University Students' Frequent Moves: Exploring The Norm

Moving away to university is an exciting time for students, but it can also be an emotional and nerve-wracking experience. Students are often leaving their family, friends, and pets behind and starting a new chapter in their lives. In 2014, students moving away to university made up one-fifth of all internal migration in England and Wales, with large and medium-sized cities seeing the biggest influx. In the US, 43% of Americans who started college in 2020 moved away from home, the highest rate since 2005. While moving to university can be a big step, it is becoming an increasingly common choice for students.

Packing tips for university students

Packing for university can be a daunting task, especially if you're doing it for the first time. To make the process smoother, here are some detailed tips to help you pack like a pro:

Planning and Lists:

Before you start packing, it's essential to plan and make lists. Begin by checking what items your university accommodation will provide so you know exactly what you need to bring. Make a list of items categorised by bedroom, kitchen, study, and miscellaneous. Be realistic and only pack what you need – you don't want to overload your limited space.

Clothing and Bedding:

Don't pack your entire wardrobe. University rooms usually have limited wardrobe space, and you won't need all your clothes at once. Pack clothing and bedding in suitcases or laundry baskets, and consider rolling your clothes to save space. Bring only the essentials, and you can always swap outfits when you visit home during holidays.

Transport and Logistics:

When packing, use labelled boxes or containers for easy unpacking and organisation. Collapsible boxes are great for storing items when you return home during breaks. If you have fragile items, cushion them with clothing or towels. For hanging clothes, group them by length and secure them with trash bags or garment bags.

Shared Items and Communal Spaces:

Coordinate with your flatmates to share communal items such as a coffeemaker, hot pot, or microwave. This saves space and money. If possible, contact your flatmates beforehand to discuss what items to bring, so you don't end up with duplicates.

Toiletries and Cosmetics:

Gather all your toiletries and cosmetics, and cushion cosmetics with cotton pads or balls inside compact cases. Pack them in cosmetic bags or small bins with extra padding to prevent breakage during transport.

Electronics and Technology:

If you're bringing a printer, remove ink cartridges, secure the printer tray, and find a box that fits snugly to prevent shifting during transport. Check if your devices can connect to your laptop or each other, and remember to pack the necessary cables, such as HDMI or Ethernet cords.

Kitchen and Household Items:

If you're staying in catered halls, you may not need as many kitchen items. Still, it's good to have some essentials like a drying rack for laundry, food storage containers, and plastic storage bags. For self-catered halls, you'll need more kitchenware, including pots, pans, and cutlery.

Medication and First Aid:

Don't forget to pack essential medication and a first aid kit. Include items like aspirin or pain relievers, antidiarrheal medicine, adhesive bandages, and antibiotic ointment.

Final Tips:

Remember to pack items like sports equipment, jewellery, and fragile decor. You can use padded envelopes or create your own padding with brown paper bags and soft items like t-shirts. Finally, give yourself time to shop around for the best deals, and don't stress if you forget something – you can always buy it later or do without if it's not essential.

Good luck with your move to university!

Emotional preparation for leaving home

Moving away from home for university is an exciting but emotional time. Here are some tips for emotionally preparing for this big step:

Recognise and accept your feelings

It's completely normal to feel anxious or nervous about this significant change. You are stepping into a new environment, leaving your family and support system behind. Recognising and accepting these feelings is the first step towards managing them.

Communicate with your support system

Talk to your family and friends about your feelings. They care about you and want you to be safe, even if their concern manifests as a long list of dos and don'ts. Listen to them, make them feel satisfied, and show them respect, even if you don't plan on following their advice.

Spend time with loved ones

Nostalgia will likely bother you at some point, so spend time with your loved ones and create happy memories to look back on. These memories can lift you up when you're feeling homesick.

Familiarise yourself with your new environment

Spend time exploring your new surroundings, and get to know where to find help. Identify resources such as counselling services and student groups.

Create a comforting living space

Bring items from home, such as photos or decorations, to make your new space feel more familiar and comforting.

Focus on self-care

Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Also, practice mindfulness techniques like meditation to help ground you and manage anxiety.

Seek professional help if needed

If your anxiety becomes overwhelming, consider seeking professional counselling or therapy.

Practical preparations

In addition to the emotional aspects, there are practical considerations to keep in mind when preparing to leave home for university. Give yourself time to figure out what you need to pack, and make a list to stay organised. Contact your flatmates in advance to coordinate communal items, and remember to only bring what you need, as wardrobe space is usually limited.

Overall, it's important to recognise that leaving home for university is a significant life change that can evoke a range of emotions. By following the tips outlined above, you can emotionally prepare for this exciting new chapter in your life.

