Starting university is a big change, and your first week can feel like a bit of a whirlwind. You’re getting used to a new city, meeting new people, finding your way around campus and trying to remember where you’ve left your keys for the third time that day.
It can be exciting, confusing, tiring and a little overwhelming all at once. The good news? You don’t need to have everything figured out straight away.
Here’s what you can expect from your first week at university and a few tips to help you make the most of it.
Getting Settled Into Your Accommodation
For many students, moving into university accommodation will be one of the first things on the agenda. You’ll probably spend some time unpacking, organising your room and getting to know your new surroundings.
It can take a little while for your room to feel like home, so don’t worry if it doesn’t happen straight away. Adding some personal touches can make a big difference. Check out our recent blog to see how you could decorate your uni room and help speed up the process of making it feel like home.
If you’re living with other students, this is also a great opportunity to introduce yourself to your flatmates and start getting to know the people you’ll be sharing your university experience with.
Meeting New People
One of the biggest parts of your first week will be meeting people.
You’ll probably meet your flatmates, coursemates and lots of other students through Freshers events, societies and university activities.
It can feel like everyone is making friends instantly, but don’t put pressure on yourself to find your friendship group straight away. A simple hello or conversation can be the start of a new friendship.
And remember, plenty of other students will be feeling just as nervous as you.
Finding Your Way Around
Your first few days are the perfect time to get familiar with your new surroundings. When everything is new, even simple things like finding your lecture room or figuring out where to buy your food can feel like a bit of a challenge.
Before your first lectures, take some time to work out where your classrooms and lecture halls are. It can be helpful to do a practice walk from your accommodation to campus so you know roughly how long the journey takes and don’t have to worry about finding your way on your first morning.
It’s also worth finding the places you’re likely to use regularly, such as the library, student union, supermarket, pharmacy and any public transport stops you might need. Having a few familiar places nearby can make your new city feel much less overwhelming.
Don’t forget to explore beyond your usual routes too. Grab a coffee, take a walk around the city centre or see what’s close to your accommodation. You might discover your new favourite spot without even looking for it.
You might get lost a few times. That’s completely normal. Keep Google Maps handy, give yourself plenty of time when heading somewhere new and don’t be afraid to ask someone for directions.
Once you’ve walked the same routes a couple of times, you’ll soon find yourself knowing your way around without even thinking about it.
Freshers Events and Activities
Freshers is likely to be a big part of your first week, with plenty going on both on and off campus. There may be nights out, welcome events, society fairs, sports activities and plenty of opportunities to meet other students.
You don’t have to go to everything. Pick the events that sound fun to you and remember to give yourself some downtime too. There’s nothing wrong with having a quiet night in when you need a break.
If you’re wondering what’s happening in your new city during Freshers, we’ve put together guides to help you get involved. Head over to our Instagram to check out our Freshers guides for both Carlisle and Sunderland, with ideas and events to help you make the most of your first week.
Your First Lectures
After all the excitement of moving in and Freshers, you’ll probably start getting into your university timetable.
Your first lectures might feel a little strange at first, especially if you’re used to a completely different school or college routine.
Take some time to understand your timetable, find your lecture rooms and work out how your course is structured.
You don’t need to understand everything immediately. Your first week is about getting familiar with how university works.
Exploring Your New City
Don’t spend your entire first week inside your accommodation or on campus. One of the best ways to start feeling at home is to get out and explore your new city.
Take some time to find somewhere you like for coffee, check out the shops, visit a park or head somewhere new with your flatmates. You don’t need to plan a full day out either. Even a quick walk around your local area can help you get your bearings.
Social media can also be a great way to discover places you might not find straight away. Try searching your new city on TikTok or Instagram to find recommendations for cafés, restaurants, activities and hidden gems from other students and locals.
If you’re studying in Sunderland, make the most of having the coast nearby and explore places like Roker and Seaburn. You could even make a list of places you’d like to try and work your way through them during your first few weeks.
Getting to know your surroundings can help your new city start to feel like home, so don’t be afraid to get out there and see what’s around.
Getting Into a Routine
The first week can make your schedule feel completely different from what you’re used to.
Try to start building a simple routine, even if it isn’t perfect. Work out when your lectures are, make time for meals, keep on top of your laundry and give yourself time to study and relax.
You don’t need to have your entire university routine worked out in week one. Just start figuring out what works for you.
Feeling Homesick Is Normal
Even if you’re having a great time, you might still miss home.
Being somewhere new means you’re suddenly away from your usual routines, family, friends and familiar surroundings. It’s completely normal to have moments where you wish you were back home.
Keep in touch with the people you’re close to, but also give yourself time to experience your new life.
Before long, your new accommodation, your university and your city will start to feel much more familiar.
Don’t Compare Your Experience to Everyone Else’s
It’s easy to look around during Freshers and feel like everyone else is having an amazing time while you’re still trying to work out where your lecture theatre is.
Try not to compare yourself to what you see around you or on social media.
Some students will make lots of friends straight away. Others will take longer. Some will love Freshers Week, while others will prefer quieter activities.
There’s no right way to experience your first week.
Give Yourself Time
Your first week is only the beginning.
You don’t need to have your best friends, favourite café, perfect routine and entire university life figured out within a few days.
Take things one step at a time, try new things when you feel comfortable and give yourself permission to have quieter days too.
Before you know it, the places that felt unfamiliar will become part of your everyday routine, and your new university life will start to feel much more normal.
Your first week might not go exactly how you imagined it, and that’s okay. The important thing is to give yourself time to settle in and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
