31st of May is Day of
the (dorm)neighbours
Whether you already scored a dorm or are still hunting, either way, we have what you need! Today is (dorm)neighbour day, so time to share with you all the ins & outs about student life. Today on the programme: how to find the ideal student room? And more importantly: how do you turn your dorm mates into your best mates? Just for you, we went deep-diving in this topic.
Still dormless?
No day of dorm neighbours without dorm. So first things first, surf to Kotweb for Antwerp’s largest dorm directory. But don’t be mistaken, even with so much choice, this search is not always a peace of cake.
Kotweb is a super handy website, designed by the city of Antwerp, the Antwerp institutions of higher education and STAN, Antwerp’s student portal, meant to make your dorm hunting a lot easier. What sets Kotweb apart from other websites is the quality label, awarded to those gems of dorms that meet the quality requirements of the city of Antwerp. So you know immediately that you are on the right track. Also nice to know: Kotweb works with model contracts. The ultimate formula for choosing a student flat without any hassle.
On the hunt
Surf to how-to-start-your-search-for-the-suitable-student-room to officially kick-start your cot search. Get started with these 5 tips before visiting cots:
- List your personal requirements: you won’t feel good until you feel at home.
- Get out in Antwerp: where do you see yourself living?
- Determine your budget before you go on the hunt: hidden costs are also costs. Don’t get caught out by the small letters.
- Start your search in time: start exploring in April, but bear in mind that the offer on Kotweb will expand in May and June.
- Register your preferences on Kotweb and stay informed. You will automatically receive an e-mail when a dorm meets your criteria.
Editor’s tip: make a checklist of things that make an ordinary student accommodation a classy one. But be sure to check out the following interesting article (https://studentkotweb.be/en/how-do-you-recognise-safe-student-housing) and find out what you can watch out for during your inspection. For example, consider the surface area standard, which should measure at least 12 m2 for a room and 18 m2 for a studio
Kot secured
Did you manage to find a student flat via Kotweb? That should be celebrated! But celebrating is not something you do solo. It’s time to make some friends! Wow wait… do your hands get clammy when you approach new people? We see you. According to the Great Antwerp Student Survey, 1 in 3 students have become more socially reluctant since covid. And okay, going to the pub every night is too expensive, but spending your student time alone is an absolute no-go. Make an effort to get to know your (dorm)neighbours. And who knows… your dorm mates might just become your best mates.
The standard dorm evening around the kitchen table is officially passé. There are 101 more creative ways to get to know your flatmates. Our editors did a deep dive into the most original ways to get to know your dorm mates better:
Note under the door
The most efficient way to make friends? Take the initiative! Bite the bullet and spread the message in the halls that everyone can slide their phone number under your door. This gives you the perfect opportunity to create a Whatsappgroup: your future hub of activity and entertainment. And remember, all beginnings are hard. Or even crazy awkward. But be patient, good things are waiting!
An oldie but a goodie
Social media is not your thing? Go oldskool and knock on your neighbour’s door for a cup of sugar or some cooking cream to strike up a conversation. Feeling particularly generous? Make a meal and invite your dorm mates ‘spontaneously’. Trust us, no student says no to a free meal. Good luck!
Dorm room pub crawl
We have a banger idea for you. An activity, not only cheaper than a pub, but also with the fastest service in Antwerp and you don’t even have to leave your door. We are, of course, talking about the good old pub crawl. Recruit your dorm mates for a dorm pub crawl for an evening to remember. Little tip: make sure each student room has a different atmosphere. One room can become a vintage café, the other a snack bar for late-night munchies. And don’t forget the bathroom café, because who doesn’t want to sit with beer in the bath?
Question of the week
What is the ultimate must-have for every dorm? A chalkboard, of course! It’s a great place for student paraphernalia (beer mats, photos, etc.), but we have another suggestion. Use the chalkboard for a ‘Question of the Week’. Think of intriguing questions that create a bond, such as ‘What’s your biggest red flag?’ or ‘What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?’. Throughout the week, you can then peek at the board and try to figure out who wrote which answer. Bet it sparks all sorts of fun conversations?
Quiz
Once the initial introduction is over, try your hand at a quiz. But not just any quiz about the news or the capital of the least-known country-ever, no: a quiz starring you. That’s how you really get to know each other. Base your quiz questions on fun facts from your dorm mates. Juicy or very civilised? That’s up to you. Who drove into a pole during their first driving lesson? Who goes to the night shop for snacks every week? And who has already locked himself out of his own room? Ask about surprising fun facts about your dorm mates, their biggest fears or relationship status. Fun guaranteed.
