Check-in and your first few days at your halls of residence: a guide to getting off to a good start

You walk through the door with your suitcases. The journey is over and, at last, you’re at Canvas. The planning stage is behind you and now it’s time to face reality: your first day away from home.

It’s perfectly normal to feel a knot in your stomach when you arrive. To help you turn those initial jitters into pure excitement, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide with exactly what you need to take to make the most of your arrival and your first few days in the halls of residence.

The moment of truth: check-in

Your first must-visit stop is reception. The Canvas team will welcome you and guide you through the registration process. You’ll get your access card here.

Make the most of this opportunity to sort out your most pressing queries with the help of your Welcome Book. You’ll have received this document by email and it’s also available on the Canvas Resident App. It’ll serve as your survival guide: it contains the most important information on room and communal living rules, safety and emergencies, and access to the health and well-being platform (Balancy).

As well as having a look, you can make the most of your visit to reception to:

• Confirm the opening hours of reception and communal areas, and the 24-hour emergency number.
• Make sure you know exactly how to report an incident (remember that you can do this easily on the Resident App or by going directly to reception so that the maintenance team can help you as soon as possible).
• Ask how internet access works so you can connect your mobile straight away.

 

Operation Unpack: the bed rule

You go to your room, close the door and see all your boxes and suitcases. The initial chaos is overwhelming for anyone. But before you freak out, take a look at the little detail waiting for you inside: Your welcome pack! We’re not going to give away what’s inside, but we’ve prepared a little surprise for you in your room – something to help you get the course off to a flying start.

The best tip for your first day in halls of residence is simple: make your bed first. Having your bed made gives you an immediate sense of control and ensures you have a clean, comfortable place to collapse into if you’re too tired to carry on. Then, empty your suitcases straight into the wardrobe. Store empty suitcases under the bed or on the overhead shelves to clear the space and make the room feel like your own.

Go and explore (and find the launderette)

Once you’ve unpacked your things, resist the temptation to shut yourself away in your room. Take a look around the building. Canvas Student has some fantastic amenities, but in your first 24 hours you’ll need to find the key features for day-to-day use.

Find out where the laundry area is and read the instructions on the machines. Find the rubbish collection points so you know where to recycle. Have a look around the study rooms and leisure areas to get familiar with your surroundings. Knowing your way around the building will make you feel much more confident.

 

Set up your academic ‘command centre’

As well as being a place to rest, your bedroom is your sanctuary for concentration. Once you’ve put your clothes away, spend a little time setting up your desk.

Get your laptop out, plug in the chargers and make sure you’ve set up the high-speed Wi-Fi correctly on all your devices. Keep your diary or planner in plain sight and check your class timetable. Having this space ready right from the start will give you great peace of mind and prevent any last-minute rush when classes begin.

Get to know your new neighbourhood

The final step on your arrival is to head out to the street. Before the first day of term, walk from your halls of residence to your school. Time how long it takes you on foot, by bike or on public transport.

Make the most of your walk to find the nearest chemist, the health centre (where you’ll apply for temporary relocation) and the nearest bus or underground stop. Getting to grips with your surroundings will help you to start the academic term with complete peace of mind.

Take a deep breath and head out. Your new life has already begun.