We’re not much different you and I. We both attend class, go on nights out, and use the loo. It’s the difficulty at which we do those things that truly sets us apart. The difficulties I will discuss in this post apply to all kinds of transfolk: closeted or non-closeted, anywhere on the spectrum, on hormones or not. My perspective as a trans person is extremely limited and this article would be incomplete without additional input. Luckily, the UoNSU LGBT+ Network has a sub-group specifically for the ‘T’. I’ve met some incredible people as a part of this group, some of whom who have offered their unique input to this article.

It may seem odd at first; thinking about one’s gender every single day. The stress and anxiety that comes from being misgendered is incomparable to any feeling you may have had before. This feeling is exceptionally noticeable when it’s done by a lecturer. To change your name with the university, you need to do so legally first. So, whilst current provisions allow you to indicate your gender via the ‘title’ option, it is still lacking when not allowing a preferred name. I spoke with a non-binary student about their experience, they had this to say about what it feels like with the current University provisions,

“I was incredibly self-conscious about uploading things to Moodle, emailing people, and seeing the registers as they went around because they all had my old name on. Even after I had my name changed, the registers were slow to update as usual - just as they can be very slow to update… While I can’t fault the individual people I’ve spoken to, the system as a whole has been lagging behind quite significantly, and that, I think, is the source of my self-consciousness - I have to be aware of everything that I do, where I choose to pee, how long my days are so I can avoid needing to go to the bathroom and wearing a binder for too long, which version of my name is on the register when I sign it, whether I choose to speak up, etc.”

Personally, I have experienced the bathroom issue. Planning my days around where I will be and ensuring that I walk past Portland at some point. I’m not fully out yet, but I have started hormones. I have no intention in using the female toilets yet, but as days roll on, the male toilets become more and more foreign to me. This change is most likely due to how I have become to accept my identity and the changes I’ve experienced thanks to hormones. It’s people like me who gender neutral toilets make all the difference. I know that as I become more and more feminine, the less likely I’ll be able to use the male toilets and not having to worry about that is grand. Once again, the University’s policy fails trans* students. The Students’ Union has a policy to lobby for gender neutral toilets, but in the end it is up to the University if they want to include them in their buildings. Currently, the University has failed on this ground and this can be seen most evidently in the new Teaching and Learning building. The SU will continue to have to lobby to prevent this from happening again and to promote changes in current buildings.

Going on nights out are a key component for many students and their experience at Uni. It’s here where we see yet another difficulty for our trans* students. For the UK, and most other countries, before you can change the sex on your ID, you have to have ‘proved’ that you experience gender dysphoria(1). Proof can be travel documents, images, etc., over a two year time period. Having reassignment surgery is not a requirement but the likelihood of receiving a gender recognition certificate increases with it. This entire process takes years and is an extremely stressful time period, if one undergoes it at all. So, when a trans male student wants to go on a night out and the one thing letting them into the bar is the letter ‘F’, there’s clearly an issue. Time after time, students who don’t have the letter or image matching their gender identity on their ID ask whether or not a bouncer is going to question it or not. This is unwanted attention and not deserved in any fashion and prevents these students from fully enjoying their time at university.

It’d be unfair for me to finish this article without mentioning trans* students of colour (PoC). In the world, trans* PoC undergo some of the worst discrimination and harassment. And whilst we go to a University that celebrates diversity, these statistics still run true. In the UK, students who come from a BME background, are less likely to seek welfare services due to barriers based on race, religion, culture, and language(2). This means that these students will not be getting the support they crucially need at a time in their life that is exceptionally troubling. It may be simple to separate these students into groups and identify the issues they face individually, but the statistics don’t lie and these issues compound exponentially.

Coming to University can be an exciting time for any student. It means moving away from home, meeting new people, and learning new things; however, if the systems in place directly disadvantage these students because of who they are, how can we truly claim a welcoming environment? So, reach out to your trans* friends. Tell them you support them and listen. Listen to the issues they face and stand up for them and their rights.

