Mental preparation made easy

Want to make the most out of your time at uni? Of course you do! It's a brand new chapter in your life, which comes with new highs and lows. Rather than be overwhelmed, a little mental preparation for this journey can help you navigate the challenges and make the most of your experience at the University of Southampton.

 Set realistic expectations

University life is full of new experiences, and it’s important to approach it with an open mind and realistic expectations. Uni life usually isn't exactly how you pictured in your head and that's okay:

• Academic challenges: Demands at uni can be quite different from what you’re used to. Be prepared for a more independent style of learning, where you’ll need to manage your time and workload effectively. Don’t worry if it takes a little time to adjust – everyone is in the same boat.
• Social life: It’s easy to feel pressure to make friends immediately, but building meaningful relationships takes time. You’ll meet lots of new people, but don’t expect to find your closest friends overnight. Give yourself time to get to know others and let friendships develop naturally.
• Independence: For many students, uni is the first time living away from home. It’s an exciting opportunity to gain independence, but it can also be tough (you might burn a few meals at first). Expect to learn new life skills, like cooking, budgeting, and managing your time.

Jumping in the deep end

One of the best ways to settle into uni life is by getting involved as much as possible. This might be the first time since the start of secondary school that you've had to do this so being a little nervous is natural. Going in with a sense of adventure will do wonders for making new friends:

• Join clubs and societies: The University of Southampton has a wide range of clubs and societies that cater to all interests, from sports and music to academic and cultural groups. Joining a society is a great way to meet like-minded people and pursue your hobbies.
• Attend freshers’ events: The first few weeks of uni will be packed with events designed to help you meet new people. Attend as many of these as you can – they’re a great opportunity to socialise and get to know your surroundings.
• Be open to new experiences: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Try new activities, attend events, and say yes to social invitations. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you’ll have to make friends and create lasting memories.

Managing stress

It’s normal to feel stressed or homesick when you start university, it happens to all of us! Especially in those first few months as a lot is going to be thrown your way:

• Create a routine: Establishing a daily routine can provide structure and help you manage your time effectively. Make sure to make time for studying, socialising, exercise, and relaxation.
• Balance home with new people: Keep in touch with family and friends from home, but also remember to engage with your new environment. Regular phone calls or video chats can help ease homesickness, but try not to rely on them too much.
• Seek support: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. The University of Southampton offers a range of services, including counselling and wellbeing support, to help you through challenging times. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!

Give yourself time to settle

Good things take time and effort, so settling into Southampton will need the same. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re not feeling completely at home right away:

• Be patient: Adjusting to a new environment, meeting new people, and managing academic responsibilities can take time. It’s perfectly normal to feel out of your depth at first. Give yourself time to adapt and find your rhythm.
• Focus on the positive:  Celebrate the small victories throughout your journey of growth and discovery!
• Keep trying new things: Keep an open mind, embrace new experiences, and be kind to yourself as you navigate through them. Don't be pressured into doing stuff that doesn't feel right, you'll know deep down what's right for you.

Everyone’s journey is different, and it’s perfectly normal for it to take time to find your feet. Your mindset overall should be open, ready to face new challenges and excited to have lots of fun along the way.