University here we come!!
Hi, wassup, safe, how ya doin? In the next couple of weeks if you’re starting university then you will probably come across many different people with different accents, dialects, backgrounds and personalities. We’re in the same position so here’s our freshers’ guide to surviving the first few minutes to the first few weeks.
1. Preparation…
Here’s a guide on what you may need...and may not…
• You may need:
Passport
Passport photos
Driving licence
Any other ID
Health information (e.g. vaccination dates)
Bedding (bedsheets, pillow cases, duvet, blankets, duvet cover, quilt cover)
• You must not forget:
University confirmation documents
LEA information (DON’T FORGET TO SORT OUT YOUR FINANCES)
Cheque book/card
• You will need:
Clothes
(nightwear / underwear / socks / smart casual / swimming costume / trousers, joggers, jeans / t-shirts, tops, shirts, blouses/coat, jacket, sweater / towels / hat, gloves, scarf, umbrella / slippers, trainers, black shoes, boots, a pair of evening shoes / fancy dress)
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash, hand wash and/or soap
Flannel
Shower cap
Cotton pads and/or cotton buds
Body/hand lotion
Cleanser, toner and moisturizer
Sanitary towels (For girls only!)
Hairbrush and/or comb
Hair bands, clips, elastics, scrunchies (fancy ones!)
Kitchen stuff
Food to your own preference (e.g. pasta, noodles, chocolates (always good))
Frying pan
Pots and pans
Glasses
Mugs
Cutlery (Knife, fork, spoon, wooden spoon)
Plates (Small and large)
Cereal bowl
Washing up liquid
Sponges/ wiping cloths
Tea towels
Washing up power/tablets
Stain remover
Other
Jewellery
Make-up (For boys and girls!)
Hot water bottle
Mobile phone
Money/wallet/purse
Laptop
Medicine (Paracetamol, cough syrups/cold remedies for freshers’ flu)
Electricals you may want to take:
Kettle
Mini fridge
Straighteners
Curlers
Desk top lamp
Side lamp
Stereo
MP3 player
iPOD
Things to help you study:
Previous notes, books, notes, website addresses, contact numbers
A4 lined paper
Pens, pencils
Sharpener
Eraser
Calculator
Dictionary
Folders
Ring binders
Pencil case
Diary
Things to make you feel cosy and comfortable (e.g. to feel at home)
Photos
Pictures drawn by loved ones (Awww)
Cds, tapes, DVDs, Books, Magazines (You will probably not have time in the first week to use all of these things but they will help later on)
2. When you get there….finally after all this
• First, go to the building from where you need register, obtain any important information, ID cards and keys.
• Second, follow the timetable given to you which may include time to unload and unpack or meet and greet other students.
• Third, there will come the time to say goodbye to parents, siblings and friends (if they have to see you and forgotten to go to their own unis), don’t get too sad but it’s normal to feel emotional and is part of the experience.
• Fourth, everyone is in the same boat (or in your case same building trying to make friends), try to start talking to as many people as possible and socializing but don’t forget to be yourself....
3. Surviving Freshers Week
There will be loads of events planned for freshers. Try to get yourself involved in as much as possible but be cautious whilst there will be many temptations to drink, smoke or even try sex, whatever happens be careful and cautious Only do what you feel comfortable with, because what may seem exciting, fun and right now may result in awful consequences later on. During all this don’t forget:
• to attend Freshers Fair where you can get involved in as many or as few societies as you wish,
• to attend your first tutorials, lectures or seminars
• to HAVE FUN!!!