(1) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40709420

(2) https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/b/black-asian-and-minority-ethnic-bame-communities

#InternationalTransgenderDayofVisibility

We all know that dreaded feeling at the end of the summer holidays. After a long relaxing break, coming back to university can feel like the last thing you want to do.

Originally posted by giantmonster

Returning to student life is a time of huge change, as many of you in second and third year will be moving into new accommodation, studying new modules and adjusting to new routes around the campus. It’s ok to feel a little bit nervous at the thought of coming back.

But with so many exciting events coming up, we want to remind you of all the good things to look forward to this year!

Check out our list below of six reasons to get excited for coming back to university:

1. Catching up with your friends

There’s nothing better than seeing your friends again after a long break.At uni, your friends become your survival pack, and they can genuinely feel likeyour second family. This means when summer ends, you get to look forward to the big dramatic reunionbetween you and your squad! We fully expect tears, hugs and a few emotional catch up sessions over a pint in Mooch.

Originally posted by teenager-stuff

2. Getting back into a routine

Getting back into a daily routine might seem like the biggest struggle of university life. But we can guess that for most of you, thelong break summer has been little bit boring.Without the structure of a timetable, lecture plan and the legendary Ocean Friday to remind you which day of the week it is, how on earth are you supposed to get organised?

Coming back to university is the time to get yourself back on track, pull yourself out of that deep dark Netflix pit and actually get some work done!

3. New student houses

Finally, you’ve said goodbye to halls and are ready to take the next step! You can move into the house you’ve been dreaming of all summer. No more noisy tower blocks and tiny shared kitchens; you can live in a house you love, with people you actually like!

Moving into your new student house is a really exciting change, and one of the best parts about coming back to university. With only a few weeks left before Welcome, it looks like it’s time to start planning those room decorations!

Originally posted by thranduilista

4. The Portland Building refresh

You might have noticed a couple of pretty big changes happening in the Portland Building at the end of last term. Over summer, some serious renovation work has taken place, making way for a relocated Student Services Centre, a modern dance studio, the Malone Atrium and some great new meeting rooms. This means that from the moment you get back to university, you’ll have new spaces to meet, socialise, relax and study in the centre of campus!

Originally posted by usedpimpa

5. Upcoming events and socials

Speaking of your Students’ Union, we’ve got some amazing events coming up for you this year. Although the current heatwave is making every day feel like a sunny holiday abroad, our autumn and winter calendars are already filling up.

Welcome Week is just around the corner, with Goose Fair and Halloween not far behind! Your societies are also busy planning some amazing socials, with brand new SU officers in charge, so there’s some great work happening behind the scenes! We hope you’re ready for plenty of fantastic events this year!

6. Local Nottingham events

This year, Nottingham is set to put on some really great events. From the amazing Bonfire Night on the Forest and the Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival in October – there’s so much to look forward to! Exploring the city and hitting up those classic Nottingham nightly socials is one of the best reasons to be excited about coming back to university. You’ll definitely need your calendar ready for 2018!

Originally posted by justalittletumblweed

We know it can be hard re-adjusting back to student life, especially after a great summer break. But with so many changes and upcoming events for you to look forward to, there will always be some fantastic reasons to get excited about coming back to university again!

Once you’ve finished wiping your eyes, taken off your Islander merch and posted your last #Loyal tweet, it’s time to admit that Love Island 2018 is over. No more villa, no more challenges, no more 9pm live tweets and no more Jani. So what do you do now?

Although our Students’ Union calendar doesn’t quite have room for a round of Snog, Marry, Pie, we’ve definitely got some exciting ideas to help you take your mind off the tragic Love Island loss.

Join a Volunteering programme

With your evenings now free (and nothing good on TV anymore), why not explore some of our volunteering opportunities? There are still two months of the summer break left, so you’ve got plenty of time to put yourself forward for one of our amazing opportunities.

