The first few months at uni are a strange time. Some people love it, others hate it. Regardless, everyone has to go through the struggles of settling in to a totally new life.
Settling in takes time. After the high wave of Freshers’ Week, it can be easy to feel a little bit unsure of what to do with your time and how to make the most of your time at uni.
Get involved
For a start, join a club! Whether it’s a sports club or a society, make sure to get involved. There are new people joining clubs every week, so you’ll always have the chance to meet new people. If you’re a bit worried about going on your own, why not try and bring a flatmate along?
Societies are the best way to meet new people and give structure to your day. Whether it’s going to training or making a Wednesday night social, you’ll soon feel much more at home surrounded by a close knit group.
I was lucky with joining the Athletics Club. I got to meet some of my closest friends. It’s important to be able to let yourself go a bit and not take yourself too seriously. Fancy dress is always a funny way to do this and make long lasting memories together.
Build your nest
Those memories can be an amazing way to make yourself feel at home in uni. Make sure to always take photos! You’ll only regret the ones that you didn’t take. Pop them up around your room so you get to see some of your best memories every day.
I can’t overstress the importance of making your uni room feel cosy and homely. Whether it’s photos with your friends or your dog, posters, or fairy lights, it’s important that you feel safe and comfortable in that space.
Talk it out
Despite all of this, it is totally normal to feel homesick. Almost everyone does at some point, whether they show it or not. But it’s important to be able to talk. That can be with one of your flat mates, a friend from your course or someone from home. Never be afraid to phone home though.
Being homesick and wanting to ring home isn’t a sign of weakness or that you might be letting someone down in any way. A phone call home should offer comfort, reassurance and support.
Sadly, there isn’t a single recipe for being able to settle in to uni without any bumps along the road. The ups and downs are just part of the process. It helps make who you are as a character and person.
Remember to take a minute to reflect from time to time. Think about how far you have come. How much you have grown. How much stronger you are now.
Settling in can be rough sometimes. But be proactive and get involved. It can be so scary to start, but everyone is in the same boat. Hopefully you can grow alongside these people and make the most of your time here. It goes by too fast.
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