Hello there! Welcome back to another wonderful year of Concrete! My name is Anne Glia, your resident agony aunt! 

While I have much to discuss this issue, I would firstly like to get to some housekeeping! 

Of course, my job is to read your questions and advise as best I can! However, that becomes difficult if I don’t hear from you wonderful people! So, you can reach out to me through the Concrete website. Under ‘Lifestyle’ there is an ‘Anne Glia’ tab, click on that, and then on any article. Scroll all the way down, and there should be a neat little hyperlink taking you to a form to fill in, et voila! Please do take the time to read the small disclaimer on the top of the form too! I can’t wait to hear your questions! 

With that, let’s have a chit-chat! This month, we are tackling two concerns. One: I am moving to university in September, and I’m really concerned about how to prepare for such a big change. And two: I’m moving to private accommodation this year after having spent two years on campus, how can I make the transition easier? 

There’s a lot to discuss here so let’s dive in. Firstly, it is completely normal to feel some nerves about moving anywhere, whether it be to a completely new city for university, or ten minutes from campus. Each scenario comes with its own challenges. However, what is important is that we don’t let the anxiety or fear of the change overpower the excitement that we feel for it. Change is a good thing! Just think about how much you’ll grow and develop from the step you’re about to take. You may be living in a new city for the first time, or you might just be learning how to manage separate bills in private accommodation. Regardless, you’re about to experience something new and that should excite you more than it scares you. 

One easy way to make yourself feel relaxed and to best prepare is to get planning! An old-fashioned notepad and pen will do the trick. You may find it useful to separate planning into areas e.g., ‘bathroom’, ‘kitchen’ and ‘bedroom’ to make things easier to see! Walk around your home and note everything you think you will need in your new home (yep, even the toilet brush!). Also, try to consider things you think might be easily forgotten. Things like Tupperware or drinking glasses, so you’re not drinking your fizzy drink from a coffee mug! 

Additionally, take some time to research your new area. Consider things like where the nearest grocery shop might be? (probably Aldi on Larkman Lane or the shop on campus). What bus route do you need to take? (around UEA it is likely to be the 21, 25 or 26, easily accessible from the multiple bus stops on campus). What restaurants in the area are suitable for any dietary requirements you have? (Campus Kitchen offers vegan, veggie and halal meals). 

Although everything may seem a bit overwhelming and frightening now, you are not the first to be in your position, and you won’t be the last! University is an exciting time even with all its challenges. So, whether you’re preparing to move to campus for the first time, or even if you’re just moving to a new area off campus, get excited! You are more than capable of facing and taking this new step. 

Best of luck! 

Anne Glia. 

Feature photo credit: Fiona Hill