Volunteering is a great way to gain some extra skills, spend your holiday doing something new, and helping out in your community. From working as a children’s summer camp counsellor to exploring conservation opportunities in Wollaton Park, there are so many different options for you to try out!

Originally posted by carnival-toys

Find a new hobby

In an unfortunate twist of fate, we can’t spend our entire summer tanning in Casa Amor. Perhaps this means it’s time to take up a new hobby instead! But if you’re stuck choosing between baking and rock climbing, karate and knitting, try out our SU Activities Matchmaker.

A quick personality test on the Students’ Union can help us determine the hobbies you’ll love! If you’re ready to get stuck in with a new group of people, start a new activity or just want to learn some new skills, give our Activities Matchmaker a go!

Originally posted by mykidjustsaid

Get ready for next term

No one wants be reminded of reality when they’re on holiday. But next term is approaching fast, and it’s worth getting started on your pre-return prep early! Whether you start topping up your stationery supplies, researching your new tutor or catching up on some summer reading, the more you do now, the easier it’ll be to come back.

But maybe keep that acoustic Love Island playlist on in the background while you do it - just to help ease those painful withdrawal symptoms…

Originally posted by welcometoyouredoom

Apply for a part-time job

What better way to distract yourself from your Jani grief than a few hours of hard work?

It’s not too late to apply for a part time job, or to gain some valuable workplace experience. We have some great online resources to help you build up your CV, prep for interviews and approach employers for references here on the University of Nottingham Careers and Employability site. If you want to make the most of your summer, and build up some essential new skills, so start applying now!

Originally posted by justleavemebreathless

We’re certainly not ready to accept the end of Love Island just yet, but if we’ve learnt anything from our Islanders, it’s that summer is all about seizing the day! So start making the most of your holiday, and get out there!

Gain new skills, make new friends, experience new sports and discover new hobbies; these are just some of the ways the Students’ Union can boost your uni experience.

Second year University of Nottingham student, Miriam Thompson, shares how her involvement with the SU has made her time at uni truly “memorable”…

For me, the Students’ Union has been a fantastic way to get involved with the university life. Getting stuck in with the SU has made my university experience in a way I never expected before I arrived. I’d encourage everybody to just take that first step and try something new – and here’s my three top tips on how to get involved.

Societies 🎲:

Societies are student led clubs so are a great way to make new friends in a relaxed way. I’ve always said that there’s a society for everyone, from student media groups, to hide and seek and even those who just want to meet for a drink and have a chat.

The easiest way to find these societies is at Welcome and Refreshers events, but if you still have’t found the right society for you just yet, don’t worry! Societies usually take people onboard all year-round. I’ve often dropped messages to clubs’ Facebook pages, like Photosoc, asking if I’m welcome to try out midterm and the answer has never been no. All it takes is just making that first bit of effort and it’s so worth it! Societies are one of the best ways to socialise with a new group of people, especially if you’re shy like me and found it hard to make friends in your halls or student home. 

Having a group of like minded people close to you is always a positive, and making friends in different circles at university is great if you need a break from the books. Usually your course will also have a society where you get to meet course mates outside the classroom, and who knows, you might even find you have more in common than you first thought! 

No society you like? Make your own! One of my first year friends made her own society to bring her passion into university life for others to enjoy. Creating a society may sound daunting but all societies begin somewhere, and whilst many people don’t realise it’s even possible, it may be the answer if you can’t find a society you want to join.

Sports 🎾:

There’s over 70 sports clubs to choose from at the SU, so there’s bound to be one to suit everyone. From those serious competitors to those wanting a chilled sports experience – there is something to match everybody’s needs and abilities. Before uni, I’d never even thought about joining a sports club, it wasn’t really my ‘thing’, yet here I am two years later playing American Flag Football and absolutely loving playing for my team.

