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Although Welcome Week might be over and Term 1 in full swing, that doesn’t mean you have to have everything figured out already. Maybe you’re still getting used to your timetable, trying to find a routine that works for you, or waiting for Uni to start feeling a bit more familiar? That's completely normal – and you're not the only one!
Starting university is a big adjustment, and settling in can take longer than you expect. Here are a few ways to make university life feel a little more manageable.
Finding your balance
Between lectures, coursework, commuting, part-time work and social commitments, university can sometimes feel like a lot to juggle. You might find yourself busier than ever trying to fit everything in and wondering how everyone else seems to manage it.
Finding your balance as a student will take time, and what works for someone else might not work for you. It’s important to listen to yourself and know when you might need a rest or day off, your body will thank you for it!
Try building a routine around the things you need to get done, whether that’s setting aside time for coursework, planning your commute or making sure you take a proper lunch break. It’s also nice to have something to look forward to during the week, whether that’s a coffee with a friend, a society event or a night in. Having something in the diary can make a busy week feel much more manageable!
And it's important to remember you don’t have to figure everything out alone, UCL has support available if you’re finding the transition difficult. If you’re struggling to settle in, your personal tutor can offer advice and support. You may also have a transition mentor, who can share their own experiences of adjusting to university life and offer a student perspective.
who can share their own experiences of adjusting to university life and offer a student perspective.
Making friends and finding community
Do you feel like you've spoken to loads of people during Welcome Week but still feel like you haven’t quite found your community? Friendships often develop through the small, everyday interactions that happen once term gets going, it's nothing to worry about if you don't feel like you've made a solid friend group yet. There are lots of ways to help build and solidify some friendships.
Your course is a good place to start with meeting new people. Try chatting to the person next to you in a lecture, asking a course mate to grab a coffee or suggesting a study session before your next deadline. Joining a departmental society is another great way to meet people on your course, connect with students who share your interests and get to know people outside of lectures. You can explore the Departmental Societies Directory to find out more.
If you’re a commuter, remember that university life isn’t just for people who live on campus and there are still plenty of ways to meet people and get involved. The UCL Commuters' Network is a great place to connect with other students who understand what it’s like to travel in for university.
Clubs and Societies
With so many student groups at UCL, figuring out where to start can feel a little overwhelming. You might have missed something at the Welcome Fair, or perhaps you’re still not sure which activities are right for you. The good news is you don’t have to find the perfect society straightaway – pick up an old hobby or try something completely new!
UCL has a huge range of sports clubs also, from familiar favourites to activities you might never have considered before. You don’t need to be a natural athlete either, as many activities are about having fun, learning something new and meeting people.
Cultural societies are another great way to find a sense of community, connect with people who share your interests and learn about different experiences. There are also societies dedicated to everything from the arts and music to volunteering, gaming and academic interests.
You don’t have to commit to everything. Try attending an event or taster session and see how you feel, shared interests are a great way to connect with like-minded students.
Getting involved at UCL East
There’s plenty happening at UCL East throughout the academic year, so even if you missed out on some of the Welcome Week activities, there are still lots of opportunities to get involved.
Keep an eye on the UCL East What’s On page for upcoming events, activities and opportunities to meet other students. You can also follow UCL East on Instagram for updates and reminders about what’s happening on campus. You could try a Project Active session, like Mat Pilates or rock climbing, or explore your creative side with artsUnlocked.
These activities are a chance to take a break from studying, try something different and meet people outside your usual course or friendship group. You might discover a new interest, find an activity you look forward to each week, or just enjoy spending a bit of time away from uni work!
It's okay not to have it all figured out
It’s easy to feel as though everyone else has settled in, found their friendship group and established the perfect routine. But you rarely see the uncertainty that other people might be feeling too. University is a period of change, and everyone experiences it differently, so don't force a timeline on yourself!
Take things one week at a time, try something new when you feel ready, ask for support when you need it and give yourself credit for showing up and putting yourself out there!