You're Going to be a Fresher
University season is looming near and it can be overwhelming.
What do you bring?
What will it be like?
Will I make friends?
Will I like it?
and the list of questions gets longer and longer as this new chapter of your life approaches.
Don't worry, as a fresher two years ago I felt exactly the same and I was just as worried as you are right now. I learnt a lot during this new chapter of my life and I thought I'd share it with you today.
So here are my 10 tips for a university newbie!
- Calm down!
Try to remember to enjoy yourself. This is an incredible chapter in your life. It might be the first time you get to live on your own and truly become the person you want to be. You'll get to experience a new way of life and figure out your own way of doing things. Don't let that scare you because trust me, when you go home over the summer you'll be begging for this freedom back. - Don't over pack
Ok, I admit it, I am guilty of this. I packed so much stuff I have no idea how it all fit in the car. What I learned from this is that you don't need everything! You know that top you haven't wore for two years and doesn't really fit you any more? Yeah, you don't need to bring it. If you haven't wore it in the past year, you're not going to wear it now. Go to a car-boot sale and sell the stuff wont need for some extra money, better yet pop it in a bag and give it to charity. - You will find friends
It is so nerve raking moving to a new place, especially if you don't know anyone. Don't let that scare you, everyone else is in the same boat, everyone wants to make new friends. If you are going into halls you are more than likely to find at least 1 person you're living with that like, if not you've got societies you can join and you'll find a load of like-minded people on your course. There's so many people there you are guaranteed to make friends, I promise. 1 good tip for those who are living in halls is to buy a door stop. By keeping your door open it lets your other house mates know that they are welcome to join you and have a chat which is a great way to bond with them. I also advise going into town or a local restaurant within the first few days of moving in because it gives you another opportunity to get to know each other.
- Beware of the freshers 15
So this is the worst of them all (well not really but just let me be dramatic and vain for a minute, ok). In case you don't know what the freshers 15 is, it's the average amount of lbs a person gains during their first year at university. Trust me when I say this is true, well for me anyway. A way to combat this is keeping your fridge stocked with healthy food that you love, that way you can't use the "I have no food to eat" card and order a Dominos. Join the gym or an athletic society, that way you'll be active and you never know you might fall in love with it. Another tip is to Walk! Just get outside, learn all of the secret places in this new area of the world you're in. You might even get some beautiful, cheeky Instagram photos. - Be spontaneous
You wont regret going on hall societies holidays, e.g. Amsterdam baby.You wont regret buying that outfit when you're in your overdraft and you look incredible for summer ball. You wont regret going out on a night out and getting a bit too drunk when you knew you really shouldn't have. You wont regret travelling for 5+ hours to go and visit your university friends over the holiday period. You wont regret joining that club at the freshers fair. You're never going to have an opportunity like this again so just roll with it! - Don't forget who you are
Moving to university can be very daunting and you're going to encounter various types of people. One thing I think is very important is that you stay grounded, humble, and yourself. It is important that you do not allow new influences impact the person you want to be negatively. For example, just because you're part of the club promoters gang doesn't mean that you have to be big headed and that your biggest aim at university is to become a BNOC (Big Name On Campus).
- You will get homesick
I never thought I'd get homesick but it is natural and most students who move away from home feel like this at one point. You're in a new environment surrounded by thousands of new people. What is important when you do feel homesick, especially during the first few weeks of moving in, is that you don't go home. What I advise is seeking support from your assigned tutors, that's what they are there for. Also talk to your new house mates or friends, they are probably going through the same thing and by confiding in them it'll allow your relationship to grow. And if all else fails, your family and friends back home are only a phone/video call away. By going home you might miss great opportunities to bond with your new friends and make your moving in processes even more difficult. Trust me, you will be just fine. - Get the balance
It's true, you don't need to pass with flying colours in first year but it is important to get in the habit of doing your work on time, having a good foundation of knowledge for second year, and getting your technique right. First year is a learning period where it is ok to make a few mistakes, but don't take that for granted. However, don't lock yourself to a desk and Google Scholar, make sure you have a social life too. Whether that involves drinking or going out to eat or travelling to different cities or tourist attractions in the country. The world is your oyster. - Be respectful
For most, this will probably be the first time you are living with others your own age or without your parents or guardian. The two titles amongst your house mates you don't want to have are "the dirty one" or the "food (or anything at all) stealer". Please be away that you might be ok with leaving your dirty dishes around collecting mould and dust but others probably aren't, so try to keep your stuff clean and put away. The worst title probably goes to the stealer, please don't take other peoples things. It might just be two slices of bread or one biscuit but at the end of the day that food belongs to someone else. If you want to eat those things go out and buy it yourself or at least have the manners to ask if you could borrow it. I always found it was the most frustrating thing when I'd go to make a cup of tea and someone had used all of my milk. A girl has to have her cup of tea. - Look after yourself
Please, please, please, look after yourself. This is the first time most of you will be living on your own and it's important to be healthy. Make sure you join a local doctors, most universities have their own practice or recommend one to their students so join ASAP. You don't want to get ill and have to go home just to visit the doctors. Don't drink yourself sick. You may have just turned 18 and the idea of going out on the lash i.e. getting drunk, is very exciting but make sure you're careful. Drinking can be very dangerous and can get you in a lot of trouble. Eat well! Nutrition is very important and can have a major impact on how you feel, your performance, and just about everything else. So make sure you have some good old fruits and vegetables at hand. Mental health is important too! If you're going through a hard time at any point during university please seek help. Universities understand the impact mental health issues can have and often have a lot of support at hand for students that require it. I understand it may be hard but it is very beneficial in long run. It doesn't matter how small or big you think your problem is, you owe it to yourself to be healthy.
I hope these tips help and if you have any more please post them in the comments bellow so others can read them too. Good luck guys, I wish all the best in this journey. I thought I'd finish off with one of my favourite photos from my first year at university featuring my best friend that I met in halls, enjoy.
- Natalie