How to choose a university near home

Choosing a university can be a daunting task, especially when you want to stay near home. Here are some tips to help you make that decision:

Reflect on your goals and priorities

Think about what is important to you and what you want to achieve during your time at university. Consider your long-term goals and how your university choice can help you get there. For example, if you want to pursue a specific major or course of study, ensure that the universities near you offer that programme.

Research the universities near you

Create a shortlist of universities within a commutable distance from your home. Look into their courses, teaching styles, reputations, sizes, and the emphasis they place on research or teaching. Consider whether you prefer a campus or city university. A campus university offers a more contained and community-oriented experience, while a city university allows you to engage more with the city and its opportunities.

Evaluate the opportunities and facilities

Consider the extracurricular activities, sports clubs, and societies that are important to you. If you have special needs or require learning support, research the accessibility and disability services offered by the universities. Also, look into the quality of their careers services and whether they can help you with internships, networking, or part-time job opportunities.

Weigh the benefits of staying close to home

Think about the advantages of staying near home. You may save on accommodation costs, remain close to your support network of family and friends, and have more familiar surroundings to study in. However, also consider whether you want the independence of living away from home and the fresh start that comes with it.

Visit the universities

Attend open days to get a feel for the campus and its surroundings. This will help you determine whether you can see yourself enjoying life there as a student. You can also use these visits to assess the journey from home and decide if the commute is realistic and convenient for you.

Keep an open mind

While staying near home is a priority, remember that there is no such thing as a perfect university. Be open to different options and consider a range of factors to find the best fit for your needs and goals. Don't be afraid to challenge your assumptions—you may surprise yourself by thriving in a setting you didn't initially consider.

Choosing a university near home allows you to balance your educational goals with the comfort and familiarity of your current location. By following these steps, you can make an informed decision that takes into account your priorities, the university's offerings, and the benefits of staying close to home.

Average distance travelled by students

Students make up a large share of overall internal migration. In 2014, those moving from one region to another to attend university in England and Wales accounted for approximately one-fifth of all movements. This trend is also reflected in the US, where data shows that 4 in 10 Americans who started college in 2020 moved away from home, the highest rate since 2005.

The average distance travelled by students to attend a top 200 college in the US is 293 miles. However, some institutions, such as CalTech, MIT, and Stanford, have an average student travel distance of more than 1,000 miles.

In the UK, students are increasingly choosing to move away from home for university. A 2024 survey of over 17,000 sixth-form students revealed that only around one in 20 prospective students in state and independent schools preferred to study in their home area. This trend is particularly notable in London, where just 10% of respondents planned to stay in their region, down from 17% in 2011.

The decision to move away for university is influenced by various factors, including the desire to maximise career prospects and earnings potential, as well as the availability of specific programmes and courses. Additionally, students may be drawn to the sense of independence and the opportunity to experience life in a new city.

Preparing for move-in day

Check Your College Emails

Throughout the summer, pay close attention to your college email account. Schools typically send important information about housing, orientation events, and instructions for move-in day, such as the assigned time frame for arrival, campus traffic patterns, and parking information. If you have specific questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the residence life staff or the office of orientation and first-year programs.

Start Packing

When it comes to packing, the key is to be organised and start early. First, check what items your university accommodation will provide, and then make a list of what you need to bring. Split your list into categories such as bedroom, kitchen, study, and miscellaneous. Be realistic and only pack what you need, as wardrobe space is usually limited. Remember, you can always buy things when you arrive at your university or bring additional items later in the term if needed.

Discuss a Budget with Your Family

Before leaving home, discuss your budget for the semester or year with your family. Account for any potential emergency or miscellaneous expenses and clarify funding expectations to avoid any miscommunication.

Reach Out to Your Roommate

Connect with your roommate before move-in day via social media or email. This will help you avoid bringing duplicate items, and you can also discuss hobbies, interests, and living and sleeping habits to ensure you're compatible. If any issues arise, don't worry; resident advisers are there to help mediate and facilitate compromises.

Practice Life Skills

College life requires independence and certain life skills such as doing laundry, cooking, maintaining a clean space, and respecting boundaries. Before heading to college, practice time management and teamwork, as college involves balancing classes, extracurricular activities, a social life, and possibly work.

Prepare for Welcome Events and Orientation

Move-in day often includes welcome events and orientation activities to help you settle in and meet other students. These events are designed to ease your nerves and introduce you to your roommates, hallmates, and resident assistants. They will also help you learn the layout of the campus and school traditions. So, be sure to participate and take advantage of these opportunities to start building your community.

Frequently asked questions