Starting university is a big life change. Whether you’re moving away from home for the first time or returning to study for a new year, even exciting changes can feel overwhelming at first. For both home and international students, the first few days or weeks may feel disorienting, and that’s completely normal.
The good news is that most students experience this stage, and with time and support, things do get easier. There are also plenty of small steps you can take to help yourself feel more settled and at home.
Why do I feel this way
Big changes often bring mixed emotions. When you start university, you might notice:
- feeling overwhelmed by everything being new
- missing home, family, or old friends
- worrying about making friends or fitting in
- struggling with new academic expectations
- feeling tired, stressed, or out of routine
These reactions are very common and don’t mean you’ve made the wrong choice. Adjustment takes time, and things usually get easier as you build new routines and connections.
It’s also normal to feel lonely or homesick at times. These are common parts of settling into university life.
What can I do to help now
Adjusting to university life doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a gradual process that looks different for everyone. Many students experience a mix of excitement and uncertainty in the first few weeks. Taking small steps like building a routine, getting involved in campus activities, and reaching out for support when needed can be helpful to feel more settled.
3 things you can do right now:
- Go for a walk or get some fresh air. Exercise and nature can help ease overwhelming feelings and help you feel calmer. You could even take the opportunity to walk with a friend and talk through how you feel.
- Do something you enjoy. Whether it's cooking a meal, chatting to a friend, playing a sport or any other activity that boosts your wellbeing, try to make space for these in your new routine.
- Set 3 small goals for tomorrow. This could be planning study time, trying out a new activity, or simply making time for something you enjoy. Having a plan can help you feel more in control of how you are feeling and settle in.
How to support yourself going forward
Make time to unwind: It’s easy to get swept up in the rush of new experiences, but building in downtime is essential. Whether it’s listening to music, taking a walk, watching something light, or having an early night, these moments help recharge both body and mind.
Expect to feel nervous: No matter how confident others might seem, most students feel out of their depth at first. It’s completely normal to feel anxious or unsure in the early days. And if you don’t make best friends in the first week, that’s okay. Real friendships take time.
Seek out like-minded people: Join a club, society, or SU event. Explore interests you already love, or try something new. Putting yourself in spaces where people share your interests makes it easier to connect.
Be kind to yourself: Awkward moments happen. Saying the wrong thing, feeling out of place, or overthinking an interaction. It’s part of being human. Try to learn from it, let it go, and keep moving forward.
Don’t feel pressured: This is your university experience. It's good to push yourself to try new things and be out of your comfort zone, but you don’t have to do anything that doesn’t feel right for you whether that’s going out late, spending money you don’t have, or saying yes when you want to say no. It’s okay to set boundaries.
Talk to someone: If you’re feeling low, stressed, or unsure, don’t keep it bottled up. Talk to a friend, a peer mentor, your academic mentor, the SU Advice Team, or Student Support. Reaching out can make a big difference.
Stay on top of your time: Getting organised early helps you feel more in control. Try using a planner or calendar to balance lectures, study, rest, and social time. The Skills Centre also offers support with time management, academic writing, and more.
Remember you’re not alone: Feeling uncertain at the start is one of the most common student experiences. Many others around you feel the same, even if they don’t show it. Give yourself time to settle in, share how you’re feeling, and remind yourself that things get easier.
Helpful Videos
These videos offer useful tips to help you adjust to university life:
5 tips for finding your place at university video offers practical advice on making friends, getting involved, and settling in (1.5 minute watch)
Adjusting to university life provides quick tips for supporting your mental wellbeing as you start your journey (3 minute watch)
Podcasts
- The Wyrd Learning Podcast is a series of podcasts about university life including adjusting from A levels to University
- University Unlocked series is co-written by students at the University of Manchester and explores university life through the first year. The Moving in day podcast is a great place to start
- The Uni Guide Podcast explores university life and is full of useful tips to help you adjust
Apps
The Be Well app is full of resources and podcasts that can help your overall wellbeing or calm you down if you are feeling overwhelmed by adjusting to university.
Helpful websites
Student Minds have a Settling Into University guide full of blogs and articles to support you to adjust to university life.
Adjusting to the UK as an international student specifically looks at the experiences of international students and adjusting to life in the UK.
Abodus have a comprehensive How can I adjust to university life guide.
People you can talk to
Adjusting to university life takes time, and exploring the resources above can be a helpful starting point. If you find that you're still struggling or simply want someone to talk to, you're not alone and there’s a range of support available to help:
- your peer mentor will have been through an adjustment period themselves and will be able to share their experiences that helped them
- Be Well – Talk Now is a 24/7 confidential helpline helps you to connect with a trained adviser via phone
- Chaplaincy is a friendly, non-judgmental space for spiritual advice or just someone to talk to, open to students of all faiths or none
- Academic Advisors will be able to support you in your academic studies if you are struggling to adjust
- The Skills centre have various course and resources to help you develop your academic skills to feel more confident in your course and studies
- ResLife can provide support around housemates and your accommodation
- The Student Support Advice Team are available to talk through anything that may be bothering you including if you are finding it difficult to settle at university
Final thoughts
Adjusting to university is a journey, not something you need to have figured out straight away. Be patient with yourself, try new things, and reach out when you need support. Over time, the university can start to feel like a second home.
This guide was written by Student Support in partnership with students.