Tick tock, tick tock. Time is flying by and already the time when you’ll start University is soon approaching. What will University be like? Will I fit in? What will there be to do? All these questions were flooding my mind before starting, so today I’m writing to give you a little head’s up before you arrive here.

What to expect

It’s fair to say that university is an experience like no other. Upon arrival, if you are staying in halls of residence, you’ll be welcomed by your hall committee who will help you to carry your things to your room and will help settle you in! Don’t feel nervous- everyone is in exactly the same position as you and are likely to be asking themselves the same questions.  I’d recommend leaving your door open with a door stop to welcome your flatmates and encourage a chit-chat when they first arrive. The hall committee will talk you through the plan for the first few days at university and will give you a list of all the activities and events, to make sure that you don’t miss out.

Within the first few weeks are so many fun and exciting events, which means that no matter what your interests are- they’ll be something for you. From the Sing-off between accommodations, the Societies fair and FitFest, there is so much to keep you busy! Even looking back on my first year of University after just finishing brings a smile to my face. I still remember meeting a good friend at UV fest, playing badminton in the dark with some glow-in-the-dark paint on our faces- it was so fun.

Will I fit in?

The important part of this question is to remember that you can be whoever you want to be. University is a good time to start afresh. If there have been some things about yourself that you didn’t like in the past, this is the time to be the real you! Everyone in their first year of University is coming from different backgrounds, have different experiences and are there own person. There should be no reason to change the ‘real you’ just to fit in. Remember to stay true to who you are and all the best things will come your way.

My tips before arriving

Involve yourself in as much as possible! There are so many activities and events that I really recommend trying out as much as possible and taking advantage of all the amazing opportunities that are available at Loughborough University. It was only after coming and talking to my friends who went to other universities that I realised just how lucky we are at Loughborough to get so many chances to do different things. Join societies, learn a new language to speak to that person you’ve been meaning to talk to (see my previous blog for tips on this!) make new friends and just remember to enjoy every second, because the first year will fly by!

If you’re feeling anxious or nervous about starting university, then just remember that you are not alone. Everyone is starting at the same time and are feeling the same emotions, but the best thing is to emerge yourself in the university experience and you’ll soon realise that coming to Loughborough was the best thing that could have happened to you.