There are butterflies in your stomach, but the excited ones. You’re standing in your new room surrounded by boxes, wondering where to go from here. You’ve just moved to UWE Bristol. But what do you need to make sure you get done on your first ever day here? Here’s our checklist for everything you need to do when you arrive at University.
There are butterflies in your stomach, but the excited ones. You’re standing in your new room surrounded by boxes, wondering where to go from here. You’ve just moved to UWE Bristol. But what do you need to make sure you get done on your first ever day here? Here’s our checklist for everything you need to do when you arrive to University:
Just do it. You’ll thank yourself later. As soon as you’ve dumped boxes and suitcases galore on your new bedroom floor, just get them unpacked. It means even more time later on to have fun with your new pals, instead of having the dread of unpacking hanging over you like a phantom chore.
Log in to Blackboard. Log into MyEngagement. Make sure you know your way around these websites, what they’re used for, and how they’re going to help you ease into University life.
With so much fun to be had with your new flatmates before studying begins, you might forget to check your timetable if you don’t commit to doing it on your first day. Make sure you know when your lectures and seminars are, which are virtual, and which you actually need to get dressed out of joggers for.
The Blackboard and First Bus apps are UWE Bristol student essentials. We all know it’s much easier to stay organised if the organisation lands in the palms of our hands, as our phones are basically extensions of our limbs at this point.
A great way to meet lifelong pals, a great way to explore a passion outside of your course subject and a great way to add gravitas to your CV. Basically, it’s a great idea. Head to our website, check out our lists of sports clubs and societies, and get narrowing down to which ones you definitely want to join, pronto.
You might be a super organised human and might have ordered these already, but if you haven’t, shop around online and find the best prices for your textbooks. Some tips: only purchase the entirety of your core books, and only dip in and out of the secondary reading lists to save yourself money; make sure you check to see if you can get any of them second hand, because your student loan will thank you.
Make sure your bedroom is homely for you once you’ve unpacked. Whether it’s adding some fairy lights or sprucing up your bed with a few welcoming cushions, little touches make all the difference. As for your kitchen and living space, this is a wonderful bonding activity to do with the whole flat. Get together, find ways to decorate the space to your tastes, and make the flat yours.
Don’t put this off. If you do, you’ll end up with your entire student loan going to Deliveroo, and we’re not being slightly dramatic, here. Go and grab everything you need for your first week from you nearest supermarket, or be very organised and sort a delivery to arrive the day you move in.
Can be done alone or as a flat, getting your bearings on campus or just around your accommodation is important. Where do you do the laundry? Where’s seminar room SBQ125? It feels confusing until you go and scout these places out – then, it’s simple, and you’re all set for uni life to begin.
Get mingling! Get socialising! Head to our one and only official UWE Freshers’ group on Facebook, scout out those on your course, join group chats already in existence or make your own. It’s a great way to interact virtually with those who have similar passions, so you can build friendships the second you arrive.
You might think this is unnecessary if you live together and will be seeing each other every day, but it’s actually pretty essential. Leah gets locked out after a food shop because she forgot her key? Message the group chat and she’s saved. Raj can’t remember which flat you actually live in after one too many drinks at the pub? Message the group chat. You can also send relatable memes – it just brings bonds together.
Sometimes, the best way to dip your toe into meeting new people is to go via connections you already have. Got some friends from school who have accepted places in Bristol, too? Do you know any other friends who share your culture if you’ve moved abroad? Message them! It’s nice to feel familiarity in a new place, they might be able to introduce you to other awesome people, and your friendship circle will extend.
Bristol bucket lists are fun to create! There’s also plenty to do in the city, so you’ll never have a dull day. Curate some beautiful memories from your first year in your new home – and come the end of first year, you’ll be proud to look back.
Get your flatmates together and get exploring! From its street art and harbourside walks, to its tasty restaurants and quirky attractions, Bristol has it all.
Make sure your first night together is designed with bonding in mind. Get to know each other with a flat movie night, by cooking a meal together or grabbing a favourite takeaway – having a cosy night with your soon-to-be best pals will set the year off on the right path.
Want to find out more about life at UWE Bristol? Check out our Welcome content now!
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