Starting university is an exciting experience, but it can also come with its fair share of uncertainties and challenges. From making new friends to navigating independent living, there’s a lot to consider. This blog is to help address some common concerns and provide student support to new students. Whether you’re looking for guidance on meeting new people, joining clubs and societies, finding part-time work, or dealing with homesickness, we’ve got you covered. We want to help put your mind at ease.
What’s the best way to meet new people and make friends?
Living in student accommodation, private or halls is the best way to meet other people starting uni at the same time as you. Some people may have similar interests to you or be on the same course, and some won’t. There will be a range of people living in your accommodation waiting to make friends, just as you are.
There will be endless opportunities to meet new people, like through a society or sports club, volunteering, at a part-time job, or even later on in your final year!
Don’t stress if you haven’t found your lifelong friends right away at uni. It’s common to bond with your flatmates or coursemates in your first year, but it’s okay if that doesn’t happen to you. Everyone’s university experience is different.
How do you join a club or society?
Joining sports clubs and societies is a great way to meet people with similar interests to you or discover your new favourite hobby. With hundreds to choose from, come along to Bunfight and meet and sign up for every society in one place.
Don’t worry if you don’t sign up at Freshers, you can become a member of a society anytime in the academic year on the SUSU website.
How do you deal with nerves?
Naturally, starting uni can be a nerve-racking experience, remember everyone is feeling the same. Be yourself, sign up for lots of opportunities and give yourself the best chance possible to meet lots of new people. This is the perfect time to get out of your comfort zone!
How do I find part-time work?
For many new students who are uni, this is the first time you will be living independently. If you find you need extra cash looking for a part-time job is a great way to earn some extra money and meet people outside of university.
A great place to start is SUSU. We offer work in bars and retail, reception, marketing, photography, and more. Check out Support Roles on our Work With Us page throughout the year to see which roles we’re hiring.
It’s okay to feel homesick
Moving to uni is a big life change, and it’s absolutely okay to be missing home. So many new students will be feeling exactly the same as you.
Why not personalise and decorate your room to make you feel more at home? If you’re able to, plan a video call with family or friends after a couple of weeks, or maybe even a visit home during term.
Where can you get help and advice if you need it?
The Advice Centre at SUSU provides free, independent, and confidential advice, student support and information to all students on practical matters.
We are here to help students get the right help at the right time. If our online guides about the practical issues of Academic, Finance and Housing don’t answer your questions then you can find us in Building 40 Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00.
Get to know your surroundings
Chances are you are going to be living in a completely new city when starting uni. If this is the case then you will want to get to know the area. This will also help you feel more at home and get comfortable. Find out things like where the nearest supermarket is, bus stops, train stations, and doctors’ surgeries. It might also be worth seeing what is going on in the local area to find things to do to help you settle in.
Of course, you can see what’s on at SUSU by going to our What’s on page. Especially during Freshers, we have day and night time events running from the 21st of September to the 6th of October.
Whatever your first few weeks at uni look like, we’re here to help you along the way. If you need some extra student support or advice, visit our Help and Support page or get in touch.