Tips to settle in, meet flatmates, and feel at home fast

Starting your journey at Coventry University London or CU London is exciting, and your first week in student accommodation is an important step in settling into university life. Whether you are moving into PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) or private housing, London can feel overwhelming at first but with the right approach, you will soon feel at home.

This guide provides practical advice on meeting flatmates, understanding your accommodation facilities, and making the most of your first week in London.

✅ Top 5 Things to Do in Your First Week in London

1. Introduce yourself to flatmates – say hello and plan a shared meal.
2. Learn your building – laundry, bins, Wi-Fi, security, and how to report maintenance.
3. Confirm key details – check instalment plan, payment dates, and provider contacts.
4. Explore your area – find supermarkets, transport links, and your route to campus.
5. Join welcome events – a great way to meet new people and settle in quickly.

Settling in and Meeting Flatmates

• Be open and approachable: a friendly hello goes a long way.
• Cook or share a meal together: food is one of the easiest ways to connect.
• Respect differences: flatmates may have different routines, habits, and cultural backgrounds. Good communication helps everyone get along.

Understanding Your Accommodation

• Check-in: confirm where to collect your keys and complete any required forms.
• Laundry: find out how the washing machines work and whether you need coins, a card, or an app.
• Waste and recycling: learn where bins are located and follow recycling guidelines.
• Mail and deliveries: check how parcels are received and collected.
• Safety and security: lock your door, know the fire safety exits, and save emergency contacts.
• Wi-Fi and maintenance: get your internet login details and learn how to report repairs quickly.

Exploring London

• Find local supermarkets, pharmacies, cafés, and transport links near your accommodation.
• Practise your journey to the university campus before your first class.
• Attend university welcome events and orientation activities to meet staff and other students.

Stay Organised from the Start

• Report any maintenance issues promptly to your accommodation provider.
• Set up a cleaning rota if you are sharing facilities.
• Keep your accommodation contract, instalment plan, and important documents in a safe place.

Helpful Tips

• Feeling homesick is normal. Stay connected with family while making new connections in London.
• Budget carefully. London can be expensive, so plan your weekly spending.
• Don’t hesitate to ask your accommodation provider or university staff if you need help.

Your first week in London student accommodation is the start of your university journey. By getting to know your flatmates, learning how your accommodation works, and exploring your new surroundings, you will quickly feel comfortable and confident.

Remember: your accommodation team is there to support you, so reach out to them with any questions or concerns.

You can find more information on our Coventry University London and CU London (Dagenham and Greenwich) accommodation webpages.