University can feel different to how we imagined it...

There’s no doubt that coming to University is an exciting time where you’ll walk away having taken part in new opportunities, had lots of new experiences and of course achieved a degree! However, there can be moments of doubt and challenges too, especially in those first few months of arriving. This is your reminder that settling in and finding your feet can take time. You won't have worked everything out just weeks after moving in.

'The best years of your life' 🎉

You’ll probably hear lots of people telling you that going to University will be ‘the best years of your life’. For young people who go to University, there can be a certain pressure to ‘have the best time ever’. Of course, you want to make the most of your experience and enjoy it as much as you can but it’s ok if this doesn’t happen straight away. The reality is that there may be days where a lecture is challenging, you're trying to get on top of deadlines or you’re not getting along with your flatmates. 

Try to be open-minded to the challenges that you never quite expected to face. If you're not having that 'perfect' university experience then that's totally ok and there'll be others feeling the same. It's important to recognise that there'll be harder moments as well as times where things feel better.

Don't compare your experience to others 📱

This ‘pressure’ to have the best time ever is something we can often be faced with on social media. It might look like everyone else is having the best time ever, while you may be feeling a little overwhelmed or unsure. While some people portray that they are enjoying themselves on social media, it’s not always the reality. Remember that everyone’s experience is unique and there is no ‘right way’ to do University. Everyone's journey is different! No matter what your University experience or story looks like in the end, you'll always take something away from it.

Maybe you didn't meet your bestie on day one or maybe 'keeping up' on nights out and social events are proving hard? Take the time to think about what you really want to get out of your experience. Good friendships and new hobbies take time to find!

Ditch the doom scrolling 🤳

If you notice that social media is having a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing, try to reduce how much you use it. Simple things such as turning off your notifications and avoiding social media apps at least an hour before bed can help improve your energy levels and mood. Try to have breaks from your phone and use your time to make connections with people in person through societies, sports clubs or in Hall events.

You won't miss out if you put your phone down for an hour! 

Try something new, make a new connection, get involved! 🌞

If you find that you’re struggling to settle in or find friends, rest assured that this is totally normal and you won’t be the only person feeling this way. If you are looking for a new way to meet people, there are plenty of opportunities and ways you can get involved in all year long:

• Stay up to date with Halls Life events here

• Why not join your Hall's Student Committee? You could join a group of students with similar interests to you and make positive changes in your Halls, it's never too late to get involved and it's an opportunity open to everyone! 
• Check out the Give It A Go programme which offers activities, trips and events at the Guild for free or at a discounted rate exclusively for Halls students. From herb pot planting and escape rooms there is something for everyone. Want to earn some money and meet other students?
• Join a society at the Guild! This is another great way to meet new people who have the same interests as you whether it's baking soc or Taylor Swift appreciation society, there's something for everyone.
• Try a new sport - whether you want to join a Halls League or play against other Halls teams in a tournament, you can find out more here! Sport Liverpool have lots of sports clubs and free activities on their website here

Be proud of what you've achieved so far ✨

Try not to be hard on yourself if your University experience isn't quite what you expected it to be. Be sure to give yourself credit for taking the jump to move away to University and live in a whole new city as that in itself is a huge jump. Be proud of where you are and the challenges you've overcome already. Trust that the rest will work out in its own time.

Speak to someone⛅

Even if your friends or family live a few hours away, it doesn't mean they can't support you from a distance. A quick Facetime or text with some words of encouragement might be all you need!

However, if managing things is becoming tricky and you want to speak to someone, remember your Residential Adviser is available for a chat and can offer advice on living in Halls. The University also has a range of support on offer including counselling services - read more here! 

Don't forget, Health Assured is a free 24/7 confidential helpline that you can call on 0800 028 3766 if you want to talk to someone about issues you might be experiencing at university. A team of counsellors will be on hand to listen.

Student Minds has lots of handy tips to help you settle in here!