This week many of you will be leaving home for the first time and travelling to a new city/town for university. It can be an exciting but scary process for everyone, here are 5 top tips for freshers that I hope will be useful!
5 Top Tips for freshers
Moving into a shared dorm with people you've never met before can be quite daunting. I remember feeling really nervous about living with complete strangers. However, once I moved in and unpacked, I went into the kitchen and introduced myself to all of my flatmates. We ended up cooking dinner together which was a really lovely way to get to know one another. Once you settle into your dorm, go and talk to your flatmates, do movie nights/cook together/play games and socialise. It can be nerve-racking to initiate the conversation but it helps to know who you're living with!
Join societies and clubs! This year societies are adapting their activities, so many of the meet and greets are being conducted virtually. But I would strongly recommend signing up for a few clubs and societies, it's a great way to meet new people who share similar interests to you! I met some of my closest friends through societies and clubs, and it's nice to have a hobby that gives you a break from university work!
Once you've settled into your dorm, go outside and explore the local area, and become familiar with your environment. It can be helpful to know your way around your campus/city!
4. Bring photos of family/ friends from home! It may help you feel less homesick, and it's nice to put them up alongside the memories you will make at university! (most of the photos in my dorm were pictures/posters of my fav bands, some people thought they were family photos...but it doesn't matter...)
5. Ask for help. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and upset, then please go and talk to someone. Go to the wellbeing services on campus, there are people who can help/listen to your concerns and give you advice. It's so important to talk to someone if you're having any problems with roommates/your course etc... it is better to voice your concerns rather than keeping it to yourself.
I hope this was helpful and gave you some peace of mind!
University will be a little different this year, but make sure you have fun and take care of yourselves!
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