You have just moved to university and probably have a myriad of emotions running through your head. You are proud of securing your place and excited for all the new experiences at your feet. People preach how these will be the best years of your life.
However, not many people talk about that strange feeling of sitting in your new room surrounded by unfamiliar faces as your family drives away, leaving you to start your first year at University.
As fun as it can be, there is this unspoken expectation to go out every night and meet as many people as possible and to do it all right now or miss out forever.
First year can be incredibly overwhelming, but remember, whatever you are feeling, elated or afraid, your emotions are valid. FOMO is real, and can be difficult to combat.
Instagram posts of packed nightclubs filling your feed, whilst you sit alone in your room can be upsetting, but social media does not accurately reflect real life. Missing that one night out does not mean you won’t make any friends for the rest of the year.
Talk to your flatmates and arrange small things, such as cooking dinner or doing laundry together; you could even buy a doorstop so people feel invited to come in when you are chilling in your room.
Join societies and sports teams to branch out into new social circles and build relationships outside of alcohol-infused environments.
Above all else, remember to talk about your feelings - you will not be alone in your loneliness. Keeping a good line of contact with your family and friends from home will help too. Whilst they may not be physically with you, arranging a weekly gossip will create a cushion of emotional support.
The distance from those you love can be hard, but facetime will prove invaluable in helping you settle. Don’t be afraid to use the university’s mental health services either.
One in four students reported having suffered with mental health problems whilst at university, but only 50% sought help. Talking to professionals is scary, but sometimes necessary. Don’t let your social anxiety consume you, and definitely don’t be embarrassed about asking for help.
Your first year could be one for the memory books. Alternatively, it could be incredibly daunting.
The best advice I can give is this: the very first week of the year will not define your university experience.
Edited by Imogen Bowlt