?! Now is the time to have a wander around and get a feel for the place, take a stroll and have a scout around for all those things. Google Maps is about to become your best friend. Is it a nice walking distance from places, or nice bike ride away? You might want to get a bus pass, take the tram or even the train? Most transport options in Sheffield have discounts for students which you will be able to see on our Cost of Living Hub. Make sure to update your address too as you’ll want to make sure if you order something it’s not being sent back home - especially an UberEats!

2. Get signed up!

Find your local GP and dentist ASAP! Freshers week is not far away and I can guarantee there'll be a few of you injuring yourselves after one too many or knocking a tooth out if you sign up to any contact sports teams! You can register for the Hallam medical centre here. It’s also useful if you need doctors’ notes for being off sick or mitigating circumstances - there is no worse feeling than travelling home when you’re ill, get in there early and get signed up.

3. Disability Support

If you have a disability and you haven't already been in contact with student support, do it now! You’ll need to sort any learning contracts and/or any accessibility needs for the year and approve them - this includes any neurodivergent students out there too! Learning contracts are in place to help support your studies and give reasonable adjustments so you aren’t disadvantaged by your condition or disability. They are also there to give relevant staff the information they’ll need to support you.

The learning contract may include, but is not limited to:

• Extended deadlines for coursework and assignments

• Adjustments to presentations or group work

• Coursework not marked down for spelling and grammatical errors

• Adjustments to exams and timed assessments, for instance rest breaks for students with fatigue or anxiety.

Remember to bring any evidence with you and check out the Disabled student allowance - it’s significantly more expensive to be a disabled student, so please make sure you get everything you need.

4. Get Active!

Whether it’s scoping out the Peak District walks, joining a sports club with Team Hallam, or registering at a gym, see what’s on offer in your area. For £14.99 a month you can register at Hallam Active Gym and use the facilities at both city and collegiate campuses! Sheffield has a lot to show off and starting with positive plans for your physical health will help kickstart your year.

5. Take pictures!!!

I’m not talking about selfies before your first night out in Tiger Works, I’m talking about inventory pictures. Take photographs of absolutely everything in your accommodation when you move in - walls, skirting boards, furniture, windows, mattresses - the whole works. This goes for any accommodation over your time at uni and helps at the end of your contract when you’re trying to get your deposit back, you’ll want proof you didn’t cause any damage so you don’t have to pay for it. For any additional help around housing, be sure to check out our housing advice page.

Settling into uni halls can feel overwhelming, but taking care of these essential tasks will help you feel more at home and prepared for university life. By updating your address, registering with a local GP, understanding your transport options, and setting up whatever else, you'll ensure a smooth and stress-free start. Now that you’ve tackled these basics, you can focus on making the most of your university experience. Welcome to Sheffield Hallam!