How to turn student accommodation into a home away from home

How to turn student accommodation into a home away from home

Students living in an unfamiliar town may occasionally feel lonely or homesick. That’s completely normal. The team at The Fields in Hatfield, Pretoria work hard to create a home away from home for students from all over South Africa and beyond.

Here are some of our top tips for making your student life more sociable while you’re away from your hometown.

Go green

Plants make any apartment feel like a real home. But it’s more than that. Nurturing your delicate houseplants can be a hugely rewarding long-term project. It’s a taste of responsibility, but not too much responsibility. And they brighten up any living space.

Cook with your flatmates

Cooking for just yourself can be an isolating experience. Some housemates set a roster, so one person cooks for everyone on specified evenings. It’s not much fun, but it ensures everyone does their bit.

Think about making new recipes together.  It’s a great bonding experience and chance for you to improve your kitchen skills.

Study groups

Study groups aren’t just a good way to learn. They’re an opportunity to broaden your social horizons. You may even develop lasting friendships with people who would never ordinarily be part of your friendship group.

Find student accommodation with social opportunities 

Good student accommodation isn’t just about having a roof over your head. You’ll want somewhere safe, secure and comfortable. But you should also look for accommodation with a bit of life. This is exactly what The Fields is like. You’ll want to stay with us as we provide good communal areas where you can hang out and meet new people. It’s also fun to work somewhere with a good creative buzz.

But also, alone time can help with loneliness

Privacy can be the key to having a good time with others. That might sound strange – but having a chance to get away from the crowd can do wonders. Chill out on your own, maybe read a good book. You’ll often find you enjoy the company of your fellow students a lot more if you know you can get away whenever you need to decompress.

Join (or start!) a reading group

Unlike a study group, a reading group can help widen your interests beyond your coursework. It’s also a great opportunity to share ideas with people who don’t take the same courses as you.

Join a sports team, even if it’s not your thing

If you’re a natural athlete, you were probably planning on finding an amateur league or occasional weekend games. But even if you’re a total beginner, joining the local squash club or finding an ultimate frisbee team that will welcome newbies or … well whatever. Try it out. It’s fun and sociable and it’s good for you. What more could you ask for?

Your student home away from home in Pretoria

Located in the heart of Hatfield, The Fields offers safe and comfortable student accommodation in Pretoria. There are communal areas to hang out and meet fellow students. Plus, you can choose from a great range of apartment options. Our friendly on-site team is always available. Get in touch now to secure the perfect student accommodation for your busy student lifestyle.