Our Communities

When you move into Residence Life accommodation, you become part of one of five communities: Nessie, Osprey, Puffin, Thistle, or Unicorn. Each community has its own team of Resident Assistants, its own identity, and its own programme of events and activities throughout the year.

Your community is more than just the building you live in. It is a group of people at the same stage of university life, supported by staff who live alongside them and know their site well.

Activities, events, and community initiatives run throughout the year, from social events in the first week to ongoing programmes built around the eight dimensions of the Res Life wellness wheel. 

If you are arriving soon, here is what community life looks like at Residence Life.

Your RA team lives in the same accommodation as you. From day one, there is always an RA on duty available daily to answer questions, check in with you, or point you in the right direction if you need support. Your RAs also hold regular drop-in hours throughout the year, so you always have someone close by to talk to.

During Welcome Week, your RA team will be running events and activities to help you settle in and meet people. You do not need to sign up in advance or attend everything. Activities range from informal social events and food nights to wellness workshops and skills sessions, all built around eight dimensions of wellbeing: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and more.

Later in the year, your RA will drop by for a flat visit; an informal check-in to see how you are getting on and make sure you have everything you need.

For most people, living in a shared flat is something new. Getting used to different routines and habits; around noise, shared spaces, or how the flat runs day to day; is a normal part of the experience, and most of it works itself out. If you do hit a bump, your RA team and Community staff are on hand to help you work through it. They are trained to support these conversations and help you find a way forward, so that small moments of friction stay small.

If you are a parent or supporter, you can find out more about the support available on our Contact Us page.