My Life
Coming to University will change your life in so many ways – you might be living away from home for the first time, in a new country, you might be leaving your children in childcare whilst you study, making new friends and changing the way you view the world – and how the world views you. It is an exciting time but it can also be a time when you need a little more support.
Life skills/Settling In
Settling into University will take some time but before you know it, you’ll feel like you’ve always been here. The following information has a few tips to make settling in that little bit easier.
Check - Join the Facebook group for your course or hall - but remember try not to do all your socialising on-line. Get out and meet people too!
Homesickness can be a very real experience for many students coming to university and the University is aware of this. The best way to get over homesickness is to talk to others about how they are feeling, possibly talk to your tutors or friends about the impact it is having on you. Many students feel the same way in the first few weeks, and many find that by pushing themselves to go out and have a good time, the feelings disappear in a relatively short period of time. If you still feel the same after a few weeks, call in and speak to one of the counsellors employed by the university to help with feelings like this. More details on counselling are available through http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/healthandwellbeing/114146.htm
Check – if you are feeling homesick, do you know where the counselling service is located?
Check – talk to your mates from your flat or course and see if anyone else is feeling the same way.
Check – don’t sit in your room – no matter how hard it is to do, sit in the lounge of your flat or communal area, talk to people on your course or in the students union.
Work/Life balance
It is all too easy in the first few weeks of a new University course to get caught up in the social aspects of your new life – going out, making new friends, attending clubs and societies – but very soon the reality of how much work needs to be done and by when, will hit you. It is really important that you get the work/life balance right from the beginning otherwise it can have a detrimental effect on your studies. Everyone’s balance will differ depending on your personal circumstances – whether you work full time or part time, have children/caring responsibilities, travelling further to get to lectures, returning to study after a break etc. Only you can know what will work for you. For tips and advice on study skills see http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/studysupport/index.htm
Check – work out how much of your week is split between studying, working, socialising, sleeping. You’ll see whether it balances and whether it feels right straight away.
Check – ask questions if you are not sure about anything. If you don’t understand the first time, ask again. In fact keep asking until you are sure you know what to do. Staff throughout the university will be able to help or will direct you to the right person.
Personal Safety
Your personal safety is important and the University works closely with Merseyside Police, the NHS, Fire and Rescue Service and others to ensure that you have access to relevant information at the right time. Tips include advice on when to use (and not use) cash machines, how to get about the city safely both day and night, advice from the alcohol advisory board on safe drinking levels etc. For you to achieve your potential, you need to be alert to keeping yourself (and your mates) safe.
Check – look at the Student Survival website for up to date information from the police, fire service and health services in the city.
Check – remember that you are not on holiday, so don’t act like a tourist – be aware of your surroundings, don’t walk around with a map in your hand, and plan your route.
Accommodation
With student accommodation spread across the city in a wide variety of forms, the experience students have within accommodation can vary hugely. But regardless of what sort of space you are living in, the tips below will help to make your experience a good one.
- Be a good house/flat mate – organise rotas for washing up, take responsibility for tidying your own and communal spaces, putting rubbish out etc.
- Look out for your mates especially if someone becomes unwell
- Lock windows and doors when you are going out
- Don’t advertise your belongings by leaving them on window ledges
- Don’t let anyone in through the main front door that you don’t know. This is called tailgating and can result in crimes being committed.
- Generally, think of how your behaviour might impact on someone else – loud music late at night, antisocial behaviour etc.
Check – be aware of your safety, the safety of those around you and the safety of your possessions at all times. Don’t take risks!
