Things you might not expect at University
Moving to a new city for University might sound scary, especially after reading forums about student life.
These forums discuss what to expect and things to bring, meaning that even though it’s daunting to make a big move, you might feel like an expert (or at least, slightly more prepared) even before you arrive at your Lancaster student accommodation. However, what you won’t find on forums and blogs are the “secret” truths of University life.
Your life skills might not be to the standard you think they are.
In the early days before booking a Lancaster student room, you might think you are organised, tidy and potentially the perfect housemate! But think about it, and we mean really think about it, have you ever noticed your parents following you around picking up dirty washing?
By the end of your first term at Lancaster University, when the piles of dirty dishes start to stack higher and higher, you might find yourself doubting the life skills you felt so confident that you had when living at home.
So, to get ready for your new life, start small! We suggest you take 10 minutes out of your day and tidy your room, and once a week spend another 5 minutes putting some dirty washing in the washing machine and you'll see that looking after yourself is not so hard. Incorporating small habits like this into your daily routine will make the big move into your Lancaster student flat so much easier.
There won't be anyone forcing you to do coursework
University is very different from college, there are definitely no teachers hassling you for coursework and no parents bothering you about your grades. Independence is great, but self-discipline is one of the most important tools that you’ll need when it comes to getting things done at University. Your Lancaster student accommodation should be a place to enjoy yourself, but if you want to leave University with a mark you're happy with you will need to buckle down at your desk in your Lancaster student room and get some work done. Before you come to University in Lancaster, try to be more independent with college work by using free time to allocate slots for revision. Making a timetable can be really self-motivating and it will give you the chance to figure out when you need to study and when you can kick back and enjoy time with your friends.
University is the best place to make friends
In the months before moving into your Lancaster student accommodation, your biggest fear might be worrying about feeling lonely at University. Losing the familiarity of home and family and friends being removed from your day to day life, you’re bound to be slightly apprehensive. We want to reassure you that the time you spend at University will be the first step into adulthood!
With time you’ll come to realise that the popularity hierarchy that haunted your school days, doesn't exist when you start your degree. Everyone is in the same boat as you, and we know that might sound cliche, but it is true. Having a student union that runs over 200 clubs and societies means that you’re in with a good chance of finding ‘your people’ with the opportunity to enjoy the activities you love as a group. You will also be moving into a student flat with other people who don’t know eachother, so a bit of flat bonding is essential to get to know the people you’re living with. You might all plan to go to the cinema together or just head to the pub for a drink, you'll get to know eachother quicker than you might think. Don’t forget that everyone at University will be up for making new friends and if you’re lucky, you might even find some lifelong ones whilst you're there.
Your student loan won’t last forever
In Fresher’s week, you might see that big wedge of money come into your account and immediately think to go on a spending spree. We’re not saying don’t enjoy your Fresher's week, but it is so important to remember that your student loan needs to cover all of the costs of living. If you haven't budgeted before it might be a good idea to get into the habit of it before you arrive at your Lancaster student accommodation. There are loads of online tools to help you do this or you could ask a parent about budgeting. Managing money is important and if done well you might find you have enough allocated to have a good time and live comfortably - once you’ve figured out the right balance. To get more familiar on budgeting and how to do it effectively, see our blog on the matter for more info and top tips.
Sometimes it can all get too much… but it's all worth it
We know that your student years won't always be plain sailing. There comes a time in every student's experience when deadlines are looming, there’s flat drama and everything just gets too much. Coping well in times like these is an important life skill and reaching out to a friend at University who is going through the same thing can be a great way of dealing with the pressure of student life. When you start at University, might feel like you’re on your own, but in truth, there will be so many others feeling the same way.
Student life is about adjusting into adulthood, something everyone goes through, so try to remember not to isolate yourself or think that you’re alone. Taking time to chat with a friend, or a University wellbeing officer (Lancaster University has a very good mental wellbeing service), will help you to figure out a way to get back on track.
One of the best coping methods for feeling overwhelmed are to-do lists; this sounds simple, but once you see the tasks you need to do, it’s far easier to take things one step at a time. Following this kind of routine slows everything down and can even make you more productive, plus in the long run, you’ll feel more confident in yourself and calm about how to face your next challenge.
Remember… have fun
University is exciting and whilst at times challenging, it is a place to experience new things and make friends along the way. Moving into your Lancaster Student accommodation will just be the start of your new life stepping into adulthood. Although at times you might be confronted with range of issues there is always a solution. This whole experience is about enjoying the freedoms and independence adult life has to offer whilst learning new life skills which will set you up for the future.
