Settling into university in 2020 was a unique experience since the pandemic prevented our cohort from attending lectures and campus, socialising with one another and our accommodation. Nevertheless, we were able to adapt and adjust and since then have had great experience’s here at the University of Manchester. It is important to make the most of your time here, so here are some of the things you can do to help you to settle in and enjoy yourself.

As a new student, one of your main focuses will be to build connections and socialise. In order to help you do this, I recommend joining one of the many societies and sports teams the university offers, attending events and perhaps getting a job or internship. This way you are able to meet students you may not usually cross paths with and build a social network. It is important you do this as your friends and peers can provide you with support during the settling in process and overall make it a more enjoyable experience.

Since I have spent part of my time at university living at my family home, I also recommend this for commuter students. Coming into your lectures and seminars, sometimes it can feel as if people have already formed friendships from their accommodation, so this is a great way to meet people and socialise outside of your course.

Although making friends and socialising is important, make sure not to forget to prioritise your studies. Establishing a routine including your lectures, additional study time, social activities and self care will be important for your success as it can provide a sense of stability and control during times where you may be busy, confused or stressed. Routines can also help you settle in more and make university feel more like home.

In addition, university may also require some academic adjustment in the initial stages as you find yourself adapting to new teaching styles, larger class sizes and increased independence. To help you with this I recommend making sure you know who to contact for support and advice, staying organised and plan ahead for the future. Struggling is not uncommon and your lecturers are there to help you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with them as doing so can make a difference and be the key to your success.

Furthermore, many students can face challenges within the settling in process whether that be academic, social or personal. In this case, it is important to take a proactive approach to addressing any issues and seeking help from lecturers, advisors or support services is one way to do this. There are various support groups and counselling services you can use to help you navigate these issues. Settling into university can sometimes be lonely but you a guaranteed not be on your own, so speaking to people about any issues is important.

For any more information about settling in, commuting, opportunities or studying at AMBS feel free to get in touch with the University or use the Unibuddy service on the University website!

Written by Freya, current BSc Management student at AMBS

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