{"id":10717,"date":"2026-09-03T13:51:01","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T12:51:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/accommodation\/?p=10717"},"modified":"2026-09-03T13:53:22","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T12:53:22","slug":"tips-to-help-you-adjust-smoothly-to-life-at-university","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/accommodation\/tips-to-help-you-adjust-smoothly-to-life-at-university\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips to help you adjust smoothly to life at university"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hello, I\u2019m Albina, a first-year law student, and this is my blog dedicated to helping new students adapt to university life. Before I started uni, I felt just like lots of other new students &#8211; a little lost, nervous, and unsure of what to expect. I didn\u2019t know how to budget properly, how to cook for myself, or how to juggle all the new responsibilities that came with living independently, all while keeping up with my studies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re feeling the same way, trust me, you\u2019re not alone. Adjusting to this new chapter can feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset and some practical tips, it gets easier. From managing your finances to maintaining a healthy routine and balancing social life with academics, I\u2019ll be sharing insights and advice to help make the transition to university life smoother and more enjoyable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Packing for university<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s start from the very beginning &#8211; packing. Trying to fit your whole life into a single car or, for international students, even just one suitcase can seem daunting. On top of that, your university room might be smaller than the space you\u2019re used to at home, which means overpacking will only make settling in more stressful.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most important thing to remember is: don\u2019t bring too much. It\u2019s tempting to pack everything you own, but in reality, you\u2019ll likely visit home more often than you think, and anything you forget can usually be picked up later. Plus, when the academic year ends, you\u2019ll need to transport everything back, so keeping it minimal from the start will save you a lot of hassle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with the&nbsp;<strong>essentials<\/strong> &#8211; things you&nbsp;<strong>use daily and can\u2019t live without<\/strong>. This includes:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bedding<\/strong>&nbsp;(duvet, pillows, and sheets)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kitchen essentials<\/strong>&nbsp;(basic utensils, a plate, a mug, and some cutlery\u2014don\u2019t bring a whole kitchen!)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Toiletries<\/strong>&nbsp;(shower gel, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve got the basics covered, think about study supplies:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;Notebooks, pens, highlighters, and any stationery you like using.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;A laptop or tablet if you prefer digital studying.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond the practical things, it\u2019s important to bring a piece of home with you. Moving away can be a big adjustment, so personal touches will help make your space feel comforting. Whether it\u2019s photos of friends and family, a small plant, fairy lights, or even a favourite blanket, these little things will make your room feel more like your own.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lastly, think about social life and events. University societies and clubs often have themed nights, and while you won\u2019t know all the themes in advance, it\u2019s worth packing some go-to costume pieces, for example, a white T-shirt for DIY outfits, a dressy outfit for formal events, or anything fun you might already own. Otherwise, you\u2019ll find yourself scrambling to borrow something (trust me, I learned that the hard way!).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By keeping your packing practical, minimal, and personal, you\u2019ll have everything you need without unnecessary clutter. And remember, you can always buy anything extra once you\u2019ve settled in!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Settling in and making friends<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As I mentioned earlier, one way to make the transition easier is to make your new space feel as homey as possible. Surrounding yourself with familiar things, like photos, cosy blankets, or decorations, can bring comfort in those first few weeks. Another great way to ease the adjustment is to stay in touch with friends and family from home. A quick call or message can be really reassuring, and it\u2019s important to remind yourself that they\u2019re always there for you. However, while it\u2019s great to keep in touch, it\u2019s also essential to step outside your comfort zone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you spend all your time in your room or only talk to people you already know, you\u2019ll struggle to truly settle into university life. Socialising might feel intimidating at first, but making connections will make your experience much more enjoyable and less stressful.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ways to Make Friends at University&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start with your flatmates \u2013 They\u2019re your first point of contact and are likely feeling just as nervous as you. You might be lucky and end up being best friends with them, or at least have people to share meals and chats with. A simple \u201cHey, do you want to cook together?\u201d or \u201cWant to go check out campus?\u201d can be a great icebreaker.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect with course mates \u2013 You already have something in common: your degree! Studying together, sharing notes, or even just walking to lectures as a group can be a great way to bond. Before I arrived at uni, I found friends on my course through Snapchat group chats, and I even asked if anyone was in my accommodation and wanted to go to lectures together. Small steps like this make a big difference.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Join societies and clubs \u2013 This is one of the easiest ways to meet like-minded people. Societies create such a social atmosphere that making friends happens naturally. Whether it\u2019s a sports club, a cultural society, or something random like a board games club, getting involved will introduce you to people who share your interests.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t worry if you don\u2019t make close friends in the first few weeks. It\u2019s completely normal for friendships to take time to develop. I actually became best friends with my flatmates only in the second term! It\u2019s important to be patient and open-minded\u2014friendships will form when you least expect them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the end of the day, having friends at university makes a huge difference. As my flatmate once said: <strong>&#8220;Having friends just gives me energy and motivation to do everything.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So don\u2019t stress too much &#8211; take things one step at a time, put yourself out there, and your uni experience will soon feel much more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Basic skills and budgeting<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/129\/2026\/08\/Blog-Students-sitting-in-St-Davids-kitchen-930-x-620-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10663\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/129\/2026\/08\/Blog-Students-sitting-in-St-Davids-kitchen-930-x-620-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/129\/2026\/08\/Blog-Students-sitting-in-St-Davids-kitchen-930-x-620-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/129\/2026\/08\/Blog-Students-sitting-in-St-Davids-kitchen-930-x-620.jpg 930w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before starting university, it\u2019s important to practice some basic life skills like cooking, budgeting, and cleaning. These might seem like small things, but mastering them in advance will make your transition to independent living much easier and less stressful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cooking basics<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cooking for yourself can feel overwhelming at first, but trust me, you\u2019ll adapt quickly, and you might even start enjoying it! Start by practicing some simple meals at home before moving to uni. Ask your parents or guardians for recipes of your favourite home-cooked meals and try making them on your own. It might take longer in the beginning, but with time, you\u2019ll get faster and more confident in the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another great tip is to do a practice food shop before university. Plan what you\u2019d eat for a week and buy only the necessary ingredients. This will help you understand how much food you actually need and give you a rough idea of your weekly grocery budget.