Five tips to surviving life in hall

With the start of the new university semester commencing in three weeks, some of you freshmen are probably still on the fence about staying in the residential halls on campus.

As someone who was lucky enough to stay on campus for two years, I can safely say that staying in hall will be an experience you will not regret. There is nothing better than being able to sleep in for an additional hour (or more) and make it for that 9am class on time.

Here are five tips to help you survive the unfamiliarity of hall life.

1. Get ready to make new friends

If you are not already aware, most halls require you to participate in events, such as joining a team sport or a committee once you are accepted in hall. You will definitely meet many new people in a fairly short span of time.

Beyond making friends in these sports and committees, you might meet potential roommates, neighbours and floor-mates that you will be seeing during the rest of the semester at your new home.

So, being friendly and opening up to new people may come in handy.

If you are an introvert, do not worry. Most of us start off shy and quiet too. Just be yourself and you will be good to go!

2. Equip yourself with basic cooking and cleaning skills

Most halls have a common kitchen where you can cook your own meals. So, grab a hotpot and an induction cooker and you can have your own steamboat buffet with your new hall friends! Sharing is caring, right?

Staying in hall also means that you will not have your mother or helper to clean up after you, so be prepared to do your own chores. If you have a roommate, be considerate. Keep to your side, and clean the shared areas.

No one wants a roommate who cannot (or will not) keep the room clean.

3. Watch out for laundry thieves

If you do your laundry at the communal laundry area, remember to always check the machine before you leave. If anything gets left behind, chances are, you are not going to get it back.

Also, when you hang your precious laundry outside your room to dry, be warned. It might get stolen by perverts or kleptomaniacs that you are not aware of.

Especially those expensive sports bras, girls. #truestory

4. Be prepared to have a messed up sleep cycle

Impromptu suppers? Late-night food trails? Gossip session at your neighbour’s room?

These are typical events that are part and parcel of an active hall life, and they WILL ruin your sleep cycle.

But, they also guarantee a whole semester of fun and memories that you will remember.

5. Be spontaneous!

Spontaneity will be your best friend in hall. You will need it the most when it comes to joining last minute events, doing crazy things during hall camps or going for an unplanned adventure outside of school!

That is the beauty of staying on campus; you get to stay out late and still make it for that 8am class the next day. How convenient, right?