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Why South College? Shaan Ali Remani
Moving Away From Home Jasmine Lynton
'Must Do's' of Durham Harriet Hurley-Sweeney
The Formal Tradition Amy Shuttleworth
Balls, Balls, Balls Jake Holding
The Day It Goes Down (South Day) Jake Holding
South Sports Spencer Taylor
South Societies Maisie James
The Hill Bars Annabelle Langley, Harriet Hurley-Sweeney
The Bailey Bars Annabelle Langley, Harriet Hurley-Sweeney
Life Without Alcohol Louise Mather
South On The Map Adeline Cheung
The Durham Dictionary Mia Stevens
Durham's Best Study Spots Jasmine Lynton
Working While At Durham Phoenix Bailey
O Great Oswald, Bless Our Show Jake Holding
South On The Compass Jagoda Szalewicz
A Musical Touch Charlotte Clipston
The Nest Annabelle Langley
Winter Ball Elizabeth Kalusova
5th October 2024 | Jasmine Lynton
Moving Away from Home
The Ultimate Guide for Embracing University Life
Starting university is an exciting experience, and it kickstarts a new chapter of your life. For many of you it will be the first time living away from home, and this article may provide some needed advice and positivity as you start this new stage.
Knowing that others are also in the same boat as you, along with maintaining a positive attitude can make the transition to university life seem less daunting. Meeting new people might feel intimidating at first, but it is important to remember that they are probably feeling the same. Attending fresher’s events and joining societies you are interested in will allow you to feel more at home in your new environment, and can also help you form friendships. From my own experience, the first girls I formed friendships with are the ones I chose to live with after first year. Whether you meet your closest friends in your flat or your course, in the first week, or a few months down the line, what matters most is that you let those connections blossom naturally and continue to be yourself.
Homesickness is completely natural. Leaving my hometown and moving across the country was a very nerve-wracking experience.
However, I can confidently say that university has been an absolutely brilliant experience, and that the first jump is so worth it. The key is to recognise these feelings without letting them dominate your experience. Staying in touch with your loved ones is so important, but it is also good to immerse yourself in your new environment, and meet new people. By keeping busy and spending time with new friends, those pangs of homesickness can be eased over time.
A great way to help with the adjustment of moving to university is to create a space that is homely for yourself. By decorating your room with pictures and items that remind you of home and provide comfort, it will become more ‘you’. The abundance of trinkets and photos I brought with me from home was probably a little excessive in other people’s eyes, but it allowed me to make my space feel like my own. Enjoy decorating your new room and making it personal to you.
If you do find yourself struggling to adjust, a range of support is available. Talking to your flatmates, your course mates, or even your college parents can give you other students’ perspectives, and make you feel less alone. Members of staff and welfare teams are also available for these situations, and reaching out will help make a big difference in how you experience your time at university. Freshers' Week is one of the most exciting times at university, packed with events, activities, and opportunities to meet new people. From themed nights out to society fairs, it is designed to help you settle in and make friends. It’s the perfect way to kick off your journey and start creating unforgettable memories.
Ultimately, moving away from home and starting university is a big step, but it is also a chance to discover more about yourself and grow as a person.
By embracing the experience, you will soon find that university can be one of the best times of your life and you can create memories that last a lifetime. Welcome to South College and enjoy your first year! ∎
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