Coming to university is a time of great change and adapting to all of the new demands can be quite challenging, especially in new surroundings and without one’s usual support networks.
This is why we run a group in a friendly and safe atmosphere to support students to settle in and make the most of their start at University. The group starts on 24th October and runs on Mondays from 3.15-5.15 at FCH.
A lot of students feel that they are the only ones that struggle to adjust. They may feel that everyone else is able to make friends quite easily and that everyone else seems to understand what is expected of them. For many students, there is a huge commitment and cost in being at university, and we are not just talking about money. The distance from family, friends and parents and the adaptations to a new culture can easily seem too overwhelming.
- Before starting the group, there are a few things that students can do to overcome the difficult initial period of settling in:
- Sign up to this group . It is an opportunity to take some positive steps to make a good start at University in a safe and hopefully fun environment.
- Remember that many other people will have similar feelings (You can’t read their minds- and they can’t read yours!)
- Use your phone. Text people. Send emails. Take the initiative and reach out to new people.
Keep in touch with those you left behind and arrange a firm date to go back to see them. But also give yourself a chance to get involved in your new life.
- Make a real effort to join societies/activities. This might feel difficult, but there are so many clubs and societies within the university and the city that you are very likely to find something that suits your particular interests. The fuller your days are, the less time you have to feel lonely.
- Don’t expect to get everything right. You’re bound to make mistakes, forget things, get lost or be nervous. The first year is all about getting it wrong, not understanding, feeling stupid. There will be plenty of time to catch up.
- Don’t make any major decisions. Even if you feel strongly that you don’t want to stay, take your time and talk it over with others.
- Don’t struggle on your own. Use the support that this group, The Counselling Service, Student Services and the Student Union can offer. You can book a Counselling appointment, talk to a Helpzone adviser or the Student Union Welfare Officer.
As with any other situation, if there are difficulties, these are best dealt with straight away, rather than being left to get worse. We all need help at one time or another to work something out. It is quite common to question whether you have made the right choice and are in the right place. Usually, however, most students settle down and enjoy their time here after an initial period of struggling.
If you are not sure what to do, talk to somebody. It is very common to think that you should be able to manage on your own and give the appearance that all is well. However, experience tells us that it is best to seek help. Many students come to the Student Counselling Service as a last resort, not realising that a few words with us early on can save much time and heartache later on. This gives an opportunity to face the challenges head on and to take positive steps to settle into a new life.
Contact: Annette Brill Email: counselling@glos.ac.uk Tel.: 01242 714542