5 Tips for Starting University
For some of you, knowing which part of the country you will be starting a new life in has you bubbling over with excitement for the upcoming adventures; Freshers’ week, moving out of your parents’ house for the first time and making new friends. Others, however, will find the prospect of being left alone in an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar people absolutely terrifying. If you are filled with anxiety about what the next academic year holds in store for you, don’t worry – we are here to help! Here are 5 tips to help set yourself up for a happy university life.
1. Knock on doors!
If you have moved into halls of residence, don’t sit in your room and wait for a social life to come to you – just go knocking! Remember, everybody is new, alone and looking for friends. Try your own flat first, and get to know the people you will be spending the next year with, but also remember to knock on other flats in your building – introduce yourself, maybe ask what their plans are for the evening. They will most likely be grateful to you for including them, as they will be finding this experience slightly daunting as well!
If you can, try and make plans for the next day during this time. Your first morning waking up alone in your new bedroom, is usually when it all sinks in – you are here to stay If you have something to get up and out for, you are more likely to feel positive about this realisation rather than scared or homesick (which are still completely normal feelings at this point!)
2. Get involved
The prospect of joining a society or club can seem a little scary, but there really is no better time to do it, than at the start of term when everyone else is new and scared as well! Most universities have a ‘Freshers’ Fair’ where all the societies set up stalls to encourage people to join. You might already have a hobby to get involved with, but if not, just go along and find at least one thing you’re interested in joining. Maybe your new flatmates or someone from your building will want to go with you too.
3. Explore your new city
One of the most exciting and nerve-racking things about going to university, is the unfamiliarity of your surroundings. So go and explore, with or without your new acquaintances, and find your local convenience store, pharmacy or pub. The more you discover about your new city and what it has to offer, the quicker you can settle in and feel at home!
4. Admit when you’re feeling homesick
Nobody likes to admit they’re having a tough time or missing home, especially on social media, but I guarantee you the majority are feeling it. During your first term everyone seems to be under the misconception that you must appear to be having fun with a large group of people at all times of the day and night, and if you aren’t constantly out with a posse of 10+ more people, then you have no life. This is not true! Just like when you lived at home, it is still perfectly normal to want some downtime, or to skip the club and watch a film instead. You are likely to have homesick days when you feel a little lonely or are craving those lovely home comforts; if and when these days occur, tell someone about it! Whether it’s an old friend from home or a new friend at university, you might be surprised to find out that they have been experiencing similar apprehensions – it’s very unlikely you’re alone in feeling like this.
Also, remember that there will be support and counselling available at the university, should you feel uncomfortable, or unable to talk to any peers about this, or any other problem you may be facing.
5. Have fun
This is the most important tip of all – surround yourself with positivity and good friends and the fun will be sure to follow. If I could give one crucial piece of advice to people about to start university, it would be to never waste your time with people who bring any negative energy into your life – you don’t owe them anything. A few close friends is way more beneficial to your happiness and mental health than holding onto tons of half-friends or acquaintances if they’re just grinding you down. This is your time, you are in control, so enjoy it!
Written by Eloise Lavell
