Starting University: Everything You Need to Know

The time has come and you’re beginning the next chapter of your life. You’re moving on to the next and possibly final stage of your education. The jump from high school or college and A-Levels to university is not to be underestimated. It is not only the change in the level of education you receive, but also the adjustment to a new lifestyle. It’s moving to an entirely new city in some instances. The culture shock can be massive, and some people are unprepared for this change. With our advice, you can prepare for this adjustment, you just need to know what you are preparing for.

What are some common worries about starting university?

When starting university, there are a multitude of things that can cause apprehension and anxiety. Sometimes when you consider all these factors before you even arrive, you can quickly become overwhelmed, and that’s before you truly get to experience the joys of what is to come. Here are just a few factors to consider to help settle some of those anxieties:

Lack of familiarity As many people typically move away from home when starting university, the culture shock can be intensified. The mixture of homesickness, new surroundings and the lack of familiar faces can be overwhelming for many. However, once you’re past this initial change, it provides you with the opportunity for exploration and discovery. Whether that be your new environment, new people or new opportunities. The lack of familiarity can seem like the most intimidating part of university at first but can often be the most fulfilling aspect.

Fitting in Much like with homesickness and familiarity, one of the primary anxieties people face is the fear they won’t fit in. At home, people are comfortable. They may have been friends with the same group of people throughout the duration of their school lives. Meeting new people and adjusting to personalities you are unfamiliar with can cause immense stress and feelings of anxiousness. The beauty of meeting these new personality types however is that you can not only learn about new interests and passions, but you can also discover more about yourself by expanding your mindset and discovering new things you enjoy.

Newfound sense of responsibility One of the primary things you learn about yourself when you move to university is that you are responsible for yourself. Moving away can mean that a lot of the same home comforts such as parents or guardians cooking your meals or managing your money are no longer there. You now have this newfound sense of independence and responsibility for yourself. Whilst this can seem intimidating at first, facing the world head on, it provides you the opportunity to learn new skills, become self-sufficient and prepares you for your life as an independent adult for years to come.

Things to prepare before going to university

Whilst some experiences and sensations may be out of your control when starting university, you can begin to prepare and make for an easier transition and avoid being caught off-guard when things arise.

Finances

One of the most highly publicised and discussed issues facing students is managing finances. It can be difficult paying rent, bills, buying your own food, educational resources and socialising, especially when you may not have ever done it previously. But if you are to make the most of your university experience and alleviate unnecessary stress, it is essential you prepare for the financial landscape you are entering. This begins with arranging your student loan, following all the proper procedures and securing the figure you will receive. Once this has been done, you can begin to assess the situation an whether you need additional financial support in the form of a part-time job, you can begin to budget and adjust to your needs. But it is vital to know your standing and have your loans arranged and agreed beforehand.

Living

New living situations can be a decisive factor in your university experience. For some who are attending universities close by, they can remain with parents or guardians as it may be more convenient for travel, or simple a sensible cost-saving exercise. For those that are moving away from home, greater, more urgent arrangements need to be made. For most first year students, they will be looking to move into a hall of residence to meet new people in a communal setting. Regardless of the preference, you will need to research what is within your budget, if council tax is included, how far it will be to travel to lecture halls, the library, etc and if the chosen accommodation meets all your individual needs. This can be done by contacting the university you are attending or looking at specific student accommodation websites for what options they have available.

Personal

Whilst it is important to assess the logistical elements of moving to university, it is also vital to be self-reflective and assess your own personal needs. If you know that you need specific accommodations, you need to know that these are accessible to you. It may be to do with an interest such as watching films or going to live music events and knowing this is possible. It could be a medical issue and registering with a local GP. It could be ensuring that your accommodation and university are accommodating to certain disabilities in some instances, such as ramps for those who require them. When making such a significant life decision, you need to make sure that you are accommodated and protected. No one in any walk of life can succeed if their wellbeing cannot be maintained due to their environment.

Social

Finding new friends is one of the most exciting parts of university life. But due to things like social anxieties or even possibly neurodivergent conditions, initially socialising can be overwhelming. One way to help alleviate these fears before arriving at university is to research and identify societies that may interest you, enabling you to find like-minded people with similar interests easily. Another option is to join social media groups for new students, enabling you to connect with others before you even move, even possibly meeting your new roommate early so you can begin to bond and make the initial meeting smoother.

Education

The primary reason for attending university is to continue in your education, progressing to new heights and learning knowledge and skills you may take on into your future career. It is for this very reason, you need to know that the course is correct for you, and that you are aware of where to find all the necessary resources to support you in your education. This might be finding pre-owned and cheaper textbooks online, knowing where the library is and how to conduct further research to discuss with your personal tutor to further your education.

What to leave at home

It will be tempting when you are preparing to set off to take stock of your room and all your possessions and think it is best to pack them all. The thought of ‘I might need that’ will cross your mind, but you need to remain composed and take a proper assessment of what you will desperately need and what will be available to you at university, what the institution will provide to you, etc. You need to remain conscious of the fact that there will only be limited storage in your student accommodation and what you will be able to pack whilst keeping funds down without booking a removal service. Here are some prime examples of things you can leave behind at home:

Printer Universities will provide printing facilities on site.

Full kitchen set Whilst it is good to bring some essentials and some key bits of cutlery, you only really need enough for yourself. Assuming all is well with the people you live with, you may even end up sharing utensils!

Alarm clock Your phone can work as an alarm clock and won’t take up as much space

New books and school supplies Whilst it is good to have some resources ready, it is important to remember there will be enough stores and facilities around your university campus to top up on supplies when you are running low.

All your clothes Yes, of course bring clothes, bring your favourites, make sure you feel comfortable and that the clothes you bring can make up an outfit you enjoy, but bringing every item of clothing, even the ones you don’t wear on the premise of ‘in case of emergencies’ will take up far too much space.

What to do if you’re struggling with moving to university

Whilst you can do everything to prepare and remain aware of all the pitfalls that come with moving to university, it may not be enough, and your mental wellbeing might take a hit as you struggle to the adjustment. In these instances, it can feel isolating, and you can lose hope and feel as though university isn’t for you. But, before you make this decision, it is important to explore all your available options for support, here are a few key examples:

• Seek support from tutors

• Use university counselling facilities

• Speak to flatmates to see how they feel

• Stay in contact with friends back home

• Discuss how you are feeling with family members and parents/guardians who can give advice

How can a Student Assistance Programme help you with sleep in autumn?

When you have a flood of thoughts, concerns and anxieties causing stress, it can be difficult to get the right amount of sleep. This can in turn cause a further decline in your mental health. Using HA | Wisdom Wellbeing’s Student Assistance Programme (SAP), you can access expert support as a student by contacting the 24/7 helpline, available 365-days a year. You can connect with one of our qualified counsellors who can provide expert advice, guidance and support. Using our SAP, you can access the Wisdom App which includes a host of resources to support you and provide can comfort to help you focus on improving your sleeping pattern and overall boost your mental wellbeing.

Conclusion

There is a lot to consider when moving to university. It can be a big change, and it can be very daunting. But when you are prepared for the basics, the unexpected hurdles become easier to handle. Making sure you have the relevant information and guidance, you can succeed and make the most of your time as a university student.