Sport offers me a break from university work several times a week with the opportunity to meet a whole range of people I could never have met outside my course or halls. Whilst many teams have trials for long term players – many people don’t realise these same clubs also offer engage sessions for beginners. The Engage ‘have a go’ programme is an easy way for those a bit shyer to introduce themselves to a sport for the first time and so many of my friends who went along to a Try-It session have now joined a club. Even if sport isn’t your thing, you might as well like me give it a chance – you never know where it could end up!

Volunteering 🙋‍:

We’re all encouraged to get involved with student led volunteering. I volunteered with my sports team through Leadership Academy, but this is only one of the few ways you can get into volunteering. There are course, charity and plenty of other volunteering opportunities available in and out of university. If you’re not sure what you want to get involved with or you feel out of depth, the volunteer service offers drop-in sessions for a face-to-face chat about finding a volunteering project that’s right for you. 

Not only has volunteering enhanced my CV, it has also allowed me to build confidence whilst interacting and contributing to the community in Nottingham. For me, volunteering was the first time I actually felt like I was home in Nottingham, because I was able to get out the university bubble and help out in the communities that live outside the gates of University Park campus.

Top tip 👌:

It’s simple! Just get involved and try as much as you can. Maybe you won’t stick with everything that you try, but if you stick at it you’ll soon find something that suits you, and hopefully something to be passionate about and make your experience memorable.

It turns out that the one-time fantasy sport of qudditch isn’t just for the witches and wizards in the magical world of Harry Potter after all.

Us muggles can play it too, minus the broomsticks, as second year University of Nottingham student Georgina Pittman found out when she went along to a Refreshers Try-It session with the Nottingham Nightmares quidditch society.

Exams are over and Refreshers is here, meaning the time is now for students to try out new societies, as I found out when I attended a session with the Nottingham Nightmares quidditch team. As well as getting a taste of what it’s like to play real quidditch, I also got to meet a friendly group of people and see for myself how the team is like a family.

During the two hours I was with the Nightmares, they were continually supporting each other, apologising for the smallest of mistakes and always checking players weren’t injured following a tackle. Best of all, there was barely a moment when a player wasn’t grinning with joy from sheer passion of the game.

I’d already spoken with the lovely Amy, Quidditch Manager, who suggested I attend the session after the first hour so the team would already be warmed up. The group were easy enough to spot across the Downs, energetically drilling manoeuvres and shouting encouragement to each other, not to mention the large iconic hoops stood at either end of the pitch. Most players at the session had some previous experience with quidditch, so they knew considerably more about the sport than me and were able to teach me a lot!

Players described the game as a cross between rugby, dodgeball and even netball. As you would expect, practice revolves around four main activities also used in football and netball: drilling, giving feedback, demonstrating techniques and playing the game. Unfortunately, there’s no real flying involved but it’s still a fast-paced game that relies on communication and cooperation, just like any other sport. A ‘broom’ still features, however, and is a stick held between the legs by one hand, as a sort of handicap to make basic throwing and catching trickier. Players also wear different coloured headbands depending on their positions. Quidditch is also mixed gender and has free substitutions, making the game more fluid than other sports.

It was good to see the team was full of diversity, with players representing all genders, several nationalities, various study interests and having different motivations for getting involved. First-year maths student and Ravenclaw, Lucy, was encouraged to play by a friend enjoying the sport at another university. 

Isobel, third-year English and history student, Hufflepuff and General Secretary joined as a Harry Potter fan. In her words, she “came for the Harry Potter and stayed for the sport!” Similarly, Zach, second-year philosophy, politics and Economics student and Hufflepuff, joined out of curiosity but stayed for the great sense of community.

The Nightmares have a busy season ahead of them, hosting their own tournament in the coming weeks, competing in the British Quidditch Cup and having joint practices with other teams to further improve. With so much going on, now is definitely the time to get involved if you’re interested! 

The Try-It session was a great way to get involved with a new sport, and I owe a special thanks to Amy for her helpful explanations to me, a humble beginner! Shout out also to Rachel also, resident quidditch expert and evident inspiration to her peers. Lastly, thank you to the whole Nightmares team for being such a welcoming bunch and for teaching me so much! Good luck for the next semester!

