7 Ways to Settle into Your New Space

1. Finding Your Way Around and Local Transport

First things first, familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. Stretch your legs and get out in the neighbourhood, scope out the nearest grocery stores, cafes, and other amenities. Get to know the local transport options like buses and trains – they'll be your ticket to exploring the city and getting to campus on time.

• Buses - First Bus app, if you're travelling in and around Leeds there's usually a First bus nearby, use the app for timetables, student discount and live departures
• Train - Headingley & Burley Park offer quick travel to Leeds, don't forget to get a student railcard!
• Taxi - Veezu (previously Amber Cars) have a safe taxi scheme available for all students

2. Staying Healthy: Registering with Doctors and Dentists

If you didn't do it in first year, now is the time to get registered with a local doctor and dentist as soon as possible. This ensures you'll have access to medical care when you need it. Don't wait until you need their services, as the old saying goes - better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

3. Finding Green Spaces to Walk In

While you're busy with the hustle and bustle of university life, don't forget to carve out some time for nature. Seek out nearby parks or green spaces where you can unwind - a breath of fresh air can work wonders for your mental wellbeing.

• Beckett Park and Meanwood Park have wooded areas with trails - good for walking or running
• Woodhouse Moor - grab your running shows and take part in the park run every Saturday at 9am
• Meanwood Valley Urban Farm - get place to walk around, plus it has Alpacas
• Meanwood Valley Circular - here's a 6.8km walk to get your started!

4. Readjusting Budgets

With great freedom comes great responsibility – especially when it comes to managing your finances. Take the time to readjust your budget now that you're in private accommodation. Factor in expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation.

Consider setting aside a portion of your income for savings and emergencies – your future self will thank you.

5. Meet Your Neighbours

Set aside 5 minutes to meet your neighbours either side, you never know when you might need a friendly face (or to take in a parcel!).

6. Understand Your Rights & Responsibilities

Whilst they are long documents, your tenancy agreement highlights the boundaries of responsibility between yourself, your housemates and your landlord. It's a document that's worth another look; familiarise yourself with payment schedules, maintenance obligations and rules regarding guests and noise levels. If something doesn't look quite right or your think might off speak to your Student Union Advice Service who can offer advice on tenancy issues.

7. Communicate!

One major advantage of this move compared to moving into your student accommodation is that it's not as much of a leap into the unknown. For starters, this time you probably know the people you're living with pretty well. So, moving into a new space with your tribe is an exciting prospect but it’s worth investing time in making sure you all communicate openly about how you're feeling. You've got a few more pressures and considerations than you've had previously, like bills for example. Check out our blog on Navigating Second Year Living to find out the easy fixes to common housemate conflicts.