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Moving away from home to start university can bring a mix of emotions and worries, from how to make friends to finding your way around a new city. For first-year students, it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous and excited at the same time.
The Covid-19 pandemic means student life has been a little different in recent months, but for Busayo Bello, a third-year sociology and criminology student at the University of York, the experience has been worth it all the same. “I’ve really loved being a student,” she says. “The fact Covid happened in the middle of it was sad, but we still made the best of our time here, and I’d definitely still advise people to go.”
With nightlife and cultural events opening up again, new students can look forward to all the fun of socialising and gaining independence in a new environment. Bello spoke to THE to give some of her top tips and recommendations for making the best of the university experience.
You’ll make new friends
“Before I went to university, I was really shy,” says Bello. "I didn’t think I’d be able to make friends, but everyone was so welcoming from day one. I’ve made friends for life.”
Even if your campus feels huge and your new flatmates seem more confident than you, it’s good to remember that everyone is in the same boat. “It's not as scary as people may think. You just have to put yourself out there and say hello,” says Bello.
There’s a club or society to suit everyone
A great way to meet people is to check out what societies your student union has to offer. “I think a lot of people worry they won't meet anyone like them, but that’s not the case,” says Bello. “University is such a big place, you’re always bound to meet someone you’re going get along with.”
For Bello, joining groups such as the African Caribbean Society “really helped me out in those first couple of weeks,” she says. “It was a fun way to meet people as well as having a bit of my culture away from home”.
You don’t have to drink
While some freshers will be well versed in drinking and clubbing culture by the time they arrive in student halls, for others it’s a brand new experience.
If it turns out the party scene is not for you, you’re not alone – and there are plenty of alternative social events to try. “At York, we have a sober society, and each college hosts non-drinking nights for people who don’t want to drink alcohol,” says Bello.
If you do feel down, help is at hand
As with starting any new adventure, your first term at university is likely to bring highs and lows. If you’re feeling homesick, try to resist the urge to return home. “Just try and stick at it and speak to more people,” Bello advises. “By the end of term, none of my friends wanted to leave.”
Many universities have dedicated mental health and well-being advisers on campus for students to speak to. “While it might be a bit daunting to talk to people, they are trained to help and can offer you support – for example, if you’re struggling with deadlines or money, or even if you’re just feeling homesick,” says Bello. Most importantly, “don’t keep it to yourself”.
You’ll grow from your experiences
“The best thing about university for me is the way it helped me develop as a person,” says Bello. “I went from being someone who would never raise my hand in lessons, to having the confidence to speak to strangers or go out shopping by myself. It’s all about gaining independence and being happier in yourself for it.”
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