The Nottingham Nightmares train from 1.30pm on the Downs on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons every week.

A full timetable of Refreshers Try-It sessions can be found here

Are your exams and coursework deadlines out of the way? Start the new semester right by getting ahead and giving something back, not just to yourself, but to others too. 

Here are University of Nottingham second year English student, Georgina Pittman’s, top tips for how to have a great start to the year…

1. Look at reading lists for the coming term

Even if your modules are year-long, it’s important to know what’s going on this term. By having a look while you’ve got spare time, you can start purchasing or skim-reading your textbooks. 

That way, you won’t panic when you’re given a novel, a play and three textbook chapters to read that one week you were planning to let your hair down! You’ll also thank yourself later that you got ahead of the crowd and bought decent second-hand books from Blackwell’s!

Originally posted by like-a-sleepwalking

2. Do a bit of Googling

We’re not saying you should rely on Google, Wikipedia or SparkNotes for real research but they’re good places to start if you want to get the gist of a topic’s key ideas. 

YouTube and iPlayer can also be good for a more passive form of research that will still get you ahead. It’s better to start your studies with a vague understanding of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, for example, than nothing at all.

Originally posted by usedpimpa

3. Treat yourself

Yes, it’s cheesy, but it’s true. After all that hard work, you deserve a break! Why not take a day trip into the city to reignite your love for Nottingham? 

Or have a night in with a film, a takeaway and good friends? Whatever you do is your choice but make sure to give yourself a well-earned rest.

Originally posted by sweethoneypea

4. Treat a friend

While you’re enjoying your newfound liberty, some of your friends might still be bogged down in work. Offer to set aside some time and help them revise, arrange a film night to give a little respite or bring them that Maccies 20 nugget share box they’ve been craving. In short, give back the love!

Originally posted by gyutifulheedaey

5. Have a go at volunteering

Read about volunteering opportunities. The Students’ Union Volunteering team is very helpful with this. 

Think about what free time you might have (whether that’s in the next week or the next month) and look into giving back to the local community or getting involved in larger projects as part of one-off events or a bigger commitment alongside your studies. 

Even small gestures will feel rewarding, for yourself and those you’ll be helping.

Originally posted by taylorl365

6. Research job opportunities

Now is the perfect time to investigate job vacancies either for part-time work whilst studying or for something more permanent after uni. Whether this is planning for the present or the future, it can’t do any harm to have a look. 

The Careers and Employability Service are good to talk to and just flipping through their calendar of events for this semester is better than nothing!

Originally posted by mbtiships

As tempting as it is to just watch Netflix now, give some thought to what else you could be getting up to over the next few days and weeks.

The Postgraduate Sounding board exists to represent Postgraduate students’ views as well as inform students about decision making made on your behalf between your Students’ Union and the University.

As part of the Education Network and Students’ Union, the PGSB aims for academic representation and a voice for you to feedback your concerns. The board is made up of 10 elected postgraduates – one postgraduate-taught and one postgraduate-research from each of the University’s 5 faculties; Arts, Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science and Social Science. The PGSB meet once a month to represent postgraduate student views within your faculties.

As representatives for their respective schools, PGSB members will also make up the judging panel for the postgraduate categories of the University Staff Oscars and manage applications to the Academic Community fund (a pot of money to aid social events that help build our community).

 As the PGSB members are are still being elected we are yet to meet, but I’m looking forward to our first meeting in a couple of weeks’ time!

With the current election closing today (Friday 3 November) I thought it was important to give a quick run down on what the PGSB is, to help you make your voting decisions.

Yolanda – SU Postgraduate Officer

Looking for something to do on the weekend or after lectures? We’ve put together this list of our favourite things to do in Nottingham to help inspire you to explore our amazing home.

The Lost City Adventure Golf

Downstairs in the Cornerhouse you’ll find this mini golf course. For students its £10 for 36 holes and a free beer so you can’t go wrong if you’re looking for an indoor activity during the winter months.

