Advice for coming to Worcester University from a 2019 Fresher!

Starting university can be a very daunting thing! For me, it was only a year ago, yet it feels just like yesterday. As a fresher, I didn’t have a clue on what to expect, and so hopefully this post will help you on the beginning of your journey!

When you first arrive, everything will be new and exciting! However, there are some essentials that you will need to bring with you to start your life at uni! Aside from the essentials (kitchenware, bedding, clothes and belongings), there are often some things which can get forgotten! So, here is a list of things that may be overlooked and which I found extremely useful to have in my first year!

·         Coat hangers – because you have more clothes than you think!

·         Travel mug – these are a must for those 9am lectures! (plus, you can get discount for bringing your own cup at many coffee shops!)

·         Slippers (or flipflops) – those hard wood floors in halls can make your feet a little chilly at times.

·         Blankets – great to stay snuggly with for film nights with your flat/house mates or just in the colder weather.

·         Drawing pins – most university bedrooms have notice boards in where you can hang up posters, photos or your Students Union Wall Planner

Something else to say is that it’s okay to be homesick. The first few days and weeks may be hard for you (or you may not bat an eyelid!), which is absolutely fine! This is a big change in your life as you transition to being more independent – you may be having to do things you’ve never had to do before such as laundry and cooking! But ultimately in the end, these things will become second nature to you. Everybody else will be feeling the exact same as you, so don’t worry about trying to fit in. Just by starting those small conversations with your course-mates and flatmates could result in you making some of your best friends for life!

Things that helped me along the way last year if I was ever feeling homesick was meeting with my new friends (that could be virtually on Zoom or for a socially distanced catch up this year!) or getting out of my student halls and going for a walk (there are some really beautiful spots down by the river). Also, as a Christian, something which is really helpful is to get involved with the Christian Union and looking at the local churches. Although it may seem daunting at first, they will be more than welcoming and happy to answer any questions you have.

The final thing to tell you, is to have fun! There are plenty of events going on (online and in person!) in Welcome Week, and many of the Societies and Sports clubs will have some safe activities going on too! Remember to enjoy your time and make the most of what is going on this year. No, it’s not what you thought it was going to be, but that doesn’t mean it will be any less good!