Hello, I’m 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—a little lost, nervous, and unsure of what to expect. I didn’t 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.
If you’re feeling the same way, trust me, you’re 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’ll be sharing insights and advice to help make the transition to university life smoother and more enjoyable.
Packing for university
Let’s start from the very beginning—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’re used to at home, which means overpacking will only make settling in more stressful.
The most important thing to remember is: don’t bring too much. It’s tempting to pack everything you own, but in reality, you’ll 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’ll need to transport everything back, so keeping it minimal from the start will save you a lot of hassle.
Start with the essentials—things you use daily and can’t live without. This includes:
- Bedding (duvet, pillows, and sheets)
- Kitchen essentials (basic utensils, a plate, a mug, and some cutlery—don’t bring a whole kitchen!)
- Toiletries (shower gel, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
Once you’ve got the basics covered, think about study supplies:
📚 Notebooks, pens, highlighters, and any stationery you like using.
💻 A laptop or tablet if you prefer digital studying.
Beyond the practical things, it’s 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’s 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.
Lastly, think about social life and events. University societies and clubs often have themed nights, and while you won’t know all the themes in advance, it’s 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’ll find yourself scrambling to borrow something (trust me, I learned that the hard way!).
By keeping your packing practical, minimal, and personal, you’ll have everything you need without unnecessary clutter. And remember—you can always buy anything extra once you’ve settled in!
Settling in and making friends
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’s important to remind yourself that they’re always there for you. However, while it’s great to keep in touch, it’s also essential to step outside your comfort zone.
If you spend all your time in your room or only talk to people you already know, you’ll 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.
Ways to Make Friends at University
- Start with your flatmates – They’re 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 “Hey, do you want to cook together?” or “Want to go check out campus?” can be a great icebreaker.
- Connect with course mates – 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.
- Join societies and clubs – 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’s 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.
Don’t worry if you don’t make close friends in the first few weeks. It’s completely normal for friendships to take time to develop. I actually became best friends with my flatmates only in the second term! It’s important to be patient and open-minded—friendships will form when you least expect them.
At the end of the day, having friends at university makes a huge difference. As my flatmate once said:
“Having friends just gives me energy and motivation to do everything.”
So don’t stress too much—take things one step at a time, put yourself out there, and your uni experience will soon feel much more enjoyable.
Basic skills and budgeting
Before starting university, it’s 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.
Cooking basics
Cooking for yourself can feel overwhelming at first, but trust me, you’ll 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’ll get faster and more confident in the kitchen.
Another great tip is to do a practice food shop before university. Plan what you’d 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.
Budgeting and managing money
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.
✔ Set a weekly or monthly budget – Get used to managing a set amount of money per week or month. This will prevent overspending and help you stay on track financially.
✔ Consider all expenses – It’s not just food! You’ll also need to buy things like kitchen rolls, shower gel, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and other small essentials that add up quickly. I didn’t 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.
✔ Open a student bank account – 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.
Cleaning and household chores
At uni, you’ll be responsible for keeping your room, bathroom, and any shared spaces clean. If you’ve never done a deep clean before or aren’t sure which cleaning products to use, practice at home before you leave.
Some key things to remember:
🧼 Your room – Regularly tidy and wipe down surfaces to avoid dust and clutter.
🚿 Your bathroom – If you have a private bathroom, you’ll need to clean the sink, toilet, and shower frequently to keep things fresh.
🍽 Shared spaces – If you’re living in shared accommodation, always clean up after yourself in the kitchen and common areas—your flatmates will appreciate it!
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’ll feel more confident and in control from day one.
Expectation management
One of the most important things to remember when starting university is to manage your expectations. While it’s an exciting new chapter, it’s not just about social events and newfound freedom—it also comes with responsibilities, challenges, and adjustments.
University is not just a non-stop party
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’s important to strike a balance between social life and academics so that you don’t feel overwhelmed later.
Things won’t always go as planned
It’s natural to have expectations about how your university experience will go, but not everything will turn out the way you imagined—and that’s okay!
- You might struggle to find friends straight away, and that’s completely normal. Some friendships form instantly, while others take time to develop.
- Budgeting can be difficult at first, especially if you’re managing money independently for the first time. Don’t worry – it gets easier with practice!
- You might realise that some of your modules don’t exactly match your areas of interest. That’s okay, it’s 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.
Change is constant
University is a time of growth and transition. Some things will get better, some might feel harder at times, and that’s completely normal. It’s important to stay open-minded and adaptable rather than setting unrealistic expectations that could lead to disappointment.
Your experience will be unique
University is a time of growth and transition. Some things will get better, some might feel harder at times, and that’s completely normal. It’s important to stay open-minded and adaptable rather than setting unrealistic expectations that could lead to disappointment.
Be patient with yourself
Adjusting to university takes time. There’s no right or wrong way to experience it—so take things at your own pace, embrace the ups and downs, and focus on making the most of your journey in your own way.
Conclusion
Starting university is a big step, and it’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out straight away. Whether it’s learning how to cook, making friends, or just getting used to living on your own—it all takes time. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have the perfect experience from day one.
Things won’t always go as planned, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. You’ll learn, grow, and adapt along the way. Everyone’s journey is different, so focus on what works for you and take things at your own pace.
If you’re 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’re not alone in this—so take a deep breath, and trust that you’ll find your way.