Going away for university or college can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time living away from home. However, it will also be the best time of your life if you open yourself up to new things and befriending as many people as you can. The first week is a crucial stepping stone to meeting new people and setting yourself up for a great year. Here are a few tips, from personal experience, that you can make sure to take advantage of.
Communicate With Your Roommate
Living with a complete stranger in a ridiculously small room can be hard work. The key to resolving anything is through communication. Talk to your roommate and discuss both your schedules and make up some rules that will keep both of you happy. Remember both of you are in the same situation so they may be feeling the same way you are about something but are too intimidated to bring it up.
Get to know everyone on your floor
If you’re living in residence go around and introduce yourself to others on your floor. This group will become like your other family and it’s important to show you’re friendly and want to meet them.
Go To Class
Even though it’s the first week and you may think classes aren’t that important, still go to each one. This will give you a better idea of what that class will be covering, you’ll get to meet your professor and see if it’s the right fit for you. You’ll also get to meet a lot of new people that are most likely in the same program who you can go on to share notes with or study together for exams. These people will be in your class for the entire semester so it will definitely be beneficial to meet a few of them.
Join Clubs
By joining various clubs you are not only expanding your network but allowing yourself to engage with other students who have the same interests as you. If you haven’t had the chance to meet someone you really click well with, they may perhaps be in that ping pong club you so badly want to join.
Go To the Used Book Store First
Getting to the used book store during your first week is key. Now that you’re living on your own it’s time to start learning to save your money whenever possible and this is the perfect way to do it. The used books tend to be in great condition and close to half off! You’ll only be using it for one semester so does it have to be brand new?
Be Responsible
This one may sound obvious but just because you’re not living with your mom and dad on a full-time basis doesn’t mean you can’t behave responsibly. You are now making choices for yourself so make sure they will benefit you in the long run.
The first week of school is all about meeting new people. It’s up to you to make these next few years as great as you imagined them to be!
