Starting university is a big step – new surroundings, new people and new places. Whether you're excited or nervous, settling in well can make all the difference. Here are some practical ways to feel at home when everything seems new.
Decorate your space with familiar comforts – photos, fairy lights, your favourite mug. Share your hobbies with flatmates, whether it’s gaming, coffee-making, or crochet. These small touches can make your new place feel truly yours.
Step outside the campus bubble and discover your new town. Find your favourite coffee shops, parks, and local hangouts. Whether it’s a scenic walk, a hidden garden, or a bustling market, exploring helps you feel connected and grounded.
Learn about your town’s history, traditions, and famous events. From cheese rolling in Gloucester to Burns Night in Edinburgh, every place has its quirks. Get to know local legends and stories. Try a self-guided tour with flatmates or venture out solo for some peaceful downtime.
Your town is also full of opportunities to connect. University life is busy, but you’ll probably find you have pockets of time here and there. Why not join a local sports team, try out a pub quiz, or volunteer? Whether it’s a choir, walking group, or book club, finding hobbies in the community helps you meet people beyond the student world and builds a sense of belonging.
Friendships often start with simple gestures. In your first week, knock on doors for a chat or prop yours open to meet neighbours. Get to know people from different cultures and backgrounds – ask questions, listen, and learn. Don’t worry if friendships take time to form, just keep showing up and being yourself.
Bonding with your flatmates can be fun and creative. Try themed dinner nights, murder mysteries, kitchen discos, or a bake-off challenge. Shared experiences build lasting memories and foster genuine community.
Churches are a wonderful place to meet people of all ages and backgrounds. Even if you’ve never been to church before, it’s worth exploring – it might just become your second home. You can read more about finding a church here.
It’s important to look after yourself, especially when university life gets full. Prioritise sleep, eat well, stay active, and make time for rest. Balance your social life with study and spiritual growth. Ask yourself: ‘Does this honour God?’ and seek to live purposefully – whether in lectures or with friends.
Spend time with God and connect with a local church. Let your faith guide your priorities and refresh you. Remember, you’re not alone – God is with you in every lecture, every conversation, and every quiet moment.
Can we set cookies? We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We’d also like to set analytics cookies that help us make improvements by measuring how you use the site. More about cookies.
By clicking the Accept button below you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.