This time last year I was absolutely petrified to leave my home town in South East London and move away from all my family. I can remember frantically searching the web weeks before moving to find tips on how to settle into university, and any other kind of advice that was available to ease my anxiety. It's for these reasons I thought I'd write a few posts (a series if you will) of advice, and information that might help anyone that is a bit nervous like I was.
The lead up to move in day is the most nerve wracking experience I've ever been through. Making sure you've bought everything you need and have sorted out your halls of residence/private accommodation and funding is extremely stressful, especially if you are like me and know nothing about these sorts of things. However, I found it helpful finding check lists online of the necessities when moving in, just as a peace of mind.
Below I've put together a list of what I think most students would need but obviously this will differ from person to person!
Once you're all packed up and ready to go it's time to make that dreaded car or train journey to your new home....but it doesn't have to be as scary as it may seem. Taking some of your favourite music to play along the way will help calm the nerves and make the journey maybe a little more familiar that it is.
One thing I would say is set off early because many universities will have the same move in weekend so the roads are bound to be pretty busy, it took us four hours on my first day rather than the one and a half journey it should be!
When you arrive at your halls you'll be greeted by a team of second years who will direct you where to go, and help carry some of your stuff to your room. They're most likely be happy to help and give you any advice you may need. You'll also be given a lot of written information when you collect your keys on the halls, university and the talks that you will need to attend during welcome week. Keep these in a safe place!
Now for the scary part!
At the end of the day your parents/friends/guardians will have to leave you to settle in. Trust me this may seem terrifying but I'll give you a few tips to make it a little easier.
One of the first things you should unpack is your door stop because by having your door open your more likely to make friends and seem approachable while moving in than by keeping it shut. Remember you don't need to unpack all at once, maybe take some time on the first day to go and have a chat and introduce yourself to your new flatmates....they're not as scary as you think, trust me!
One of my flatmates went round to all our rooms when moving in and introduced himself and had a little chat, which was so nice and made us all feel a little more at ease and comfortable. Even going to sit in the kitchen and have a cup of tea may spark a conversation, you never know if you don't try.
Welcome week will be filled with many a talks including fire safety, introductions to the chancellor of the university and the students union, and also support services available. Although, these may be boring its a good idea to attend these with your flatmates just so you get a feel for the university.
However, it isn't all serious. Welcome week or Freshers week as it's better known as is a time to have fun. This may be going to the society fairs and signing up to fun activities, or going on all the nights out before lectures start. It's really for just meeting as many new people as possible and breaking the ice. Embrace it if you can.
Staying in your room may seem safe but in the long run this most likely wont help you settle in. By putting yourself out there and going to all these activities you may not notice the transition from home life to university life so much, and you'll settle in in no time at all. I remember it felt a little like a holiday at first, as if we were only going to be there two weeks. But when lectures start and you get into the swing of uni life you're sure to have a great time.
The most important message when first starting out is to remember that you can go home at any time, you don't have to stay at university seven days a week, and home is only a phone call away. Just do things at your own pace, and take the time to take it all in and embrace the new chapter your about to embark on.
Trust me you're going to have an amazing time, and make so many memories that you'll be so glad you pushed yourself to go.
I hope this information has been of some help, and maybe eases the nerves.
Thank you for reading!!
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