Hi! I’m Cheryl, a second-year student at the University of Cumbria studying Diagnostic Radiography. I joined in 2023 through Clearing, and honestly, I had never even been to campus before arriving. I remember feeling a mix of nerves and excitement — excited for the fresh start, but nervous because everything was so unfamiliar. I had never lived away from home before, so even moving into my student accommodation felt like stepping into the unknown.
Looking back now, Welcome Week played a huge role in helping me settle in. It’s such a unique time — everyone is figuring things out together, and that shared feeling creates a kind of instant community.
First Impressions and First Steps
My very first impression of uni life was a bit daunting. I arrived with my suitcase, unsure of what to expect and worried I might feel out of place. But what surprised me was how comforting it was to see other students arriving at the same time — all of us dragging bags, nervously checking our room numbers, and trying to remember names. That sense of “we’re all in this together” made me feel much more at ease.
Say Yes to Welcome Week (Even if You’re Nervous)
If I could give one piece of advice, it’s this: go to as many Welcome Week activities as you can, especially the ones organised by your course lecturers. Those sessions usually include introductions, ice-breakers, and chances to meet your classmates in a relaxed setting. It really helped me to get to know the people I'd be sharing lectures with all year.
Students at the 2024 Welcome Fair
Another great way to connect early on is through group chats. Look out for chats with your course mates and flatmates — they’re often set up before uni even starts, and students use them to organise everything from first-day meetups to games nights. I went to a few casual get-togethers that were arranged this way before the official Welcome Week began, and they really helped me feel part of something early on. These meetups also gave me a chance to chat with people from other courses, which made the whole experience feel bigger and more connected.
For the Shy Ones (Like Me)
As someone who can be a bit shy in new settings, I know how overwhelming big events can feel. My tip? Go with your flatmates. You’ll probably meet them in a quieter setting first — maybe in the kitchen or while unpacking — and going to events together makes it a lot less intimidating. It’s also nice to have someone to chat with in those early moments when you don’t know anyone yet.
Another thing that helped was giving myself permission to take breaks. You don’t need to be out every night or talking to everyone all the time. Sometimes just sitting in the common room and chatting with whoever walks in can lead to great friendships.
Settling into a Routine
After the buzz of Welcome Week, things slowly settled into a routine. I found it helpful to do small tasks right after lectures — things like reviewing notes or ticking off my to-do list — so that my evenings felt lighter. I tried to balance my week with “study days” where I focused on uni work, and other days where I gave myself time to relax.
Something I didn’t expect to hit me so hard was homesickness. I missed home a lot at first, and that’s completely normal. What really helped was setting aside time to call home — even just for a quick chat. It grounded me and reminded me that I wasn’t alone, even if I was far from familiar places.
Final Thoughts
University life starts fast, and Welcome Week is your springboard. It's okay to feel nervous — everyone does. But showing up, saying yes to new experiences, and giving yourself space when you need it all help to build a really strong foundation.
Whether you’re super outgoing or more on the quiet side, there's space for you to find your rhythm. Be open, be kind to yourself, and trust that it will get easier. Before you know it, you’ll be the one welcoming new students and sharing your own advice.
Find out more
If you'd like to learn more about Welcome Week, be sure to follow the University of Cumbria Students' Union (UCSU) on Instagram. They'll be sharing further details about the line-up of activities and events throughout the summer.
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