What to Expect During Your First Week at University
Whether you’re super excited about this new chapter in your life, completely terrified to be going it alone for the first time, or most likely a combination of both of the above, the first week of university is not like anything you have ever experienced before.
It will be chaotic, hectic, and stressful, but, ultimately, it will be a lot of fun.
Of course, every student’s university experience is unique, and what you get from your first week will be dependent on how much you put in, both in terms of effort and time.
That being said, there are several key elements of your first week at university that are pretty much guaranteed.
Ready to find out what they are?
Never-ending paperwork
Let’s get the boring bit out of the way first. Unfortunately and completely unavoidably, your first week of university will involve a stupid amount of paperwork. Manifesting itself as the administration process, you will be required to sign up for classes, sort out your timetable, register with the university GP, and possibly meet your tutors.
Top tip: Purchase an organiser or set one up electronically. At university, you will not have your parents or your teachers standing by to remind you of important dates. All the onus is on you now.
Fresher’s week
Fresher’s Week is probably the element of your first week of university that you are looking forward to the most. Sadly, due to current restrictions on socialising, Fresher’s Week 2020 will be a slightly different affair to previous years, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy the fresher’s experience and embrace all the traditional Fresher’s Week rites of passage.
Top tip: Take this What kind of fresher are you? quiz to discover your student personality, plus, for a whole host of tips for enjoying a socially-distanced Fresher’s Week. You’ll love the virtual house parties!
Peer pressure
It doesn’t matter if you are the life and soul of the party or you are more of a wallflower, the first week of university is nerve-wracking for everyone. You may feel under pressure to engage in certain activities or to act in a certain way and, although pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is a good thing, don’t feel forced into doing something you don’t want to do.
Top tip: Try offering a fun alternative if you don’t feel comfortable with a specific activity.
Your first lecture
Nothing can prepare you for your first lecture at university. Yes, it will feel strange and so different to any classroom that you have ever been in before, but it will also be one of those defining moments where you sit up and realise what you can achieve in the next three years if you really put your mind to it.
Whether you are in a modern space or you’re lucky enough to be in a huge auditorium that is hundreds of years old, breathe in this experience, and enjoy every moment.
Top tip: Take notes, lots of notes. You will need them when it comes to your private tutorials.
