Top tips on how to spend your first few weeks on campus

Just arrived at Warwick and eager to make the most of your first few weeks? Undergraduate student Amelia Allen shares her top tips for settling in, exploring campus, and making your new surroundings feel more like home.

Get to know your surroundings:

It can feel overwhelming when you first get onto campus, everything is new and it can feel like a huge unknown. During freshers’ week or the week before your timetable starts, take frequent walks to different parts of campus. Not only is it a great way to clear your head, you’ll quickly get familiar with key spots on campus. I’d recommend finding your lecture and seminar rooms ahead of time too to reduce stress too when classes begin. Plus, why not get to know the different cafes and eateries on campus and find your favourite - we have lots of options!

Find your favourite study space:

There are so many study spaces on campus, it’s not just the library! I’d recommend trying a few out to see which you feel most comfortable in. Firstly, get to know the WBS undergraduate space, this is purely for WBS students and also has a kitchen which is helpful for longer study days. Plus, there’s also the learning grid by Rootes which is also a favourite of mine! There are so many more places you can go so don’t hesitate to test out a few in your first few weeks on campus, everyone works better in different spaces, but it’s good to know there are places beyond the library as it can get busy!

Get involved in a society/sports club:

One of the best things I did to help me feel more comfortable within the first few weeks was joining a sports club. Not only does exercise act as a way to boost your physical and mental health, it can be a great way to meet people with similar interests and make friends. I found that getting fresh air and exercise through a team sport really helped me in my first few weeks to settle in and get a clear head. Be committed by getting involved in club socials, it may not feel comfortable straight away, but by going often and getting outside it will quickly become one of the best parts of your uni experience. It’s definitely one of the best parts of mine and there are also opportunities for leadership on executive committees which can also boost your CV!

Make your room your own:

The first few days in your new room will likely feel a little uncomfortable as it is a new, unusual space. Something I found useful was bringing some of my favourite decor from my bedroom at home to make the space more personal to me. Fill it with things that make you smile so it can become your safe space, this is so important to make sure you have a space entirely your own. Don’t be afraid to spend time by yourself in your room, it takes moments like this to fully settle in. 

Keep an eye out for events on campus:

There is always something happening on campus, it’s usually buzzing! If ever you feel like you need to do something to take your mind away from something, don’t hesitate to check for events currently being held. Make sure to follow the SU and WBS on instagram to keep updated with campus events and check for events being run by the student experience and engagement team at the business school. My personal favourite was the visit from pets as therapy where we got to spend time with their dogs - but be quick as spaces book up! Getting involved in as much as you can is so important, you’ll meet lots of new people and forge some long-lasting friendships.