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Budgeting and managing money<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Money management is one of the biggest challenges students face. Learning to budget before arriving at university will help you avoid unnecessary stress later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714&nbsp;<strong>Set a weekly or monthly budget<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Get used to managing a set amount of money per week or month. This will prevent overspending and help you stay on track financially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714&nbsp;<strong>Consider all expenses<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 It\u2019s not just food! You\u2019ll also need to buy things like kitchen rolls, shower gel, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and other small essentials that add up quickly. I didn\u2019t realize how much these extra costs would affect my budget until I started uni, so always try to have some emergency money set aside for unexpected expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714&nbsp;<strong>Open a student bank account<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Many banks offer student accounts with perks like interest-free overdrafts, free railcards, or even a cash bonus if you open an account with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cleaning and household chores<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At uni, you\u2019ll be responsible for keeping your room, bathroom, and any shared spaces clean. If you\u2019ve never done a deep clean before or aren\u2019t sure which cleaning products to use, practice at home before you leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some key things to remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your room<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Regularly tidy and wipe down surfaces to avoid dust and clutter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your bathroom<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 If you have a private bathroom, you\u2019ll need to clean the sink, toilet, and shower frequently to keep things fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Shared spaces<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 If you\u2019re living in shared accommodation, always clean up after yourself in the kitchen and common areas\u2014your flatmates will appreciate it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Living independently is a huge adjustment, but preparing in advance will make the transition so much smoother. Start practicing these skills before you arrive at uni, and you\u2019ll feel more confident and in control from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Expectation management<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most important things to remember when starting university is to manage your expectations. While it\u2019s an exciting new chapter, it\u2019s not just about social events and newfound freedom\u2014it also comes with responsibilities, challenges, and adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>University is not just a non-stop party<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, there will be plenty of opportunities for socialising and having fun, but university life also involves studying, budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and handling responsibilities on your own. It\u2019s important to strike a balance between social life and academics so that you don\u2019t feel overwhelmed later.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Things won\u2019t always go as planned<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s natural to have expectations about how your university experience will go, but not everything will turn out the way you imagined\u2014and that\u2019s okay!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You might struggle to find friends straight away, and that\u2019s completely normal. Some friendships form instantly, while others take time to develop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Budgeting can be difficult at first, especially if you\u2019re managing money independently for the first time. Don\u2019t worry \u2013 it gets easier with practice!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You might realise that some of your modules don\u2019t exactly match your areas of interest. That\u2019s okay, it\u2019s part of the learning process and will give you a good idea of what to select when it comes to choosing optional modules or projects.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Change is constant<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">University is a time of growth and transition. Some things will get better, some might feel harder at times, and that\u2019s completely normal. It\u2019s important to stay open-minded and adaptable rather than setting unrealistic expectations that could lead to disappointment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Your experience will be unique<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">University is a time of growth and transition. Some things will get better, some might feel harder at times, and that\u2019s completely normal. It\u2019s important to stay open-minded and adaptable rather than setting unrealistic expectations that could lead to disappointment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Be patient with yourself<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adjusting to university takes time. There\u2019s no right or wrong way to experience it\u2014so take things at your own pace, embrace the ups and downs, and focus on making the most of your journey in your own way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting university is a big step, and it\u2019s okay if you don\u2019t have everything figured out straight away. Whether it\u2019s learning how to cook, making friends, or just getting used to living on your own\u2014it all takes time. Don\u2019t put too much pressure on yourself to have the perfect experience from day one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Things won\u2019t always go as planned, but that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doing anything wrong. You\u2019ll learn, grow, and adapt along the way. Everyone\u2019s journey is different, so focus on what works for you and take things at your own pace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re feeling nervous or unsure, just remember: I was in your shoes not long ago, and it definitely does get easier. Give yourself the space to make mistakes, figure things out, and enjoy all the new experiences that come with uni life. You\u2019re not alone in this\u2014so take a deep breath, and trust that you\u2019ll find your way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hello, I\u2019m Albina, a first-year law student, and this is my blog dedicated to helping new students adapt to university life. Before I started uni, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2065,"featured_media":10473,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[709,745,595,743],"tags":[209,453,563],"class_list":["post-10717","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arrivals","category-international-students","category-student-perspective","category-undergraduate","tag-allocations","tag-postgraduate","tag-undergraduate"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Tips to help you adjust smoothly to life at university - University Living<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/accommodation\/tips-to-help-you-adjust-smoothly-to-life-at-university\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Tips to help you adjust smoothly to life at university - University Living\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Hello, I\u2019m Albina, a first-year law student, and this is my blog dedicated to helping new students adapt to university life. 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