Make friends, settle in and enjoy your halls experience

Moving into uni accommodation is a huge change. One minute you’re at home where everything is familiar, the next you’re in a new city, new building, surrounded by people you’ve never met, and expected to somehow build a whole new life.

That’s where ResLife comes in.

If you are living in Coventry University accommodation, ResLife events aren’t just “extra activities” on a poster. They are one of the easiest ways to make friends, settle in, and actually enjoy your time in halls rather than just surviving it.

Here is why it is worth showing up.

1. It's the easiest way to make friends in halls

You do not have to be the most confident person in the building to go to a ResLife event. In fact, most people who turn up are in the exact same position as you: new, slightly awkward, and pretending they’re not.

ResLife events: 

•  Bring people from your block or building together in a relaxed setting
• Give you something to do so you’re not just forcing small talk
• Make it normal to introduce yourself, join a group, or sit down with people you’ve never met

You will meet people outside your flat, outside your course, and sometimes outside your comfort zone (in a good way). Some of the friendships that last all the way through uni start with “We met at that random ResLife thing in first year.”

2. It makes uni feel less lonely and more like home

Living away from home can feel isolating, especially:

• If you’ve moved from another city or country
• If your flatmates aren’t very social
• If your course does not have much face-to-face time

ResLife events give structure to your week and a genuine break from staying in your room scrolling endlessly. Whether it’s a movie night, craft session, games night, or a chilled social, you’re in a space where:

• You're genuinely welcome to join, even on your own
• The student ambassadors are there to support you
• You can interact with real people, not just group chats

It sounds simple but regularly going to a few events can make your accommodation feel like a community instead of just a place you sleep.

3. Free food, activities, and trips

Let’s be honest: you’re a student. Budget matters. 

ResLife events are often: 

• Free to attend or very low cost
• Filled with free snacks, drinks, or sometimes full meals
• Packed with activities you would probably have to pay more for off campus

From themed socials to seasonal events, workshops, and maybe even trips, you get more value than you would just paying for a random night out. You’re not just spending money; you are getting experiences and meeting people at the same time.

4. You pick up skills without sitting in a lecture

Not every ResLife event is just “come and chat.” Some are designed to help you grow and actually sort your life out a bit, including things like:

• Focus groups
• Cooking and basic life skills
• Wellbeing, stress management, and support signposting

These are the things that make a big difference but don’t always get covered on your course. You get to learn in a relaxed environment, ask questions, and get advice from people who actually understand what life in halls is like.

5. It's good for your wellbeing (even if you don't feel like going)

When you’re stressed, homesick, tired, or overwhelmed, the easiest thing to do is shut your door and stay in your room. It feels safe, but long-term it doesn’t help.

Going to a ResLife event: 

• Breaks up your day and gets you out of your room
• Gives your brain a break from assignments and deadlines
• Helps you connect with people who might be feeling the same way

You don’t have to be the most talkative person there. Just being in a friendly, low-pressure environment can help you feel more grounded and less alone.

How to get involved

If you're wondering where to start: 

• Check your emails, the Residence Life website and accommodation noticeboards for upcoming ResLife events.
• Follow any ResLife / accommodation social media channels your site uses, like @reslife_covuni.
• Go to at least one event a week, especially at the start of term.
• Bring a flatmate, or just turn up solo – both are normal.
• If you are nervous, speak to a ResLife team member when you arrive. They are used to people feeling a bit unsure and can help introduce you to others.
• Uni accommodation is temporary, but the connections and memories you make there aren’t.
• ResLife events are there to help you make the most of this new, intense, sometimes chaotic stage of life. You don’t have to go to everything, but showing up to something is a good start.
• Next time you see a ResLife poster or email, don’t just scroll past it. Pick an event, turn up, and give it a chance. Future you will be glad you did.

See you at the next ResLife event!