Starting university is exciting, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel completely prepared from day one. Moving somewhere new, meeting new people, managing your own routine and getting used to university life can feel like a lot to take in.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re definitely not the only one. Settling into university takes time, and there’s no set timeline for when you should feel completely at home. Here are some simple ways to make the transition a little easier.
Give Yourself Time to Settle In
It can be tempting to think that you’ll instantly love university, make loads of friends and feel completely at home as soon as you arrive. For some people that might happen, but for others it takes a little longer.
Give yourself time to get used to your new surroundings. Learn where your lectures are, find your favourite supermarket, work out the best route into town and get familiar with your accommodation.
You don’t need to have everything figured out during your first week.
Don’t Put Pressure on Yourself to Make Loads of Friends
One of the biggest worries for new students is making friends. Freshers events can make it seem like everyone is constantly meeting new people and having the best time, but that’s not always the reality.
Say hello to your flatmates, chat to people on your course and get involved in something you’re genuinely interested in. You don’t need to come away from your first week with a huge friendship group.
Even finding one person you feel comfortable grabbing a coffee or going to a lecture with can make university feel much more familiar.
Create a Simple Routine
When you’re suddenly responsible for your own schedule, it’s easy for your days to become a bit chaotic.
You don’t need a strict timetable, but having a few things that stay consistent can help you feel more settled. Try getting up around the same time, attending your lectures, setting aside time for studying, keeping on top of laundry and making sure you’re eating properly.
A simple routine can make your week feel much more manageable.
Make Your Accommodation Feel Like Home
Your accommodation is going to be your home while you’re at university, so take some time to make it feel like your own space.
Bring a few things from home, put up some photos, choose bedding you like, or add some decorations that make the room feel more personal. Even small touches can make an unfamiliar room feel much more comfortable.
It’s also worth keeping your space reasonably tidy. Having somewhere calm to come back to can make a big difference when university feels busy.
For more information on decorating your uni room, check out our latest blog here!
Explore Your New City
You don’t have to wait for a big night out or organised university event to explore your new home.
Take a walk around the city centre, find a café you like, visit a local park or simply figure out where the nearest supermarket is. Getting to know your surroundings can help your new city start to feel familiar.
And if you’re studying in a new city, remember that you don’t have to see everything at once. Start with what’s close by and explore more as you settle in.
Remember That Everyone Is Adjusting
It can be easy to look around and think that everyone else has settled in perfectly while you’re still trying to work things out.
The reality is that lots of students will be feeling the same way, even if they don’t show it. Some people might be missing home, struggling to make friends or feeling nervous about their course.
Don’t be afraid to talk about how you’re feeling. A conversation with a flatmate, coursemate, friend or member of university staff can make things feel much less overwhelming.
Don’t Try to Do Everything
There can be a lot going on when you first arrive. Freshers events, societies, nights out, welcome talks, lectures, meeting people and exploring your new city can quickly fill up your calendar.
You don’t have to say yes to everything.
Pick the things that genuinely interest you and give yourself time to rest too. Having a quiet night in isn’t missing out. Sometimes it’s exactly what you need.
Keep in Touch With Home
Moving away doesn’t mean you have to completely switch off from your life at home.
A quick phone call or video chat with family or friends can be a great way to feel connected, particularly during those first few weeks. At the same time, try to give yourself the opportunity to experience your new surroundings rather than spending all your time wishing you were back home.
Finding a balance can help university start to feel like your new home without losing touch with the people you’re close to.
Ask for Help When You Need It
If university is starting to feel like too much, don’t feel like you have to deal with everything by yourself.
Your university will have support available, whether you need help with your studies, finances, wellbeing or something happening in your personal life. Your accommodation team can also be there to help with questions about where you’re living.
Asking for help isn’t a sign that you’re not coping. Sometimes, getting a little support is exactly what you need to feel more in control.
Take It One Day at a Time
There’s no perfect way to settle into university.
You might have an amazing first week, or you might spend the first few weeks feeling nervous and unsure. Both are completely normal.
Try not to compare your university experience to what you see on social media or what you think everyone else is doing. Give yourself time, take things one step at a time and remember that settling in is a process.
Before long, the unfamiliar things will start to become part of your normal routine. You’ll know your way around, recognise familiar faces and have your own favourite places to go. That’s when university starts to feel a little more like home.
