Starting university marks an exciting stage full of changes, challenges and new responsibilities. For many students, especially those moving to a different city for the first time, knowing how to adapt to university can cause doubts, nerves or even a bit of vertigo.
The good news is that you are not alone: with the right tips and good preparation, the process of adapting to university life can be much easier and more enriching.
In this guide, you will find useful recommendations to face your arrival at university and make the most of this new stage.
Getting to know Unihabit’s university life
Living in a university residence is one of the easiest ways to adapt to university, especially if you are coming from another city. Being surrounded by other students, sharing similar experiences and having spaces designed for studying, resting and socialising greatly helps you feel accompanied from the very first day.
In the case of Unihabit, our residences are designed to offer a calm, safe and welcoming environment, with communities that usually range between 80 and 120 students. This allows for close and personalised treatment, creating bonds quickly and enjoying an environment where it is easy to integrate and make friends.
In addition, the accommodations are equipped with everything you need for your daily life during your university experience: study areas, common spaces for socialising, functional kitchens and a team available to help you whenever you need it. All of this makes the residence an ideal environment to grow both academically and personally.
First steps in your new university life
The first days at university are key to starting to feel integrated and comfortable in your new stage. At Unihabit, we organise a welcome party every year so that new residents can get to know each other, break the ice and start creating their first friendships through activities, music and a relaxed atmosphere.
It is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with the Unihabit team, resolve any questions that may have arisen during the first few weeks, and become even more familiar with the spaces that will be part of your daily life. This meeting also helps to strengthen bonds with other residents and continue building your university routine with more confidence.
Below, we share some practical tips so your first days are easier and help you adapt to your new university life with confidence.
Checklist for your new university life
Although Unihabit’s university residences are fully equipped, services and facilities may vary depending on the type of residence (Ciutat Vella or apartments in Manresa, Sant Cugat and Girona).
Here is a list of essentials that will help you settle in smoothly:
- Clothing and footwear: It is important to consider the climate of the city you are moving to and bring comfortable everyday clothes, trainers, pyjamas and sportswear if you usually exercise.
- Laundry bag: This will be useful for storing dirty clothes in your room or flat and easily taking them to the laundry facilities offered by the residence.
- Kitchen utensils: These are not necessary in Ciutat Vella, as the communal kitchen is fully equipped. In the residences in Manresa, Sant Cugat and Girona, you will need to bring your own everyday utensils.
- Sheets, pillows and towels: These are included in Ciutat Vella. The apartments in Manresa, Sant Cugat and Girona offer basic household items, but you will need to bring your own bed linen and towels or your personal ones if you prefer more comfort.
- Basic appliances: All residences have essential appliances (fridge and microwave). In the apartments, you can bring small personal appliances (coffee maker, toaster or clothes dryer).
- Cleaning and toiletries: Includes products to keep your accommodation clean and your personal hygiene items.
- Study materials: The residence offers a study area in each accommodation equipped with a desk, chair and drawers. However, you will need to bring other items such as chargers, pens, diaries and any other academic materials you use on a daily basis.
Tips to adapt to your university life
Once you have settled into your new accommodation, you will need to prepare yourself to start the academic year in the best possible way, both academically and personally at the residence. Adapting to university involves organising yourself, creating new habits and making use of the resources available to you.
At Unihabit, we bring you some tips to help you during this stage:
Frequently asked questions Unihabit
How to book?
To book your accommodation, you simply need to access the “Book accommodation” option on our website and complete the form with the required fields. The booking will be completed with a payment of €200, which will be deposited as part of the security deposit and formalised during the signing of the contract.
It’s important to note that if the place has been confirmed by Unihabit, this €200 is non-refundable under any circumstances. However, if the place cannot be confirmed by Unihabit, the full amount will be refunded.
How do I know if I have been admitted?
Unihabit will send you a confirmation email with your assigned place, the type of accommodation and the duration of the contract.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes, the deposit is equivalent to 2 months’ rent, discounting the €200 you have already paid as a booking fee. This deposit must be paid before occupying the place via bank transfer to the residence hall’s account.
Once the transfer is completed, you will receive an email with all the information.
Once the contract has ended, the deposit will be fully refunded the month after the contract end date, deducting any possible damages, the settlement of water, electricity and gas consumption, and the exit cleaning. (If you leave the accommodation clean, nothing will be deducted for this reason.)
Is it possible to choose between the room or flat?
The allocation of rooms is the responsibility of Unihabit. However, we take into account the requests of each student. Room or flat changes can be made if there is availability and Unihabit considers it appropriate.
Can I book a room if my university does not have an agreement with Unihabit?
Yes, you can book a room, but please note that students from partner universities have preference.
Does the residence have a fixed timetable?
Students are free to enter and leave the residences at their own time. Each student has keys or access cards to his or her flat or room and to the shared common areas. However, you must take into account that after 22:00 hours it is compulsory to be quiet.
Living your university life at Unihabit
Adapting to university is not just about organising yourself or developing new routines. The environment where you live, the people who accompany you and the spaces where you spend your daily life also play a big role. For this reason, for many students, living in a university residence becomes an easier and more natural way to integrate into this new stage.
At Unihabit, you will find a calm, safe environment designed for students looking for a balance between studying, social life and wellbeing. The small communities, shared spaces and beginning-of-year activities make it easier to connect with others from day one and feel supported throughout the academic year.
Real experiences from students
Nothing explains what it’s like to adapt to university life better than the experiences of those who have already lived it.
Some Unihabit residents share their experience:
“The Sant Cugat area is absolutely wonderful. There is a lot of space and it’s very peaceful.” — Arshdeep Singh
“I’ve always lived at my parents’ home and now living alone is giving me greater maturity. It’s like training for real life.” — David Aguilar
“I chose Unihabit because of the room space, the facilities and the independence that having my own kitchen gives me.” — Paula García
These experiences reflect how the right environment can help you grow personally and enjoy your university life even more.
Are you looking for accommodation for your new university stage?
If you are about to start university and are looking for a place where you can feel comfortable, meet other students and live your daily life with peace of mind, our residences can be a great option for you.
At Unihabit, we have university residences in:
You can check availability, accommodation types and services on our website.
Your university life starts here: a space where you can study, grow, share and build this new stage with safety and support.
