All you need to know about getting settled at university

Every new environment we visit has its own set of rules, ways of behaving, context, and culture. A university is no different. Just as when you go on holiday to a new place, you need to learn where the sights are, how to communicate (if the language is different), how to get about, and what behaviour is the most appropriate to have a positive experience.

In other words, you will need to ‘acclimatise’ to university culture. So what do you need to know about the university culture? It’s not going to surprise you to hear that it’s different from school or college, but just how exactly? What are the main things that you need to be ready for when you arrive at university?

The first week of university is an exciting time. This is when you will meet new people, find your way around (both campus and the town), go to talks to find out how things work, and join groups and societies. It’s a good idea to prepare for this extremely busy week before you get to your university.

Before you arrive: Go onto the university home page for students and find pages for new students. These pages will provide you with information about your accommodation and what to bring, your course and what to expect, and the societies and groups that may suit your interests. This will allow you to be forearmed for what will seem like an onslaught of information once you arrive.

If you are planning to live in university accommodation, your university’s accommodation office is likely to give you access to online groups where you can ‘meet’ fellow students from the same halls or residents’ blocks before you arrive.

Arrivals weekend: Your university will give you a suggested day and time for your arrival at your accommodation. New student arrivals are usually arranged to be staged over a period of a few days (often the four or five days prior to Welcome Week, but mostly the Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Check you know how to get to your accommodation using public transport or where you need to park if arriving by car. Also, confirm you know where you need to go first to pick up your room key. Arrivals weekend is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your new surroundings and your fellow new students (some of whom you may have already met online!). This will set you up well for the week ahead and your new life at university.

Welcome Week activities: Each department or faculty will provide you with induction talks and activities. Make sure you attend these, as they will help you understand what lies ahead in the weeks to come. Bring something you can use to take notes, as you won’t remember much of what gets said! In these talks, you will learn about the library and how to use it, the sports facilities and how to access them, student support services and how to get the support you need, as well as about your course. They will show you where the information is repeated online, so that you can review all that you are told at a more leisurely pace, in your own time.

Where to find help: You will be allocated a Personal Tutor from your department. They are there to ensure you understand the processes you need to work with in your studies, as well as to direct you to further support if necessary. Student welfare and support services are there for you, to help with any difficulties or anxieties you may have, or any queries and questions that are causing you concern. Every university wants you to feel secure and confident in your new environment, and they will provide ways for you to achieve this if it doesn’t seem easy at first – remember they are on your side.

About the book:

Through diagnostic tests, tailored advice and real-world examples, The Academic Skills Handbook 2e guides you step by step through freshers and assessments, all the way to graduation. Find out what your strengths are and what you need to work on to boost your grades with your complete guide to university.