Savoy Cinema

This cinema is the only surviving pre WW2 cinema in Nottingham. It’s got the classic red cinema seats and a bar upstairs – student tickets are a bargain at £4.75.

Ludorati Café Bar

A board game café with over 750 games, Ludorati has something for everyone whether there is 2 of you or a group. You rent a table either in a block of 4 hours or just pay hourly. If you don’t want to play – there is free sating available if you want to just enjoy a hot drink and a piece of cake. 

Wollaton Park/Hall

You may recognise this Elizabethan country house as Wayne Manor as it served as the set for key scenes in The Dark Knight Rises in 2011. The house is surrounded by a huge estate and deer park which makes a great setting for a summer picnic or an autumn stroll. It’s just across the road from the University Park Campus too.

Escapologic

Escapologic is a next level escape room company. Every room is so meticulously thought out it becomes real. You have 1 hour to escape a room with your friends by solving logic puzzles, riddles and finding items around the room - think a combination of crystal maze and Fort Boyard style games. It has a room for everyone with themes ranging from Indiana Jones style crypts, a haunted toy shop and a bank waiting to be robbed.

Sutton Bonington Farmers Market

On one of our very own campuses, Sutton Bonington hosts a farmers market on the first Wednesday of every month between 11 and 3pm. They host local fresh, seasonal and organic produce supporting the local community. It’s supported by the Sutton Bonington Farmers Market Society and sells everything from jams to cheese.

Highfield Park Boating Lake

While the lake doesn’t open again for boating until spring, make sure to hire a boat with friends to take in the stunning Trent building and surrounding nature. You can hire a row boat or a canoe and its right by University Park Campus.

 Nottingham City of Caves

Part of the National Justice Museum, this ancient network of caves spans the entire city. You can start a tour from the Broadmarsh Centre and learn how the caves have been used throughout history, right from its medieval uses as a tannery to the Second World War and beyond. Its £6.95 for students or £14 if you want entry to both the caves and the museum.

Nottingham Castle

The first castle was built here in the 11^th century but the one you’ll see now was redeveloped in the late 19^th century after being left derelict for over 40 years. Peruse the art galleries upstairs, soak up the estate or grab a photo with the famous Robin Hood statue.

Rescue Rooms Pub Quiz/Karaoke

Every Wednesday from 8pm Rescue Rooms host a pub quiz which is only 50p to play. They have rounds on everything you could imagine so form a team and head down, though make sure to get their early to grab a seat, it fills up quickly.

In the build-up to your arrival at Nottingham, your SU Officer team wanted to give you some tips on places to go in the city, to help make it home as easily as possible; starting with some of our favourite cafés and restaurants.

From BBQ and burgers, to vegetarian and vegan hideaways, Nottingham has a thriving food culture to satisfy your inner foody. So tuck in and of course, if you stumble across your own favourites let us know!

Annie’s Burger Shack

Annie was born and raised in Rhode Island and the food here shows it, it’s authentic American in the middle of Nottingham. With a whole host of different burgers, you can top yours with practically anything – from peanut butter and jelly, to beef brisket, or just a traditional cheese burger. If meat isn’t your thing, they’ll switch your burger to veggie or vegan, and there are lots of gluten-free options too.

There’s also 10% student discount, and a quiz in the downstairs tavern every Tuesday from 7pm.

Warsaw Diner

This Polish and American diner on Derby Road is frequented the morning after Ocean. You can build your own breakfast and it’s cheap, with bottomless coffee available. You can’t go wrong if you’re in need of a fry up.

Sexy Mamma Love Spaghetti

An Italian restaurant in Hockley, Sexy Mamma Love Spaghetti is without a doubt one of Nottingham’s best kept secrets. It has no social media presence and you have to ring to book a table (there are only around 20 seats in the entire restaurant so book early). It’s all things Italian from the décor and music, to the phenomenal food.

