Starting university can be a very overwhelming experience. From budgeting your student loan so that you can afford to go the SU bar to the challenges of learning how to work a washing machine, Welcome Week is the start to a new chapter of your life. You’re probably filled with a mixture of emotions from excitement to anxiety, but we’re here to help your transition to uni life go as smoothly as possible. 
So, we’ve put together a list of all the obstacles that Welcome Week can and might throw at you!

1.    Clubs and Societies Fair
This year with everything that is going on we have changed the way you can get to know more about the clubs and societies we offer here at Harper. Throughout Welcome Week our clubs and societies will be hosting Zoom calls where you can learn about them and ask any questions you may have. Towards the end of Welcome Week our clubs and societies will be running free, ticketed taster sessions for you to go to and try.

2.    Don’t be afraid to sign up to clubs and societies 
University is a chance for you to try something new. With a range of clubs and societies, don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in a new activity, this is a great way to meet new people whilst learning a new skill. These skills will look great on your CV after graduation, but you will also make lifelong friends along the way.

3.    Budget your student loan! 
A weekly budget for the year is a great idea, try and create one for at least the first term before you start and stick to it. Try to leave some money available for unexpected costs for last minute events you might want to attend or buying any textbooks you may want. keep in mind that your maintenance loan may take some time to come in, so it is a good idea to make sure you have some money available at the start of the year. Ellen, the Student Advisor can help you with this if needs be.

4.    Student Discount 
A great tip on saving money- whack out your student discount. Now’s the time to start whipping out your student discount at every given opportunity. Even if a shop or restaurant doesn’t advertise student discount, it’s always worth asking, and make sure you keep tabs of our student beans section too! This will show you all the places that you can use your student discount.

5.    Dealing with homesickness 
Leaving home and having to look after yourself can be more of a shock than you first expect. Change is always going to be tough but remember everyone’s in the same boat as you right now. If you’re really struggling, we’ve got a whole list of tips to help deal with homesickness, or alternatively you could seek out some advice and support from your warden or Student Services.

6.    Do your admin early
Okay, so queuing up for things and filling out paperwork might not be the most exciting part of your university experience, however it is a crucial part! Trust us, getting this out of the way nice and early will allow you to enjoy the rest of Welcome Week, stress free! Remember to find out what documents you need in advance (i.e acceptance letter, photo ID etc) so that you don’t have to worry about queuing up or form-filling again.

7.    Don’t drink too much
There will be a variety of events put on throughout Welcome Week and some can involve a drink or two but don’t get carried away or pressured into anything, just have fun and do what is best for you.

8.    Be yourself!
Finally, the most important one of all… be yourself! It’s easy to try and reinvent yourself when you start university, it’s a clean slate, a fresh start. It is important to be yourself and don’t try to change who you are to fit in, it’ll only eat you up inside. You might not meet your best friend straight away, but these things take time and try not to worry about how people perceive you.