The first week of university is often hyped up as THE week to make all your friends, go out every night and make your uni memories.
But there is nothing wrong with taking it chill, having nights in and doing things that aren’t alcohol oriented.
You will make new friends throughout your whole time at university so don’t worry about trying to do everything in your first week.
Another piece of advice is, don’t agree to live with the first people you meet.
There’s a weird pressure in your first couple of months of university to find the people you’ll live with in second year immediately and get yourself a house sorted.
But honestly don’t stress! There will always be houses and it’s okay to give it a few more months to decide whether you want to live together rather than rushing straight into it.
Bamburgh Castle
Newcastle has so much to offer from the city centre and Quayside to Jesmond Dene, Tynemouth Beach and Town Moors.
There are also easy day trips to York, Edinburgh, Durham and Northumberland, so make sure to get out and explore!
Student loan is a very exciting thing for a student, but it doesn’t last forever and so the best thing I would recommend is working it how much a week you should be spending to make sure it stretches.
Obviously, there may be some weeks where you spend more or less but having a rough idea of how much you have for each week can save a lot of financial stress when it gets to the end of terms.
One of the best things you can do at uni is joining a club or society.
Whether it is something you have never tried before or something you’re already passionate about there is so many to choose from and find new hobbies.
Don’t be scared to go alone as well as it’s a great way to meet new people.
Moving to university is a big change and no one expects you to have it all figured out.
Whether it’s academic support, mental health support, or just asking your lecturer a question about the work.
Newcastle University has resources in place to support you and help you get the most out of your time here.
One of the best things I have done during my time at university was a year in industry.
Not only did my placement give me valuable experience in a career I want to go into, but I met amazing people and got to live somewhere new for a year.
If your course offers you the opportunity to do one, 100% apply for placements you’re interested in.
There’s pressure to make the most of your “uni experience,” but it’s okay to skip a night out.
Rest, stay in with your flatmates, or go for a walk in Jesmond Dene.
Your body (and your bank account) will thank you.
Something I have only really made use of in my final year is office hours.
But I wish I had made use of them the whole time!
Your lecturers are there to help you, so making use of sitting down and talking to them about ideas and questions. It can really help clarify things!
You might roll your eyes at people taking photos of everything, but you’ll want those memories.
Take pictures, keep little souvenirs, and take it all in.
You’ll be graduating before you know it!