Mod Pizza

Mod is a quick and cheap pizza restaurant that doesn’t compromise on flavour. It’s on Market Square so in the perfect location for a quick bite after a day in the city. Unlike other pizza places, you pay a flat price for the pizza regardless of how many toppings you have, and they boast a 4-minute cooking time.

Bunk

2 Venues, half-price cocktails and half-price chicken wings Sunday-Thursday.

Need I say more?

George’s Great British Kitchen

The British classic of fish and chips at its finest. Nottingham was the first site for George’s growing reputation, and while we may be far from the seaside, you can enjoy both Fish and Chips and a gin bar in your very own beach hut.

Zaap Thai

Can’t afford a trip to Thailand? No problem. This Thai restaurant makes you feel like you’re in the middle of Bangkok. Its 2 courses and a drink for £10 before 6pm Monday so if you’re into street food give it a go.

Ugly Bread Bakery

In the heart of Hockley, this bakery come café is far from ugly. Grab a focaccia and watch the world go by from the balcony upstairs, or if you’re in a rush you can get something to take away. They have regular offers like two-for-one on pizzas so keep an eye out for their latest deals.

Red’s True Barbecue

The meat here is smoked on-site every day by the restaurants award-winning pit masters and has more cuts of meat on offer than you could imagine. Red’s liken the food to a miracle – you’ve got to see it to believe it.

Alley Café

Alley Café mixes fun and food with a European vibe. It regularly hosts live music and exhibits the art of local artists monthly. Combine this artistic space with its all-vegetarian menu and it’s a winner for not just vegetarian and vegans, but for anyone wanting some entertainment while they’re eating.

Second year UoN English student Jo shares her 10 top tips for moving into uni halls:

1. Make sure your loved ones have a lesson in Skyping before you leave

If you’re worried about homesickness, then video calling loves ones is a good way to transition into living on your own. Just make sure whoever you’re going to be calling knows how to video call!

2. Don’t be afraid to talk to people

Not only is it totally acceptable during Welcome to introduce yourself to as many people as you want, but don’t hold back if you’re struggling either. There are plenty of people, from your Welcome Mentors to support services who are here to listen and help.

3. Try not to go home too soon

This was a great piece of advice I was given for my first year - even though it might be really tempting, try not to go home for the first four weeks. That way, you’re enjoying yourself so much, that when you do visit home it’s not so tough to get back into the swing of uni when you return.

4. Try not to overpack

This is a really common problem, so it’s also a common piece of advice. While its hard to judge when you’re at home packing, once you arrive and start to unpack its easier to see what you won’t need. Remember to send those bits back home!

5. Don’t drop your phone down the toilet as soon as you arrive.

This is what I did on my first day at uni, and it wasn’t fun. Check over your hall’s insurance coverage - you may need extra gadget or musical instrument insurance to protect the things you can’t live without. Oh and make sure you have a bag of rice handy to try and dry out a wet phone!

6. Bring a doorstop

A doorstop is one of my must haves for moving in day, not only does it mean you can chat to your flatmates or floor mates as they arrive, but it makes shifting heavy bags inside your room a lot easier too!

7. Arrive as early as possible to settle in

Moving in to a new place is a big change, and a big job too. It’s nice to give yourself as much time as possible to move in and meet people, on what is often quite an emotional day.

8. Bring a cookbook

If you’re in self-catered halls, a cookbook is very handy! There’s a huge range of student cookbooks out there to choose from. If you’re catered, make sure you’re aware of the kitchen facilities you have - for instance a fridge and microwave - so you know what revision or late night snacks you’ll be able to make. 

9. Go to the Welcome Fair

Honestly, there’s so much to get involved in here I don’t know where to start. Going to the Welcome Fair is a must - you get a feel for what you might spend all your first year free time on, and just maybe, some free pizza too.

10. Buy laundry capsules or pods

This is something I wish I’d known when first moving into halls. Unlike at home, many washing machines in halls don’t have drawers for washing powder. Using capsules avoids stains from having to put fabric softener straight in with the clothes.