Arrival
Arriving at university will most likely be a mix of excitement and nerves. So here are my recommendations to make it go as smoothly as possible.
- Checklists are your best friend- Make sure you have a checklist of all the things you want to pack and bring with you. This will minimise your excitement, making you forgetful. You don't want to forget your toothbrush or the charger next to your bed; you were waiting to pack at the last minute.
- Dedicate some time to say goodbye- whether travelling alone or with friends and family, make sure you have dedicated time to say goodbye. Sometimes, you can be so excited to start university and stressed to get unpacked that friends and family get shooed away. Dedicating time to say goodbye, whether this is the week before or the day of, is essential in easing initial regrets and homesickness. This can also be an opportunity to celebrate your achievement in getting into university and help you build excitement.
- Prioritise making your bed- many students are very busy on the day they arrive, having meals with family, meeting flatmates, and participating in welcome week activities. Even if you don't have time to unpack everything, make sure you make your bed before going out. The last thing you want to come home to is a messy, unmade bed in the evening. So even if it's all you get done for your first night, make your bed. Sleeping on a bare mattress is not a nice way to start the university experience.
First Day
Everyone's first day is different. Depending on when you arrive, it may be slow and steady and perhaps a little lonely or bustling with new people everywhere. Keep in mind what works best for you when picking your arrival day. Some people prefer that extra alone time before the rush of welcome week, while others want as much time at home preparing to come straight into a full flat.
- Unpack- even if you are busy meeting new people and going out, unpack while you can. You don't want to live in a messy room, not knowing where anything is. Unpacking and decorating your room will make it feel a bit more like home and give you a space to come back and unwind or invite your new friends over.
- Explore- get to know the paths around your accommodation, the laundry and the reception. Not only will this help you feel more at home, but these helpful places will be key during your first few weeks.
- Food shop- If you're lucky, you may have brought some food with you or been given some sweet treats from friends and family, but make sure to go to a food shop. Eating nutritious meals will be important during your first week to avoid the flu. You don't want to go hungry or be ill in your first week. Even on a meal plan, having snacks in your room is a good idea. You may want to think about and learn to cook a few things you enjoy over the summer, and come prepared with a grocery list.
Welcome Week
There is so much to do during welcome week. Some people say it's the best time of their life, but it isn't for everyone. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of it.
- Read the welcome week schedule- everyone is given a welcome week schedule with all the activities available. Make sure you circle everything you want to do and put it in your calendar. Some things require tickets, so buy them quickly so you don't miss out. Planning the activities you want to do each day will ensure you don't miss anything important. I'd keep an eye out for the welcome fair and the societies fair!
- Talk to your flatmates- when everyone is new, it can be nerve-wracking, but everyone is in the same position. Talk to your flatmates and arrange to go to things together, whether you end up as close friends or stay just flatmates. Having someone to walk to places with and chat with will help ease your nerves and make it easier to meet more people.
- Homesickness- It's okay to be homesick; it happens to many people, but don't let it hold you back. Try to keep busy. You can always call friends and family back home, but try not to be too reliant. Make sure you have boundaries with friends and family to have time to make new friends. Try not to go back home or have visitors for the first few weeks, though it can be hard; it often makes people more homesick and miss out on opportunities to join the new community and the University of Birmingham. Everyone is different, so try not to compare yourself too much. As much as it can look like everyone else is having fun, there will be people out there who are homesick. So remember, be kind and supportive.
