What Uni-d To Know To Survive Your First Term

 

Before starting university, I'm sure you have all been told to ‘step out of your comfort zone’, but that’s easier said than done. So, we have provided some of our top tips on how to overcome the biggest challenges that you will face; enjoying freshers week, overcoming homesickness, eating healthily, and drinking in moderation. 

Freshers Week! 

The phrase ‘Fresher’s Week’ might terrify you, excite you, or both! It is ultimately the time to meet people and begin your new student life. Moving somewhere new could make you feel alone. The good news, however, is that 92% of students experience loneliness, so almost everyone is in the same boat. Although it is a common emotion, nobody really wants to feel it, so start speaking to people! It is easiest to make friends with those that you share common interests with. There are plenty of opportunities for you to meet these types of people. For example, universities may send you a questionnaire and match you with flatmates you share similar traits with. Also, you can speak to course mates (through group chats and in person) and join societies or sports clubs. Many universities have hundreds of societies and clubs, ranging from the ‘Cheese and Chocolate’ to ‘Marxist’ society. So, by exploring your passions, you may meet the people you will get along best with, which will make your university experience better! 

 

Homesickness 

Starting university involves moving away from home and everything that is familiar to you, such as your family and best friends. This can be daunting and scary whilst also being an exciting new start! This transition can result in many students feeling homesick. During the first term of university, 94% of students reported experiencing homesickness at some point. So, if you are feeling this way you are not alone! Studies have also found this percentage decreases across the first semester, so it does get better! Social support is so important when you are missing home. Maintaining contact with those individuals in your life that are most important to you can help you become better adjusted to university life, so keep in contact with them and always share when you’re feeling down! Involving yourself in new activities may also help to reduce those feelings of homesickness, this may involve joining a society or a sports team for example! Decorating your room with photos of family and friends from back home may also help as good memories will be all around you! 

 

Living on your Own 

One of the biggest changes that I’m sure you will have been repeatedly told about is living on your own and adapting to life without your parents. Believe it or not, eating healthily is something that many students at university struggle to do well. Many students underestimate the amount of work they must do after lectures and how much healthy food costs, so healthy eating becomes a second thought. So, plan your meals in advance and make a shopping list, so you’re not overspending and buying too much. This makes the weekly trek to Aldi for affordable groceries a little bit more bearable, especially if a bottle of vodka may be in your bag on the way home! I also suggest not doing your laundry at the weekend and investing in an airer, so you don’t have to pay the extortionate £1.80 for the dryer. Living at home means we rely on the comfort of our family, so at university it is important try and find a group of people that you can rely on as social support is said to be important in decreasing the chances of students dropping out at university. 

 

Night Life 

When most people think of Uni life, they think of parties and drinking every weekend, which isn't the reality. Getting home from the club can sometimes prove challenging, the buses run but fill up fast, so Uber and Bolt are essential for surviving nights out in Coventry and Leamington. Clubbing can get expensive so pre drink and make the most of your student finance, your bank account will thank you for it! Although year 1 'doesn’t count’ you still need to pass so make sure you balance your work with your nightlife. Whilst the £1.50 vodka Redbulls on Smack Tuesdays are tempting, the lectures you miss the next morning will build up and overwhelm you - Over 70% of students miss work/ university because of a hangover. Staying on top of work will make your Uni experience smoother, if you're desperate for a social it's always fun to play cards with your flat or have movie nights with your friends (wine optional). 

 

Let's hope this advice will help you avoid the disaster that could be your first term. So, take it from us, Uni can be a great experience, if you make the most of it.