Don't Panic!
Well done on getting your university place confirmed! After you’ve told everyone the great news and the celebrations start to subside the enormity of what you’re about to experience might just hit you with a few pre-uni nerves.
But don’t panic! We’re SUSU, your Students' Union, and we’ve been putting our heads together to come up with some top tips and useful advice to help you prepare for your new life as a Southampton student.
Our help doesn’t end here though. Once you arrive you’ll have access to loads of services to get you through the first few weeks of uni and beyond. There’s JCR Teams helping you get settled in to your halls of residence, Starter Kits full of useful info, Student Survival Day during Freshers’ as well as The Advice Centre and Nightline should you need help or advice with anything.
We’re here to help support you during your studies and to enrich your lives with great opportunities for making new friends, trying new things and making the most of your time at university. Whatever you need, there will be someone who can help!
Uni Worries - Your common questions answered
Moving in & Meeting People
What if I don’t like the people I’m living with?
This is probably most students’ biggest fear about coming to uni. Not only are there loads of new people to meet, but some of these you’ll actually be living with. If you don’t get on with your new flatmates at first, try to stick it out as first impressions are usually wrong. You never know, you could end up with friends for life!
Also, don’t forget that there are loads of great opportunities to meet like-minded people, whether these are on your course, in clubs or societies you join or on nights out. Try not to fret too much - go with the flow and enjoy yourself and you’ll probably find that your uni friendships will just sort of – happen!
Where can I go for help if I’m feeling homesick?
Every student will feel homesick at some point, even if they don’t admit it. It is a huge change moving to a new area or country and adjusting to a different way of life can cause “culture shock”. There are new places to get used to, different experiences to try and new routines to get stuck into.
If you want to find out more about Southampton and your new area, or just want a friendly chat or some advice then pop in to The Advice Centre in Building 40 of Highfield Campus.
The Education Stuff
Will I cope with the workload in my first year?
Your workload will be whatever you choose to make it. You’re responsible for your own education at university so it’s important to strike a good balance between your work load and your social life – after all university is about more than just attending lectures and doing assignments!
The Advice Centre has a booklet on “How to Study Successfully” that you can download at www.susu.org/life or pick up in-person from The Advice Centre (Building 40 on the Highfield Campus).
What happens if I’ve chosen the wrong course or have an academic issue?
Your first stop should be your tutor – they are there to help out with your studies and guide you on your course throughout your time at university. If you can’t go to your tutor for whatever reason, you can also get independent advice from us - The Advice Centre will be able to offer a friendly ear and point you in the right direction.
You also have your Course Representatives who are elected by you for each course and provide a link between students and academic staff. You can raise issues or concerns with your Course Rep and these can be voiced on your behalf.
There’s also your VP Academic Affairs, who’s here to make sure you get the education you’re paying for and who looks after all of the Course Reps and School Presidents.
The most important thing to remember is that you’re not on your own and if you do ever encounter any problems, however small, you have help to get it sorted early on.
Going Out & Having Fun
What’s the nightlife like?
There are several different areas in Southampton, where the nightlife does vary. The most popular areas for students are Portswood, with a variety of bars and student clubs, and Bedford Place which is slightly more up-market but still student friendly.
But, for the best student nights you need go no further than the heart of the Highfield campus. We’ve got a range of venues, from The Stags for a pint and a pizza, The Bridge with cocktails, comedy and great live music and last but certainly not least, our 1,700 capacity venue.
Can friends from home visit me?
Each hall has its own rules about people staying, so check first, but generally this is OK. Just as long as you don’t have any permanent lodgers!
If you want your friends from home to experience the awesomeness that is The Union, then you can sign in up to two guests at the entrance or at any of the bars. They’ll need to have ID with them and their own tickets if the event requires one.
Is there a dress code for some events?
Yes, some events do have a dress code and this is usually advised in advance. Your Freshers’ Ball is a swanky event so the dress code is black tie, but you won’t get turned away if you happen to have a wardrobe melt down.
Your Freshers’ Welcome Party is much more laid back and doesn’t have a set dress code, so no need to worry about potential dressing disasters!
Where can I get advice on sexual health?
It’s your first few weeks at uni and you’re bound to want to try new things, but don’t make unsafe sex one of them! There are loads of myths about sex at university and your fellow students aren’t all necessarily having sex all of the time (despite what they may tell you!), so make sure you’re not pressured into anything you don’t want to do.
If you are sexually active at uni, there’s no excuse for not being protected as you can pick up free condoms from SUSU Reception.
There is also easy access to local sexual health services, and you can find your nearest sexual health clinic online at www.protectyourself.nhs.uk.
Student Survival
What on earth is Freshers’ Flu?
With over 6,000 people from around the world arriving in one place at the same time, there’s bound to be lots of germs flying around and you can’t be immune to all of them. You may catch something and get sick during the first term, so make sure you’re registered with a local GP Surgery and get stocked up on your favourite cold and flu remedies.
Do I really need to budget?
Absolutely! This could be the first time you’ve had to look after your own finances and with your loan only getting paid in three times a year it’s a good idea to keep on top of your spending. We suggest working out a rough weekly budget based on your income and how much you’re likely to spend.
How can I have fun but stay safe in Southampton?
We don’t want you to miss out on having a good time or walk around in a constant state of paranoia, but it’s important to be sensible when it comes to your safety, especially at night. The usual mind set of “it’ll never happen to me” will stay a reality if you following these simple rules:
- Never, ever travel alone after dark or late at night if you can help it.
- If you are out and about at night, try and stick to well-lit main roads.
- If you’re on your way home from the library, Students’ Union, our bars or nightclub, make use of the Safety Bus. It’s only £1.50 for one of our qualified minibus drivers to take you to your front door – and only £2.50 if you live in Winchester or Basingstoke!
