Edge Hill University’s Marketing with Advertising student, Freya Reilly, shares some information, tips and tricks to help settle your nerves about coming to university. Including what support is out there for you.
Starting university can be a wonderful and thrilling experience, but it can also provide its own set of unique obstacles. You might be feeling a bit anxious and unsure on what to expect. This is completely normal and hopefully by the time you have finished reading this blog you will feel much better.
Common worries before starting university
Making friends at uni
The most common worry before starting university is, “am I going to make friends?”
Before starting university, it is very common to feel worried. All my friends from home had gone to different universities so I was worried I wouldn’t make any friends and that I would be lonely. This quickly changed after I found out what accommodation I was in. Everyone in my accommodation block had made a big group chat to find out who was in their flats. I quickly became friends with one of the girls in my flat and we chatted a lot on social media. This made me feel less nervous because I knew somebody at the university, and I knew I would be friends with someone that I lived with.
Find ways to connect
Add yourself to Facebook groups such as Edge Hill freshers. Look out for your subject area Facebook group and connect with others who might be on your course. This way you will know a few familiar faces when you have your first lecture and seminar.
Common worries after starting university
Some common worries after starting university might be grades, finding motivation, or how to manage money and find friends.
Meeting deadlines
I have always been a big procrastinator so I worried a lot about how I would manage the workload of university. I quickly found myself a routine and I would tell myself the deadline to my assignment was the week before it was due in, this stopped me from leaving my assignment until the week before and panicking.
Money worries
There are loads of places around Edge Hill University to get a part time job, there are even job opportunities on campus such as in the coffee bar in The Hub, SUBWAY, Catalyst and more. I currently do a 10-hour shift once a week at a supermarket and I manage to save up some money to do my food shop and socialise.
Meeting new people
Finding friends once you are at university is much easier. Everyone is very open to meet new people and make new friends. Just be yourself and you will attract similar minded people to you. Freshers’ week is a good way to bond with your new flatmates and make some friends in the flats around you too. Asking people you meet what course they do is always a good conversation starter, plus you might find some people on the same course as you.
What support is out there for me?
There can be lots of changes when you go to university. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, there’s plenty of support out there. Make the most of online resources and apps to combat your worries and put your mind at ease.
Calm
Calm has a mood check-in feature that tracks your mood throughout the day and generates a customised mood report. The app’s free version provides a limited number of guided workouts and contemplative sounds to help relieve stress.
Key features and pricing
Provides guided meditation and grownup bedtime stories designed specifically to help you get a better night sleep
Subscriptions – 7-day free trial then £28.99 annually
An online support community ran by trained professionals and clinicians. Togetherall offer mental health support.
Key features and pricing
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Log your mood, take courses on how to manage your mental health, talk to other people who may be experiencing the same things as you and even offer support to others
Is it normal to be nervous about starting university?
Going to university can be a big change, so it’s ok if you feel a little nervous. You might be wondering what your course will be like or what your roommates on campus will be like. It’s important to remember that you aren’t alone in this journey, and there’s plenty of support available at Edge Hill University once you get here.
How can I calm my nerves before university?
Try turning your nerves into excitement. Nerves and excitement can often be similar emotions, so when you’re feeling nervous, it’s probably also mixed with the excitement of going to university.
Before your first day, have an early night so you feel refreshed and ready. Give yourself plenty of time on your first day to eat a nutritious breakfast and treat yourself to some self-care to put yourself at ease. You might want to watch some TV or read a chapter of the book you’re on. Once you’re ready, try get to your first lecture early. This will give you time to meet other students before heading in.
What should I know before going to university?
Before your first day, you usually get access to your university’s online learning platform. You’ll be able to take a look at your modules and familiarise yourself with key resources before you start. You can also find your timetables for each module.
It’s always good to get a look around campus before you start too. There’s always plenty to get involved in at Edge Hill’s campus, but you might want to just take a casual stroll around campus to map out how close your classes are to your accommodation or the car park.
Is first year of university stressful?
Your first year of university is all about settling in and adjusting. You’ll be faced with new and exciting challenges. It might feel a bit different to your previous studies, but you can access support whenever you need it. At Edge Hill, you’ll have tutors and other students to help out with handy revision or coursework tips. Make the most of university support teams to get the hang of writing at university level. Just remember to take each day as it comes. First year is the perfect time to learn plenty of new things at university – and about yourself.
What are some tips for starting university?
If you’re moving out for university, one top tip for starting university is to make a packing list. You might want to bring your favourite outfits, kitchen utensils, board games or some new stationery to make your lecture notes in.
Join communities. There’s something for everyone – whether you live at home or on campus. Edge Hill has course specific and accommodation groups on Facebook so you can connect with other students before you start. Remember, people in these groups also want to make new friends and probably would love to get to know others before they start university. Don’t be afraid to get involved!
