From Fresher’s Week to Graduation: Navigating the Student Journey in a New City

Starting university is an exciting time, but it can also be a little overwhelming. With so much to learn and so many new experiences to be had, it can be hard to know where to start. 

The entire university experience is a big learning curve for many, shaping your future and having a lasting impact on your life. No pressure…!

We thought you might appreciate a quick guide on what to expect. We’ll take you from Fresher’s Week to graduation, providing tips and advice to help you make the most of this incredible journey.

Fresher’s Week

Before even arriving at uni you’ve been busy putting everything in place – getting a place on the course, applying for student loans, securing comfortable student housing in Canterbury, Glasgow, Belfast, or whichever exciting UK destination you’ve chosen. You might have even paid a visit to the university beforehand.

But the adventure really starts with the legendary Fresher’s Week!

Ah, Fresher’s Week, that exciting first week of university life before lectures start! Designed to be an opportunity for you to settle into your university accommodation, it’s a time to make new friends, explore your new university, and get involved in some fun activities. 

While you’re finding your feet, you should start thinking about your studies and how you’re going to manage your time.

Here are a few tips for making the most of Fresher’s Week:

• Attend as many events as you can. This is a great way to meet new people and learn about what your university has to offer. Embrace the chance to attend social events and parties, and engage in icebreaker activities. 
• Attend the Fresher’s Fair. This is where you can sign up for extracurricular activities and clubs where you’re most likely to find friends with similar interests to yours! Joining clubs, societies, or sports teams can help you explore your interests, develop leadership skills, and build a network of like-minded individuals. Whether you’re passionate about debating, photography, charity work, or sports, there’s a club for you.
• Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. This is a time to try new things and meet new people. Remember, everyone else is in the same boat as you so they’ll be eager to make new friends too. So don’t be shy – go ahead and introduce yourself!
• Start thinking about your studies. While Fresher’s parties and club nights are lots of fun, it’s essential to find a balance between your social life and academic responsibilities. Start organising your schedule early, and establish good study habits from the outset. This foundation will serve you well throughout your university journey.

The First Year

Once the dust settles after Fresher’s Week, the first year of uni really gets going.

For some people it takes a bit of adjustment to get used to a new method of studying – university lectures are very different to school classes and college tutorials. 

Depending on the subject you’re studying, it’s likely that in the lectures, you’ll be seated among many other students taking notes while the lecturer speaks. Unlike in school and college classes, you generally won’t be expected to speak back or ask questions. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss and ask questions in seminars: smaller group sessions with lecturers or teachers responsible for the course module.

Your main focus during this settling period should be getting organised, taking plenty of notes (you’ll need them later on!) and attending all of your lectures and seminars. Things might seem a little confusing at first, but you will get the hang of it!

Make sure you get clued up on what the university offers in terms of study spaces, libraries, computer rooms, and so on. Use the resources available to you – they’re bound to lighten the load of your coursework!

If you get stuck, remember it’s OK to ask for help. Professors, teaching assistants, and academic advisors are there to support you on your academic journey. There are plenty of resources available to help you succeed; you only need reach out. 

Finally, make time for fun. University is supposed to be fun as well as educational, so remember to enjoy yourself!

The Second and Third Years

By the second and third years of university, you’ll be more settled into your studies and your social life and will know what to expect and what’s expected of you. 

This is where you’ll begin to work in earnest. If you think of first year as like learning to ride a bike with stabilisers, in second year the stabilisers come off!

Most of the points towards your final degree grade are collected from your exams and coursework in the final years of university, so you really do need to focus well on your studies. 

It’s a good idea to start thinking about your future career now too.

Here are some tips to get you headed in the right direction:

• Reflect on your options – what are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Does your degree allow for you to enter that profession? 
• Speak to a careers advisor at your university – they should be able to give you some tips on potential career paths, polishing your CV, and preparing for interviews.
• Attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops offered by the university’s careers service. Meet with people in your field and build relationships. 
• Consider undertaking internships or work placements related to your field of study. These experiences not only provide valuable practical skills but also allow you to establish connections within your industry.
• Get involved in extracurricular activities and clubs. These are not only bags of fun and good for making friends, but are also valuable for your personal and professional development. They demonstrate your commitment to interests beyond academics and can be an excellent addition to your CV when applying for internships or jobs.

Although uni gets more serious in second and third year, you should definitely still have plenty of fun!

Coping with Potential Challenges at Uni

During your time at university, you might encounter various challenges, both academic and personal. 

It’s completely normal to feel homesick or to feel overwhelmed by academic pressure from time to time.

Financial stress can also be a common cause of stress among uni students.

It’s so important that you don’t suffer in silence and bottle up all your tension. Doing so can have a detrimental effect on your mental and physical health, as well as your academic performance. 

If things start to get on top of you, talk to friends and family. Having a support network of friends and family outside of university is crucial to a successful uni experience, as they can offer a different perspective and provide emotional support during challenging times. 

If you don’t feel like you can confide in those close to you, reach out to university support services, such as counselling or student well-being teams. The important thing is that you are not alone.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask for extensions or accommodations if you’re experiencing difficulties that might negatively impact your academic performance.

Graduation

We all know that when university comes to an end, then comes graduation.

When graduating from university, take time to really enjoy the ceremony and celebrate it with loved ones. You’ve worked hard, so you deserve to celebrate your achievements.

Reflect on all the things you’ve learned and how far you’ve come. The journey from Fresher’s Week to graduation is not just about obtaining a certificate, but also about the experiences, friendships, and personal growth along the way. You’ll surely have learned a lot during the course of your degree, perhaps more than you realise!

Once the ceremony is over, it’s time to start planning your future. What are your goals? What do you want to achieve? How will you get there? 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help – there are plenty of people who can help you succeed and most universities offer careers advice for the first year after graduation as you transition into professional working life. It’s just a new chapter in your adventure!