What you should do during your first few weeks on campus

Undergraduate student, Teodora, offers top tips on how to start your university journey on the right foot during the first few weeks on campus.

The first few weeks are crucial for setting the tone for your university life. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the first few weeks at Warwick!

Attend the Freshers’ Fair during Welcome Week

The Freshers’ Fair will be one of the highlights of your first few weeks at Warwick. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover all the societies and clubs. Whether you’re interested in sports, arts, volunteering, or have a niche hobby, there is something for everyone.

You can join taster sessions from sports societies in the first two weeks of the term and try new activities without commitment. These events are a great way to meet new people and make new friends who share your interests.

Make your room your own

Personalising your space will help you settle in more quickly and make you feel more comfortable during the first few weeks. Bring your favourite posters, photos, and decorations that will make you feel at home. When I was a fresher, a huge trend was decorating your room with LED lights, which gave a cosy feeling to my space – plus, I also got to use them during my second year when I moved to Leamington Spa.

Introduce yourself to everyone 

Say hi, and introduce yourself to your flatmates, coursemates, or people you may encounter at events. Especially in the first few weeks, everyone is eager to make new friends, so it’s important to put yourself out there as much as possible. I was very shy during my first few weeks of university, but later in the year, I understood that a friendly introduction can go a long way. So do not wait - try to build connections early on, as these can last throughout your university years and beyond.

Explore the campus

Warwick students are so lucky to have such a beautiful university campus. The nature around is simply stunning, and the campus is full of hidden gems. So, take some time to explore it and familiarise yourself with the layout. Discover your favourite study spots and cafes! Just going on walks around campus can make you feel more at ease, integrated into university life, and more connected to your new home.

Get to know the support resources

Warwick offers extensive support services to help you during your time at university. It’s important to familiarise yourself early on with career support services, health services, and mental health and well-being resources. Knowing where to turn when you need help can make a world of difference. Especially during the first year, the career services can help you apply to spring weeks (which many students do not know about when starting university).

And for using the personal well-being resources, don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed—these resources are there to support you from day one.

Engage with academic resources

Most importantly, to ensure you will have a smooth transition into university, it becomes essential to understand the academic expectations for your course. Getting to grips with your course requirements of academic writing, referencing style, and expectations of your department from the start will only set you up for success.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to embrace all that Warwick has to offer. So, dive in, explore, and make the most of every opportunity!