The first few weeks
And you’re off! Five tips to a successful start at university
That’s it, you have arrived! Congratulations on securing a place at the University of Cumbria. We are delighted to welcome you as a new student to the university.
You will probably be feeling very excited – and possibly nervous – about the start of this new experience. The next three to four weeks will be an opportunity for you to become familiar with your new surroundings, make new friends, settle into a new routine and, of course, make a start in your studies. Follow this helpful guide and get a head start:
1. Settling into university life
The sooner you become familiar with the campus environment the sooner you will feel comfortable and confident about where to go for your lectures, the library, meeting friends, going for meals, etc, so get to know your campus - have a walk around, familiarise yourself with the local area, local shops, and places to eat and drink – check out our Google maps of transport options.
If you are staying in halls of residence, you can personalise your room and make it as comfortable as you can – but don’t bring any candles! For more information on university accommodation, visit the accommodation FAQ page.
Although you have already been to university for Welcome Week, you may be able to find more practical or cheaper travel options, for instance, sharing a car with someone else on your course. Don’t hesitate to ask around. These days, many students travel from home each day. If you are a Lancaster campus student, click here for more information on Velocampus.
Visit the university’s Student Life webpages for information about the local area and environment, activities and events. Coming to the University is of course to study, but it’s also an opportunity to try new things and develop new interests. It’s important to develop your social network; your flatmates and fellow students will become a source of friendship and support throughout your time at university. Get involved and take part in the organised activities during Welcome Week, but remember don’t feel under pressure to join in the drinking if you don’t want to!
There will be a range of activities and events taking place during Welcome Week and throughout the term. The Students’ Union organises a range of events. The Chaplaincy will also be planning a range of activities during the term. We have many sport and recreation facilities available on all campuses.
2. Gather all the necessary information about your course
Make sure you have your timetable for the first semester. This should have been given to you during Welcome Week or may have been sent to you prior to starting. Get familiar with the campus layout and how to get to different buildings so you don’t arrive late at your first lectures.
Have you started to organise any other course information that you have received so far? This could include module descriptors, reading lists, assessment plans and placement details. Do you know the names of your different module tutors? Do you know who your personal academic tutor is? If in doubt, ask other students on your course or ask a member of staff from your faculty.
3. Have any important paperwork sorted as soon as possible
It is vitally important to ensure that you have checked that all necessary paperwork has been completed and handed in on time. For instance, you have two weeks from your start date to complete your registration. Read the correspondence you have received from university and check that everything is in order – if you’re not sure, then ask! Requirements will be different depending on the course you have chosen but you may need to provide evidence of your qualifications, health checks and / a CRB may be required and of course, you must ensure that your fee loan and maintenance loan applications have been processed. Take a look at the checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered.
4. Strike a balance
During the first few weeks at university, you will probably focus on meeting new people, socialising and generally familiarising yourself with your new environment and your course of study. Although lectures and seminars will be well underway, you may not yet feel fully engaged in the studying process. Don’t worry too much about this – all new students, whatever their age and course experience a period of adjustment. It is important to find a right balance between play, study and other commitments. For some students, the balance is about adapting to a new routine between university life and family commitments and/or paid employment. Make use of your student diary to allocate sessions for reviewing your notes, visiting the library, completing coursework as well as socialising and fitting in all your other activities. Why not complete a weekly timetable which will help you plan ahead and get into good study habits as early as possible.
5. Enjoy!
University is a unique experience that most students remember with great fondness over time. The friendships that develop at university often remain strong well beyond graduation day. So enjoy and appreciate your time at university. It is a time to explore new opportunities and develop in many areas of your life.
Some of the feelings that you may experience in your first weeks
The start of university life is an exciting time. There will be many new opportunities and a new way of life as you settle into the rhythm of university life. But do not be surprised if you have down moments.
These are all normal emotions. The university can provide you with help and support, through the Student Union, the Wellbeing Service and the Chaplaincy Service. All are there to support and guide you through your university life, but especially in the important first few weeks.
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy is independent of the university, but provided within the university to support everyone, regardless of their faith or belief. Whoever you are, whether you have a faith, sit on the fringes of faith, or have no belief at all, the Chaplaincy is a safe place where you will find someone to support and encourage you during your time at the University of Cumbria.
In your first few weeks you will experience different emotions and you may want to chat to someone about them. The Chaplaincy Team is there to support you at all times and if you need it, we will be able to put you in touch with someone from your own faith community who will be able to support you.
Looking for a part-time job to boost your finances?
Part-time work is a fantastic way of increasing your current skills and experience in the workplace, as well as adding cash to your bank balance! It’s also a great way to get involved with the local community by working alongside and meeting new people - and perhaps creating useful contacts for your career after university.
Check the careers section for more hints and tips.
A word of caution
Although there are many positive results of taking work whilst studying, be aware that working long hours whilst studying can seriously affect your ability to meet all your course requirements. We recommend that you do not commit to more than 15 hours part-time work a week during term-time. If you are experiencing financial difficulties or finding it difficult to manage working and studying contact us.
Contact the university’s careers service
To discuss your needs or make an appointment with a careers adviser email: Careers@cumbria.ac.uk and just let us know a brief outline of your enquiry, which campus you are studying at, when you would like an appointment, and a telephone number where we can contact you – it’s that simple!