Navigating University Accommodation with Ease
Welcome, dear Readers! Today, I invite you into my world outside but within the confines of the University of Central Lancashire. Confusing, isn't it? Let me clarify. I'm referring to my dormitory, where every day is a struggle to wake up, get ready, and decide what culinary creation to whip up. As a first-year student, I understand the challenges of finding suitable accommodation while pursuing your dreams. In this blog, I'll share my experiences of living in Ribble Halls at UCLan, hoping to ease your worries and help you make informed decisions.
Are you one of those who think university dorms are too expensive? Or perhaps you're considering living in the halls but need assurance it's the right choice? Maybe you're just confused about whether it's suitable for you? Well, stick around and hear me out. I bet you'll have a clearer perspective by the end.
When my UK VISA was granted, the real stress of finding accommodation hit me. I scoured various websites daily in search of the best, affordable option within a reasonable distance from campus. The University of Central Lancashire is a top choice for international students, not just for its academic excellence but also for its diverse range of student accommodations. For future UCLan freshers, you can access virtual accommodation tours and application guidelines via this link: UCLan Accommodation.
In my search, I found Ribble Halls to be the best fit for me in terms of budget and facilities. Surprisingly, living in the halls turned out to be much cheaper than renting an apartment, which is hard to come by in this area. Whether you're a freshman navigating the maze of hallways or a seasoned upperclassman with tales to tell, there's no denying the unique charm that comes with living in the heart of campus life. From maximizing space to acing communal living, dorm life enables you to seek stress-free and enjoyable living.
Sharing my flat with five other people from diverse locations—Japan, America, Nepal, and the UK—was an eye-opening experience. Despite initial concerns about adapting to each other's habits and sharing space, I found myself surrounded by amazing individuals. Our diverse backgrounds welcomed multiple cultures and cuisines into our lives. We established a thoughtful, respectful environment where everyone pitched in to keep shared spaces clean through a "Clean As You Go" approach. And we never had any issue regarding anything till now. I remember “Niku-jaga”; a Japanese curry that Shino; my cute Japanese friend made for us. It was delicious, an absolute new taste to my regular taste buds. Elise was a such a kind baker of our flat who was all out for deserts. Jenny had her own specialty in Pasta and spaghetti. Collen with her amazing plant-based meals and her interesting life incidents. At the end, Aparna and me being from Nepal were always a step ahead to offer them a lavish Nepali food which won everyone heart and taste. Yay! At the end of day, any queries would be popped into our Instagram group chat that we created on the very first day we all met.
Having the Pagoda Laundry Station conveniently located just a brief 2-minute stroll from Ribble Halls was incredibly convenient for us. While I initially harboured a wish for an in-flat washing machine, utilizing the laundry facility presented us with valuable opportunities beyond mere convenience. It allowed us to multitask effectively, ensuring that we could attend to other tasks within the comfort of our own rooms while our laundry was being taken care of. Moreover, the laundry station became more than just a place for chores; it served as a social hub where new friendships were forged. As we waited for our laundry, we engaged in casual conversations and shared anecdotes, gradually forming bonds with fellow residents. Additionally, the reasonable wash-dry rates offered by the facility, coupled with the flexibility to use our preferred detergent, significantly alleviated the usual burdens associated with laundry day. This meant that our laundry-related tasks became more manageable and less of a hassle, allowing us to focus on other aspects of our daily lives with greater ease and efficiency.
Living with roommates inevitably leads to a plethora of memorable moments, ranging from quirky habits to hilarious mishaps, that contribute to the unique tapestry of dorm life. Embracing the diversity of personalities and habits within our shared living space became crucial for fostering harmony and cohesion. As we navigated our communal living arrangements, maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces emerged as a cornerstone of our collective experience. We quickly learned to appreciate and even laugh off the idiosyncrasies that each roommate brought to the table. Whether it was the perennial challenge of coordinating schedules to ensure timely dishwashing or the unexpected consequences of burning incense sticks leading to disciplinary measures, every situation became an opportunity for growth and understanding. Indeed, who could have predicted that the sight of leftover dishes in the sink, hurriedly abandoned in a rush to attend classes, would spark a lively discussion about cleanliness within our shared Instagram group chat? Similarly, the revelation that smoking or burning anything producing smoke within the dorm rooms was strictly prohibited, leading to the unexpected receipt of disciplinary notices, served as a lesson in adhering to rules and regulations. Even seemingly mundane occurrences, such as an unflushed toilet causing a minor uproar, underscored the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic communal environment. In essence, our mantra became "CAYG; Clean as You Go," emphasizing the value of proactive cleanliness and mutual respect in fostering a harmonious living space for all residents. Through effective communication and a shared commitment to cleanliness, we cultivated an environment where everyone felt respected and valued, ensuring that our dormitory remained a welcoming and comfortable home away from home.
During the demanding periods of exams and assignments, our humble abode underwent a remarkable metamorphosis into bustling study sanctuaries. As we immersed ourselves in our studies, the air within our shared space became infused with an unmistakable essence of focus, motivation, and ambition. This shared atmosphere of scholarly pursuit served as one of the most significant advantages of dormitory living. Surrounded by fellow students engaged in their academic endeavours, we found ourselves effortlessly swept up in the collective drive for success. Within this environment, camaraderie and encouragement flourished. Simple yet powerful messages of "Best Wishes. We know you can do it," exchanged among roommates, served as constant reminders of our shared commitment to each other's academic journeys. These affirmations of support created a sense of solidarity and mutual encouragement that propelled us forward in our studies. Indeed, the dormitory setting facilitated an immersive academic experience, where the constant presence of like-minded peers fostered a culture of diligence and ambition. In this way, the dormitory truly became a hub of academic inspiration and motivation, where the pursuit of knowledge and success was not just a personal goal, but a shared journey embraced by an entire community of learners.
University accommodation isn't just about sleeping and studying; it's also about creating a sense of community. Despite not having a common living room or television in our flat, we organized small gatherings to catch up and celebrate festivals together. These events brought us closer, fostering a sense of family and helping alleviate homesickness. Despite the routine of our studies, special events consistently brought us together for enjoyable meals and bonding. My dorm mates were enthusiastic about celebrating, organizing everything from Halloween gatherings to Christmas parties and farewell dinners. These occasions not only helped us overcome homesickness but also created memorable moments filled with laughter and happiness. Who could have predicted that a simple pre-Christmas dinner would turn into a legendary gathering, or that a potluck would introduce us to a variety of international cuisines? These experiences were made possible by our open communication. I firmly believe that true understanding and connection can only happen when individuals are willing to share their stories and experiences. Until you open up and share your own experiences, you may never fully grasp the experiences of others. So, dear readers, remember that effective communication is crucial for building meaningful relationships and creating unforgettable memories in dorm life.
In conclusion, my dorm life experience at university has been a rollercoaster of exposure, laughter, and expanding social circles. From cultural exchanges to kind gesture of care and support, every moment has contributed to lasting memories. Whether you're a wide-eyed freshman or a seasoned dorm veteran, cherish the quirks and joys of dorm life as a chapter in your academic journey. While every dorm experience is unique, each holds its own worth and beauty, teaching valuable lessons and shaping you for life.
Despite my bitter-sweet experiences, I acknowledge that not every dorm or flat will have the same story. Your experience may differ, but there is value in embracing the ups and downs of everyday dorm life, which ultimately contribute to personal growth and self-discovery which you’ll never regret instead feel glad.
Bashu Prajapati
First Year, University of Central Lancashire
