Moving away from home to live in a house of ten other people your age is daunting. You might be feeling anxious — and reasonably so, especially if you’re an introvert like me. So, if you’re about to be in the same position I was, here’s my advice for settling into university.
To bring or not to bring
The fear of moving over 14-hours away from my hometown didn’t really sink in until I waved my parents off at the rail station. I found myself wishing I brought more things here to make my space feel like home.
My advice: drop the 15 replicas of similar outfits you’ve probably packed! When I was in the process of packing, half my suitcase ended up being filled with tops and dresses I couldn’t even wear for another six months, while my room looked kind of empty. I’d recommend that you bring fewer clothes – Vinted exists after all – and bring more room decor! Posters, cute storage organisers, memorabilia, and plushies are a way better use of the limited packing space you have than clothes.
Don’t bring too much food! Though you may be thinking that you should bring food for when you’re feeling homesick, it’s best to do a food shop here and just bring your favourite snacks instead. I was under the impression that groceries here would be really expensive, and that Chinese ingredients would be even more so, but the cost of living is really manageable, especially if you meal-prep. There are loads of oriental markets and international supermarkets in York that sell ingredients from home for surprisingly reasonable prices!
Recording memories
One of the things I’ve been absolutely loving lately is scrap booking – I only wish I had started sooner. Buy a cheap instant camera and a cute notebook, and document your time at university. Trust me, one day you’ll look back at those memories, and you’ll be so grateful they’re preserved in a handmade notebook rather than lost in your phone’s photo gallery. It’s not just a creative hobby; it’s also a wonderful way to unwind and practice self-care, especially if you’re someone who needs quiet time to recharge before socialising again.
Get involved!
One thing I would redo as a fresher would be to try out more societies in my first semester. During Welcome Week, my best friend and I spent the whole week taking advantage of all the taster sessions we could find. We tried out pole exercise, mahjong, and boxing among many others, and it was the most fun I’d had in a while! Trying out new societies is an incredible way to meet new people, and you may find yourself some lifelong friendships. Your circle defines so much of your experience at uni – so it’s so worth it to step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there.
A final word
You may be feeling stressed about moving to university and living alone. However, and trust me when I say this, university feels the farthest thing from lonely – and that means a lot from somebody infamous for crying on every first day of school. Enjoy uni for what it is, because time flies and you will settle in just fine!
– Mischa 💗
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