Whatever year of study you’re going into, the first month of the new term is always one of the hardest. You’ve probably just spent the past three months basking in glorious freedom, and now it’s suddenly hit you that such a thing as ‘work’ exists. Your body doesn’t like the fact that you can’t just go and eat whenever you’re hungry, because there are also these things called ‘timetables’. Most importantly, your eyes don’t like the fact that they actually have to stay open and awake all day. Bonkers.
With this in mind, we’ve compiled some advice that may end up making your first month back in Cornwall a little bit easier, particularly if you’re a fresher. It’s a daunting time whatever year you’re in, so it can help to remember that everyone is in the same boat as you.
1. Decorate your university bedroom!
My goal every year is to make my room pinterest-worthy. I display an array of potted plants on my desk, cover the walls in bunting and fairy lights, and swathe my bed in mountains of fluffy blankets and cushions. Comfort is key, right?! Go all interior designer on your space to make it your own, even if it’s just rearranging the furniture. It might help you settle a lot easier when it feels like a place you can relax in. I like to have photographs everywhere to remind me of home too, #livinthatpolaroidlife.
2. Don’t be afraid to speak to people, trust me!
If you’re a fresher, and suffer with shyness like I did last year, then meeting new people is a pain. New people are terrifying. But I really regret not talking to more people in fresher’s week, because it really helps in the long-run. Some of your most important and long-lasting relationships form in the first few weeks of term, and social circles get harder to shake up as you progress through uni over the years. Make conversation with the people that surround you, be it in your house or flat, lectures and classes, even the person you end up sat next to on the bus. Remind yourself you’re not alone, and that others can come on this crazy journey with you.
3. Join a club or society!
Don’t be scared to try an activity you’ve never done before. It could be something you’ve never even heard of before, the newer the better! And if you’re terrible at it, then so what! There’s something for everyone when it comes to extra-curricular activites at university, so make the most of what is on offer to you- especially the free taster sessions. If there isn’t anything that appeals to you, then it may be worth considering setting up your own society if you have the time. It’s another great way to meet new people, and seeing as there are usually members from across all years of study, it’s a good time to chat about what lies ahead for you! It can be a perfect way to de-stress in your free time too.
4. Check in with the fam now and again.
The first two weeks of university were terrifying for me, and I felt like I was walking around in a constant state of anxiety. Students hate to admit it, but there will be moments during your time at uni when you just want to go home. I found it really confusing because I’d been really looking forward to moving away and living independently, and then when I got there all I wanted to do was get the train back again! If you feel that way, skyping or facetiming family or friends from home is a good way to reassure yourself that everything is still there waiting for you when you get back, and is unlikely to change in the meantime. Ringing up your mum is also the perfect opportunity to ask how to properly use a washing machine so that you don’t shrink your clothes or turn everything pink. Lols.
5. Finally, establish a routine for yourself.
University in general tends to be a really overwhelming experience, with everything hitting you at once. New place, new people, new workload, the whole shebang. Plan out your days so that you can fit in the fun stuff around your studies, even if it’s just meeting up with a friend for coffee. Wake up at the same time every day, and try and get to grips with having a bed time, because it makes lessons easier! Make the mundane things less boring; look forward to the weekly food shop, set aside time to cook tasty meals. Invest in a snazzy planner to organise your week, and go crazy with highlighters and stickers. Try and figure out what works best for you.
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun! You’re paying to learn, of course, but it doesn’t hurt to have a good time along the way!