Are You Ready to Live Off-Campus?

Going to university and moving into off-campus student housing like an off-campus McMaster residence can be tough at first. There’s a lot of adjustment required. You’ll likely be missing the comfort and privacy of your own home as you would need to live with other student residents. You’ll be doing a lot of things on your own, too, like laundry and cooking your meals. But as you ease into school and living in your home away from home, you’ll find that your new-found freedom and independence can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re armed with the essentials.

Get ready to live off-campus and ease your way into a successful year at school. Start by packing up these basics:

  1. Clothing – you might not need to bring all of your clothing from home, but a good mix of casual clothes for leisure and studying and a few dressier items for nights out should suffice.
  2. Birkenstocks or Crocs – these are generally very comfortable and versatile as slippers.
  3. Gym clothes – if you haven't been into going to the gym, now's a great time to join a class or to start a workout routine with a friend. Working out is a great way to manage stress and to help avoid gaining weight.
  4. Running shoes – comfort is key and these will also be useful for the gym.
  5. Backpack – never gets old. Great for keeping your laptop and other stuff neatly organized.
  6. Laptop and school essentials – a computer, notebooks, pens, highlighters - everything you'll need for class.
  7. Furniture - some off-campus housing will require that you bring your own furniture. Fully-furnished suites, like those you find at West Village Suites, however, will have most if not all of the furniture you'll need.
  8. Personal items to decorate your room - there's no better way to help yourself feel more at home than by bringing along some pictures, photographs or whatever else makes you feel comfortable.

Of course, there's a lot more that goes into getting ready to move out on your own for the first time than just what you need to pack. It's a big transition and you may feel a little stressed or emotional, but just like anything else, it just takes time and it can be very exciting. Most students love the new found independence that comes with living off-campus. So if you haven't already, start looking for your apartment or suite now!

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