While my first year of university is coming to an end, some out there are preparing for it to begin. Understandably, starting your first year is a daunting time, especially when you begin to dwell on the fact that you’ll be moving into your own place with a bunch of people you’ve never met. But there really is no need to worry if you’re prepared for the move, whether this takes you a month or a day, or even if you don’t feel the need to prepare!
The main thing about starting university is that: 1. You got in! Congrats! and 2. The memories you’re about to make will be worth so much.
I interviewed Joseph Attenborough, the hall manager at Nunnery Court accommodation in Derby, about students moving into halls and more specifically first year students. Joseph told me that he gets many young people asking him questions on open days about moving into halls and what it entails. “People who come to the open days are the ones who do have questions and are concerned about what it’s like, how much they pay and what things they get,” he told me. Being in that position myself I know that open days are the best way to see what halls will be like and there’s nothing better than speaking to a current student, usually a first year like you will soon be, giving you a tour.
The main thing about halls is that you’re moving in with some people that you have never met before, and for some it’s most likely the first time they will be living away from home. But moving into halls is nothing you need to worry about, and something Joseph agrees strongly with me on is that “there is always guidance and advice 30 seconds out the door” from himself and the many Residential Assistants.
It’s easy to get anxious about moving into halls but I found the best way to get to know this new area I was living in was exploring the city with my new housemates. Of course if you’d rather do this alone then by all means go for it, but with others it’s not only a way for you all to get to know each other but something that everyone will want to do. My favourite walk around Derby is the one from my university halls to Markeaton Park. The park is beautiful and the perfect place to go for a relaxing stroll if you’re stressed. Here is a few of my favourite pictures I’ve taken there:
A shot of the leaves as Autumn approaches. Credit: Georgia Moore 
A play around with spatial relationship between objects. Credit: Georgia Moore 
Looking up a tree. Credit: Georgia Moore 
A shot of the sunset over Markeaton Park. Credit: Georgia Moore 
A shot over Markeaton Stream. Credit: Georgia Moore
Long relaxing walks aren’t the only thing about the city that I love. There is so much to do in the centre itself and I never go a day wondering what to do with myself. From cocktails to golf, I believe Derby is one of the best cities in the country for group activities. Below I’ve created a storymap of all the best things that I’ve done so far this year.
As the year comes to an end and all assignments are being submitted, first years like me are getting ready to move into new accommodation in September and new students are waiting for an acceptance letter from their chosen university, but no doubt we should all be excited for what new things are to come. Let me know how you’re feeling about starting university in September below!
Journo Georgia 