Starting at a new university can be fun, crazy and sometimes challenging as you learn about a new city, make new friends and deal with adulting. This year of course, you have the added challenge of doing all this in the middle of a pandemic.
This new term might not feel or look the same as other years but there are still ways for you to enjoy it.
Follow our tips for the new term as we guide you through the craziness so you can get the best out of what it has to offer.
Starting at a new university can be fun, crazy and sometimes challenging as you learn about a new city, make new friends and deal with adulting. This year of course, you have the added challenge of doing all this in the middle of a pandemic.
This new term might not feel or look the same as other years but there are still ways for you to enjoy it.
Follow our tips for the new term as we guide you through the craziness so you can get the best out of what it has to offer.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Congratulations, you've moved into your Halls of Residence. It can feel like you are on your own in the early days– but you’re not.
You’ll meet a lot of new people as you share your halls for the best part of a year, so do your best to be yourself and find your tribe.
As the year progresses, you might drift away from the people you're in halls with as you find your own friends. But for the first fwe weeks, get to know them, help them move in and plan events together. After all, you're all here to have a good time.
EXPLORE
Social events in their traditional sense may have been cancelled but you can still sign up to online and virtual events. Look at your university’s website to see what is on offer. You can still get out and about and explore - get yourself a map and spend some time walking around, getting your bearings and finding out what Sheffield has to offer.
Whilst you are doing this`, keep an eye out for useful things like taxi companies, supermarkets, takeaways etc. That way, you know where things are when you need them.
ACTIVITIES
You can join lots of online activities during the autumn term. Sheffield University, for example has lots of things for you to do that you can join here
FREEBIES
If you're in a university city, you'll find that lots of local businesses offer freebies and discounts to new students. Taking advantage of offers such as discounted haircuts, money off vouchers, and student discounts in many shops can help you manage you money better.
PARTY!
If you do decide to have a gathering of 6 people, please look at the following advice to get you through the night.
• Pace yourself
• Stick together
• Have fun
• Drink lots of water
• Dress outrageously
• Try something new, but stick to drinking what you know
• Stock up on recovery supplies such as paracetamol and orange juice
BUDGET
Fresher’s Week might be the first time you manage your money yourself. That student loan might look like an infinite pile of money, but sadly it won't last forever. The last thing you want is to end up in a situation where everyone's going out and you can't go because you're broke!
Work out how much money you have and set out a weekly budget to include essentials (like food) and the fun stuff. Budgeting isn't about cutting back and being boring. It's about making sure you're always able to do what you want to do.
FOOD
It’s essential! Get yourself some nice food. Ready meals are great if you're feeling lazy, but you're never going to avoid the dreaded Freshers Flu without fresh fruit and veg. So, as well as all the usual student staples of pasta, noodles and chips, buy an apple or two!
University is a great time to learn how to cook and discover what you like to eat. Don't just settle for what's easy, stock up on interesting and tasty things. Make the people in your halls jealous every time you make your dinner!
ADMIN
Don't do all your adulting with a hangover. Uni has a whole load of admin stuff to take care of, from getting your student card to registering your courses to paying your fees. You don't want to be queuing up and doing any of these things the morning after a heavy night.
Before venturing into Admin Hell, make sure you have everything you need, such as acceptance letter, photo ID and passport sized pictures etc. The last thing you want to do is trek all the way down there only to have to turn around and queue up all over again!
When Fresher’s Week is over and you are looking for a place to stay, have a look at MAF Student Properties website Quality student accommodation in Sheffield | MAF Properties (mafstudents.co.uk). We are Sheffield’s Student Accommodation Specialists and have a large variety of quality houses and apartment in Broomhall, Devonshire Green, Ecclesall Road, Kelham Island and Sheffield City Centre and Hallam University's City Campus for groups of 1-6 people.
If you have any questions for us please call 0114 272 6006 or email: info@mafstudents.co.uk. Our office is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm.
We are looking forward to meeting you all.
