Your first weeks at university

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Beginning university can be really exciting, but it can be a little overwhelming too. Follow these top tips to ease you through your first weeks.

• Living in halls of residence
• Dos and don’ts in your first few weeks
• Ten essential places you should find in your first week at university

You should also refer to socialising for more information on starting university and The Student Life Handbook by Christine Fanthome for further advice.

Living in halls of residence  

Pros:

1. You will be able to budget effectively by paying your Hall bill each term.

2. You will have the benefit of a social life in Hall.

3. You will meet a wide range of other undergraduates.

4. You will probably be living close to, or on, your campus.

5. You will have a Hall Committee to represent your interests.

Cons:

1. You might not feel as if you have really achieved an independent life.

2. You might find that you are living some way from your friends.

3. You might be able to find a cheaper alternative.

4. You might feel that you can never get off campus to unwind.

5. Halls can feel restrictive and the food is not always inspiring.

Dos and don’ts in your first few weeks

Do:

1. Look at our useful resources page for useful websites.

2. Check your mail and fill out every form that you receive.

3. Register with the library and the NUS.

4. Collect your password for access to the university computer system.

5. Make sure that your initial course choices are still available.

Don't:

1. Panic if it all seems overwhelming: it will soon become familiar.

2. Ignore the notice boards: they display essential information.

3. Miss your first meeting with your tutor, even if you have nothing much to say.

4. Sign up for too much at Freshers Fair: plan your time first.

5. Worry if your first set of marks is confusing: your tutor can explain them.

Ten essential places you should find in your first week at university

1. The library: register as soon as you can and browse around your subject shelves, periodical shelves and computerised catalogue system.

2. The IT resources centre: do you need to sign up for any courses?

3. The Students Union and Welfare Office: register with the NUS.

4. Your departmental secretary's office: get your face known.

5. The coffee rooms and canteen: essential meeting places.

6. The resources room within your department.

7. The computer rooms in your school or faculty.

8. All the lecture rooms that you are likely to visit.

9. Your mail tray and the trays for your lecturers.

10. The notice boards in your department, Hall of Residence, library and Students Union.

This content has been written by Lucinda Becker, author of How to Manage your Arts, Humanities and Social Science Degree.