So, you're heading to university. Exciting? Absolutely. Terrifying? A little bit. Whether you're moving 20 minutes from home or across the country, those first few weeks can feel like a whirlwind of new faces, new routines, and trying to remember where you've left your student ID for the fifth time.

The good news? Everyone else is figuring it out too.

Here's your ultimate guide to your first few weeks at university.

Before You Move In

Get the Boring Bits Out of the Way

Before the fun starts, make sure you've completed any accommodation paperwork and uploaded any documents you still owe.

Trust us, future you will thank you for sorting it now rather than dealing with emails during your first week when you'd rather be exploring your new city.

Don't Stress About Packing Everything

You do not need to bring your entire bedroom with you.

Focus on essentials:

• Clothes for different weather
• Toiletries
• Bedding
• Chargers
• Important documents
• A few things that make your room feel like home

Forgot something? Don't panic. Shops exist, online deliveries exist, and chances are one of your new flat mates has already brought three of whatever you're missing.

Join the Group Chat (Even If You're Nervous)

You don't need to be the loudest person in the chat. Even something as simple as:

"Hi, I'm moving in next week and studying Psychology!"

can help break the ice.

The reality is that most students are looking for friends before they've even moved in. Starting conversations early can make arrival day feel much less intimidating.

Move-In Day Tips

Arrive Prepared

If you've been asked to book an arrival slot, make sure you've done so before you travel.

Bringing family or friends to help move your belongings? Plan ahead so everyone knows where they're going and what time they're arriving.

Say Hello First

One of the easiest ways to make friends at uni is also one of the simplest.

Leave your room door open while you're unpacking and introduce yourself to your flat mates.

You don't need a perfect conversation starter.

Try:

• "Where have you travelled from?"
• "What course are you studying?"
• "Have you found the supermarket yet?"

Remember, they're probably just as nervous as you are.

The Truth About Making Friends at Uni

Let's get one thing straight.

Not everyone finds their best friends on day one.

Social media can make it look like everyone has instantly formed a friendship group within hours of arriving. In reality, friendships develop gradually through shared experiences, conversations, and spending time together.

So if you're not surrounded by a friendship group after your first weekend, that's completely normal.

Give yourself time.

Say Yes More Than You Usually Would

During your first few weeks, try saying "yes" to opportunities.

• Going to an accommodation event? Go.
• Someone invites you for coffee? Go.
• Flat mates heading to the supermarket? Join them.

You don't have to do everything, but putting yourself in new situations is one of the fastest ways to meet people.

Get Involved in Events

One of the easiest ways to meet people outside your flat is by attending events.

Keep an eye out for:

• Welcome parties
• Free food events
• Cinema trips
• Sports activities
• Wellbeing events
• Local city tours

Our Student Engagement Team hosts events throughout the year designed to help students connect, make friends and feel at home.

You never know, the person you sit next to at your first event could become your best friend by Christmas.

Remember That Everyone Is Adjusting

Even the students who seem confident and settled are navigating the same changes as you.

It's okay if:

• You feel homesick.
• You miss your family.
• You don't know anyone yet.
• You're still finding your routine.

Settling in is a process, not a race.

One Last Piece of Advice...

Your first few weeks at university don't need to be perfect.

Focus on meeting people, trying new things, and giving yourself time to adjust. Before you know it, your accommodation will start to feel like home, your flat mates will become familiar faces, and you'll be creating memories you'll talk about for years.

Take a deep breath. You've got this.