Settling in to College or University

Wednesday 02-09-2020 - 10:18

 

 

Starting college or university can be a daunting process. For many of us, it is our first big step after high school to becoming independent adults, and for others it is a significant transition returning to studying after years of working.

To give you the best start possible, we’ve rounded up our top tips and tricks about how to get settled in:

 


Freshers!!

Freshers week is a university institution in itself by now. Each campus has a week of fun activities designed to help you get settled in and like-minded people!

 

What’s great about it is that everyone is the same boat - we’re all anxious at the start and just want to make friends. Take a step outside your comfort zone and chat to people at these events, ask what they’re studying, what food do they like. You’ll be glad you did!

We are finalising our Freshers 2020 plans but keep an eye on our social media for more information soon!

 

 

Attend Induction Events

The great thing about induction events is they ease you in to your course nicely! You will find out what to expect from your course, how to get set up properly and more. These events are all very relaxed and also a great opportunity to meet and engage with other students before your studies start properly!

 

 

Pack Some Home Comforts

If you’re moving away from home to study, then remember to take some home comforts with you! Your favourite sweater, that mug from the kitchen you’ve grown attached to, or even some photos of friends or family. These little things really help to bridge the gap from home to your new student home!

 

 

Explore Your Local Area

UHI campuses are some of the most stunning in Scotland and being at university is a perfect time to embrace the local surroundings! Go to the nearby town and check out that pub you were recommended, get your hiking boots on and tackle that famous 4-hour walk. Embrace where you’re living!

 

Even if you’re studying online from home, take the time to go out and do the things you’ve always said you wanted to do!

 

 

Don’t Be Scared To Ask Questions In Lectures

A great way to get settled in more quickly is to be fully engaged in what you’re studying. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your lecturers, especially if you’re learning online! You can always follow up with an email to them if there is something you don’t understand!

 

You’re here to learn so make sure you’re getting the most out of your course. Take it from us, time flies!

 

 

Make Friends with the Librarians!

Librarians are some of the most amazing people you’ll ever speak to. A wealth of knowledge right there!

 

You’ll likely be spending a good amount of time in your local library studying so chat to the librarians to get book recommendations and find out something you never would have done!

 

 

Join A Sports Or Society

University is all about new experiences and trying things you never thought you would! At HISA, we have a great range of sports and societies at each campus: Football, basketball, archaeology, literature, art…the list goes on!

If something takes your interest then intend a Freshers’ session, see what you think! It’s a great opportunity to make new friends outside of your course.

 

Take a look at all the sports and societies here.

 

 

Eat. Sleep. Repeat.

It’s important to look after yourself at university. Whilst you get settled in you might find yourself missing a meal sometimes or staying up very late a few nights, which is fine but don’t make it your normal routine!

 

Eating and sleeping well is essential for our wellbeing so take the time to meal plan and have a structure in place! UHI student support has a very useful page here with links to resources about how to eat better and some recipes to get you started!

 

 

Give It Time

University is hyped up to be the best time of your life (and we hope it is!) but it’s absolutely ok if it does not start off that way. Don’t be disheartened if you feel like it’s not working out how you thought it would. As with everything, it takes time to settle in and find your new structure.

 

If you do find yourself really struggling and want to talk about your experience, we recommend using Togetherall as it is a fantastic platform available 24/7 to UHI students where you can share anonymously and freely.

 

There is also confidential online counselling services available here.

 

 

We’re Here For You

One of our biggest tips for you is to engage with your students’ association, that’s us!! #TeamHISA is here for you if you need any help or advice whilst studying at UHI. As well as our fantastic regional team, every campus has its own dedicated HISA depute so you always have someone to go to!

 

Get in touch with us by emailing hisa@uhi.ac.uk or sending a message to @TeamHISA on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

 

 

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