Moving On-Campus:
Moving into residence is often the first big move away from home for a student. At once exciting and stressful, nothing is more important than knowing what to expect and having a plan. Michelle Maynard, coordinator of ResLife programs at the University of Victoria, encourages everyone to take a close look at the school's on-campus housing website: http://housing.uvic.ca before moving day. Specific questions can be directed to her office, which "deals [with] the human experience" rather than logistics of moving and "is partnered with all services on campus."
"The campus is its own sustainable community which helps students transition from high school to university,” said Maynard, a residence life veteran who spent four years on her Recreation and Leisure degree while living in UVic residence.
Part of this transition for students involves transforming their standard residence room into something that feels like home. Although major changes are not allowed, residence rooms are designed to be customized. With lots of bulletin boards, tacking up photographs and posters is the perfect chance for students to decorate. A lot of the furniture can be moved – adjusting the position of the beds and desks can make a room start to feel cozier.
One thing that can be difficult to get used to is the shared bathrooms. A bathrobe to wear when going from bedroom to bathroom is a must, as are shower sandals and a caddy for toiletries.
Most important, however, is that the first few weekends in September be spent exploring campus and the city of Victoria. Visits home should be discouraged, as well as visits from parents – especially if your student has moved alone or is living with a roommate.
Moving Off-Campus:
Housing in Victoria can be very difficult to find, especially for September 1 in any given year. If there is any way for your student to move in August or earlier, this will make finding a place much easier. There are a limited number of rentals that offer eight-month leases, so students signing a one-year lease need to be prepared to stay in Victoria for the summer or find a sublet.
The neighbourhoods closest to UVic can be a bit pricey, but living within walking distance can eliminate a long, crowded bus ride to and from class. Victoria's transit system runs many to-campus routes for UVic staff and students, including the much loved double-deckers, but if your student likes to sleep in or has troubles being on time, closer is always better. With low vacancy rates in the city, the first person to contact potential landlords and view an apartment – with references and a damage deposit in tow – will have the most success.
Students moving by themselves should try to find a shared rental with other students, especially if this is their first year at UVic. Even for outgoing people making friends in large classes can be difficult, and it will take time for your student to meet people. If they are not living in residence, roommates are the next best thing. Smaller classes and labs also offer great opportunities for new students to connect.
Victoria is a beautiful city, with many options for living off-campus. Exploring and getting to know the city – as well as the campus – can make a university experience even more well-rounded and rewarding.
"I only lived on campus for my first year, and after that lived in a variety of neighbourhoods off campus," says Victoria Crites, who graduated with a degree in psychology in 2007. "I now see Victoria as a city I love to live in, not just where I went to university."
As the start of term fast approaches, talk with your stundent and make sure you both have a plan for a successful moving day. With a little bit of preparation, moving can be fun for both parent and student as an exciting new chapter starts in everyone’s lives.
Originally published in Volume 1, Issue 4 of the Fountain, July 2008