Ambar, Giada and Emily
(Class of 2023)
12 Sept 2024
Uni Life Hacks – Freshers’ Week
Ambar says:
Don’t worry if you don’t meet your people in Freshers week, it takes time, just take it as a brilliant opportunity to have fun before term starts!
- Do put yourself out there, however, make sure you keep time for yourself too, as it can get overwhelming meeting so many new people!
- Join loads of societies, even if it’s something you’ve never done before – there are so many give-it-a-go sessions, and everyone is super helpful when it comes to learning new skills!
Halls of Residence Essentials ….a diffuser, so your new room smells like your room! But don’t stress too much about needing certain things, you’ll figure it all out on the job – there will most likely be poster sales and plant potting activities during the welcome week!
Giada says:
- Try new things out…Freshers is the time to try whatever you like or think you might like
- Don’t feel that because you did a sport or activity your whole life you have to do it at uni – don’t get trapped. At the same time obviously if you love what you’ve been doing carry it on!!
- Go out of your comfort zone, no one will judge and it’s the easiest way to make new friends
- You never know where you’re going to end up on a night out during Freshers so prepare for anything
- Most student unions have plant sales and poster sales which are great to decorate your rooms
- Sleep schedule for Freshers = non existent – nap when you can/sleep in when you can
- You WILL make regrettable or questionable decisions but so will every single other person so embrace it and don’t beat yourself up about it
London Uni Life Hacks
Emily says:
Mix with students from other universities. London is unique in this regard as intercollegiate halls, student pubs and sheer proximity make this so easy!
- If you have time, get a part-time job. It’s a great way to meet new people, add to your CV and develop a different skillset. London has lots of flexible employers, so don’t be disheartened if you receive multiple rejections before finding something.
- Take advantage of the city! Don’t limit yourself to the university campus – go out for day dates with friends (or solo) to discover its charm.
- Start to make a list of your London must dos/recommendations – non-Londoners will now flock to you for local advice!
- With London being far more than just a student city, there’s always something going on. You’ll find yourself in unexpected – at times almost magical – situations, but remember to be careful, and to check in with yourself on whether you actually want to go out.
- Find a spot that is entirely yours. London is big and busy, and having a cute spot you can go to if it’s been a rough week is essential. Think of it as a self care ritual..
Giada says:
The whole of London is literally your campus! Make the most of it: It’s the most amazing experience – explore new areas, restaurants, parks, markets, museums and cafes
- Don’t compare your freshers or the start of your uni experience to any of your friends (goes for everyone honestly no matter what uni you’ve gone to)
- The London uni experience is so different to everywhere else. You are living in one of the busiest cities in the world so it can be quite overwhelming but it is so worth it when you figure out your routine.
- Everyone will adjust to uni life or post – school life differently but you will find what’s right for you soon enough
- Be aware that everything is ACTUALLY very expensive so try to budget and keep track of your spending.
Chicken and any kind of protein is wildly expensive and the McDonalds next to Warren Street near UCL is so overpriced. Meal deals are life saving – Top 3 are Coop, Tesco, Sainsburys. - UCL specific: go for a run around Regents Park and see the giraffes outside London Zoo – really great for clearing your mind..
- Pubs/bars will be your best friends over clubs and some are really good for student discounts (The Court, TCR, Mulleys, IOE = best pubs for UCL)
- Your parents will hate me for this but for most of you home will be really close so do your washing at home it will save so much money (and personally I didn’t trust how everyone else used those machines and driers)
- Make the most of food deals
• TooGoodToGo is a must
• Itsu after 7pm – all sushi -50% - You will end up walking a lot and a lot and a lot – Get a Student Oyster and a Travel Card but you have to physically link them at a station to get the discounts.
**Bonus UCL – specific
UCL hospital has a great A&E department for any Wednesday sports night injuries – the best time to go is 2pm on Thursday, there’s a lot less of a queue from experience (I was there 3 times last year – 1 broken finger, 1 cracked chin, 1 dislocated knee)
And finally….
Some weeks you’ll be on top of all your work and some weeks you just have to stay in bed and binge watch Netflix – accept that that’s what is going to happen and don’t be too hard on yourself when it does. Obviously work hard but there’s more to uni than just that especially during first year. You can find a good balance and be more forgiving on yourself
You’re gonna smash it!
Further advice for new students
