Whether you’re counting down the days with excitement or perhaps you’re feeling a little nervous, starting university can feel different for different people.
Whether you’re counting down the days with excitement or perhaps you’re feeling a little nervous, starting university can feel different for different people. Our Residence Life Team have pulled together some of their top tips that helped them navigate their first night at university.
Holly:
You might spend your first night at university going out to a club with your flatmates or you might spend it by yourself, decorating your new room. Both scenarios are absolutely fine! There’s no right or wrong way to spend your first night at university. Try not to compare your experience on your first day of university to those around you, or to people you follow on social media. It’s important to remember that social media is a highlight reel, and that the posts you’re seeing may not reflect the reality of the situation.
Joe:
For your first night at university, I recommend treating yourself to your favourite comfort food. I believe food is one of the best ways to bond with your flatmates, it provides a great initial opportunity to learn about them and their preferences. I also find sharing a meal with others gives you such a casual setting to chat in, where awkward silences are buffered and conversation flows as easily as a hearty bowl of soup. Getting through your first night is a lot easier when you have the little things like a good meal to enjoy.
Lia:
If your first day at university doesn’t play out how you expect it to, it can sometimes feel like staying at university isn’t for you, I know I had those feelings. But my advice for everyone during their first night is to try and remember that those first 24 hours are not a reflection of how your entire degree and time in Birmingham will be.
Everything takes time and that includes finding your people, getting to grips with your course and finding out how everything works. Trust the process and know the best is yet to come.
Erin:
Moving to university is a surreal feeling as you’re surrounded by new people in a new place. That’s why it’s so important to make your space feel like your own. Make sure you pack personable items that will make your room feel homely.
Whether this is photos, ornaments or even specific comfort snacks, this will make it so much easier to relax after a busy day moving into your student accommodation. It can also be a great conversation starter with flatmates, you can share stories of special places, people or memories to get to know each other better.