Going to University: Advice to Freshers
Hello!
As some of you may know, I will be heading on to the scary world of third year this Saturday so haven't been blogging due to general panic about that. However, this does not compare to the fear I felt as a fresher. Therefore, I'm dedicating this post to giving new university students some wisdom and I hope it helps.
Now, there are loads of websites giving advice on what to bring and what not to bring so I'm just going to go from your arrival to university.
First Night Nerves:
Your first night will be scary, there's no doubt about it. The one thing you should remember is that it is perfectly natural to feel afraid when you arrive. Your life has completely changed, you're in a new place with new people, you have no idea what to expect. You're probably tired from travelling and seem to need a wee every 5 minutes. Try not to sit in your room and do talk to the people in your accommodation. You're all in the same boat so try and comfort each other. If it helps, I cried my eyes out, had a panic attack, fainted, and threw up on my first night of university. I was petrified. But come the Sunday, I was fine! Feel free to have a little freak out, you got this!
Freshers Week:
Ah, Freshers Week. It's crazy, chaotic, overwhelming, exhausting, and pretty good fun as well. I'm going to say this first and foremost, do not not feel pressured to get drunk and party every night. You'll need to be awake in the daytime too. Everyone talks about freshers like it's literally just alcohol and it isn't. Chances are, you'll have to go to various welcome talks and compulsory things at fairly early times in the morning. This might seem daunting but let me walk you through some things that I really think you should do.
First off, get involved. Freshers is primarily there for you to make friends. Don't stress, these people probably won't stay your friends forever but you're going to need each other this week. Don't hide in your room, spread your wings and be brave.
Secondly, make sure you know what's on offer from the university if you get into trouble, get overwhelmed, or need to get home. The student union will have advice places and safe spaces. Make sure you get acquainted with those in case you need them. I'll link my post on where to go in Edinburgh for any newbies.
Thirdly, make sure you register with a GP. I can't stress this enough, you WILL get ill at university and you will need a GP. Find out what's on offer for students and get signed up straight away. Edinburgh lot can sign up at Bristo Square if you're reading this.
Fourthly, make sure you join at least one extra curricular activity. I say one, more than one is ideal but one is a start as activities and clubs are going to be where you make your real friends and these are the things that are really going to shape your university experience. I joined A Cappella singers, the Harry Potter Society, the Music Society Chorus, and Trampolining in my first year. I'm now part of the Renaissance Choir, Music Society Chorus, and Trampolining but I may give something more chilled out like Henna Society a bash this year too. There will be a bajillion stalls but my main advice would be to try something completely different in the knowledge that you don't have to keep going if you don't want to.
Finally, take some time to stop. Freshers Week is crazy busy and there'll be times where you really don't know where to turn. Don't worry, you don't have to be doing something at all times so if you need time to just have a breather and a cup of tea, do that. It's a daunting time, make sure you look after yourself!
After Freshers Week:
Believe it or not, there is life after freshers week! A lot of people will tell you that you don't have to work in your first year. Not true. You might not have to work as hard as other years but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try your best. Start as you mean to go on and put a bit of work in.
Keep in touch with your family and friends from home. I know you're in your new world where you can do whatever you want but these people are the people that love you, support you, and are going to be able to help you if everything goes tits up. It won't kill you to Skype now and again. I mean, I still FaceTime my mum at least once a week if not twice and I can't see that changing.
Work out a budget and stick to it. The way I did this was to work out exactly how much money I had for each month then work out how much that left me for each week. I would only then spend about 60% of that money. Then I always had some in the tank for unexpected expenses.
Surviving Uni Halls:
Uni halls are not quite like anything else. You're placed with complete strangers and forced to live with each other. Sounds like it could turn into a Hunger Games spin off. And believe me, it can if you don't follow some sort of etiquette. So now, my dear children, here are some guidelines from a seasoned uni flatmate.
1. I don't care how amazingly lovely your flatmates are, they will steal your food. If you don't want people eating your biscuits/chocolate/nice treats, keep them firmly in your room. I speak from experience here, keeping stuff just for you saves an awful lot of tension.
2. Do not be that person that leaves passive aggressive post it notes. Or indeed passive aggressive tweets (yes, that did happen to me once), or passive aggressive group chat messages. It's not nice. If you have a problem with someone's behaviour, behave like an adult and quietly take them aside to calmly explain your issue. It works so much better.
3. You might not get on. I'm not saying this to frighten you but there's every chance you won't like your flatmates. In first year, if it's that bad you can ask to be transferred, or else you're going to have to put up with it. And it's really not so bad as long as you try to coexist with each other. Cooperate, compromise and you won't have an awful time.
4. Basic hygiene is a must. I don't care what you do at home but in a flatmate situation there are some unwritten rules. Wipe off toilet skids (yes, there are some that don't), unclog the shower plug if your hair gets in it, don't leave lumps of toothpaste in the sink, and for the love of all that is holy, please do your washing up more than once a week. You'll get on so much better with everyone if you follow these.
Final Advice:
This is a scary time but it's also exciting. The main thing is to look after yourself so stay hydrated, try to eat reasonably well and do try to get some sleep. You've got this!
The top two were from my freshers week and the last one was me leaving my first year flat.
Lots of Love,
Sarah xxx
