Published: September 18, 2018
Beginning something new is always hard and it can be even harder when you are moving many miles away from home and having to face many new challenges and changes. However, by having the right support and information it can feel much easier to deal with.
The first week at university can be challenging and overwhelming for anyone, but thankfully, Sunderland University ensures everything is in place for it to go as smoothly as possible to make your Freshers experience unforgettable.
From the moment I arrived at my accommodation, to the beginning of my actual first week I felt welcomed and informed about everything that was going on around the university and in the city as well. On one of the first days, I visited both of the campuses where there was a welcome crew of students giving out goody bags with some useful bits inside such as some snacks, drinks and a Mackem dictionary which comes in handy for someone new to the area.
Getting involved with Freshers’ week is very beneficial. Apart from the goody bags and warm smiles of the other students, there are plenty of events happening throughout the day as well as at night. For example, during my first week, I went on a beach walk with a guide and I received free fish and chips in the end. I also made some friends who were in the same boat as me which helped me a lot to settle and get used to the new environment. Also, I attended a free tour of the Stadium of Light where I got a lot of new information about the city, the football team, and the history of Sunderland.
This meant that I didn’t have to explore the city alone or spend any money to do so. On top of that, I met new people from other courses and by talking to them I got a better understanding of the university life and opportunities I can get involved with.
During this week, I also met with my buddy so I had another chance to discover more about the city and learn more about my area of study as she was doing a similar course. Receiving a lot of useful information about the lectures, assignments, and tips about the city made me feel much more prepared and ready to begin my first year.
As well as the daily events which helped me connect with other students, I also attended a few events on the evening including a foam party which provided a fun and relaxing environment for all of the new students who were just starting to adjust. This certainly helped me relax and enjoy my first week fully. I felt much at ease after getting involved with the social events as it allowed me to mix with lots of different students
Freshers’ really is one of the most interesting and exciting weeks and despite the initial changes of getting settled in a new environment, it really sets the tone for the rest of the year. Get involved and meet as many people as you can. Share your struggles as there's no doubt others are feeling the same as you and make the most of all the opportunities that are presented to you. Not only will you be able to make new friends and explore the city but you will also be better prepared for the year ahead.
Topic: Advice and tips, Student lifestyle