It may be your time to brace yourself for the ‘dreaded’ week of alcohol, new flatmates and cooking (or takeaways). I’ve been at university for two weeks and I’ve met some wonderful people from my courses, welcome talks, people in my building and flat, fresher reps and even students at bus stops! Freshers is not to be feared, although watch out for some of the problems I found myself faced with in the first week of adjusting to university…
1. Getting to know your flatmates
Are these guys food thieves? What do we talk about? My flatmates are honestly lovely; we already share each other’s kitchen utensils, have completed joint food deliveries and attended events together. You spend a large proportion of your time with your flatmates, so my advice would be to make friends with them. It’s easier than you might think! Just leave your door open and be friendly.
2. Piles of never-ending dishes
…and not knowing which knives and forks are your own. Try to buy all matching pink or uniquely coloured utensils to avoid constantly using and dirtying the wrong ones, assuming it to be your own as it all looks the same!
3. To be sociable or not to be
Do you go into the shared kitchen to bond with your flatmates or stay in bed or do some work? It’s a tough one but choose wisely!
4. Always getting lost
Limited signs. No one in bright-fluorescent jackets like in open days. Nobody to hold your hand. Best to keep a map in hand or ask people for directions!
5. The cooking challenges
So far I’ve already spilled noodles everywhere, eaten near-to-raw chicken and microwaved bread. Stick with frozen foods and pasta until you get some recipe books.
6. Homesickness
The home cooked meals. The washing. The baths. The comfortable bed. And the people too, of course.
7. Freshers flu
Pack the strepsils, cough medicine and paracetamol. You WILL be coughing in lectures.
8. No appearance effort
No time for makeup. Hair scraped back, comfy clothes and trainers. Even slippers.
9. Too many societies to choose from
There are never-ending clubs to join at university, from baking to basketball, football to photography and Kendo to knitting, choosing is difficult but at least there’s something for everyone.
10. Finding a Balance
Trying to balance multiple degrees with a social life, societies, sleep, cooking and a part-time job can be challenging, but it does lead to independence and great experiences. Remember to have fun and make great memories!