How To Start a Social Life on Campus

There is a lot of excitement about starting fresh in a foreign city, but there is also a lot that can be a little scary. Tisan has started her business programme at Greenwich College and tells us all about the butterflies in her stomach.

"I have been excited about starting my studies for several months, and being a new student feels unfamiliar, new and exciting, at the same time as it is tiring, fun and very challenging with a completely new environment. Living at UniLodge has made the transition much easier for me, as I got to meet people from all over the world that shared similar feelings."

Tisan has been active during the orientation week at her college and Reslife events at UniLodge, and thinks that participation in these activities has paid off.

"I have participated in all the social things that have happened after school, and contacted my fellow students from the first day. The orientation days and induction dinners at Lincoln House creates an incredibly good unity. It is very important to be open and friendly. After all, it is at the beginning of the studies that one lays the foundation for one’s “student circle of friends”. It is also much easier to get to know others when everyone actually does not know anyone, than to come in later when groups have already begun to establish themselves."

Tisan points out that it is not necessary to participate in the orientation weeks to get into the social environment, but that it does not hurt either. The orientation week gives a soft start to student life by facilitating the creation of new social relationships. You will easily be able to meet people in the same situation as yourself and join activities together to get to know each other better. The social relationships that are created can be strongly linked to further wellbeing as a student and can also link students together in academic settings. Life as a student opens up for exploration of many parts of yourself – and there might be challenges both academically, socially and financially. Moving away from home and having to take full responsibility for one’s own life can be difficult. Tisan advises new students who have difficulties adapting to the new life to talk to someone. It can be a counsellor, a friend or a family member. It is also important to be open for new things. Often - there is not much to fear either.

"Don’t be afraid to join in on what is happening, or to talk to someone. In the beginning, a 'hello' is often enough for a further conversation. It is important to remember that you are not alone, but that everyone is in the same situation as you."