What to expect in your first few weeks at a UK university

You might have a lot of questions about starting at a new university, such as: How will I find my way around campus? How are lectures different to in-school lessons? What is the university social scene like?

Whatever your questions are, you are not alone. Two of our Outreach Ambassadors, Tabitha and Leah, have shared their top tips for managing your first few weeks at a UK University - read on to find out more.

Contents:

1. Settling into University life
2. Lectures
3. Personal tutors and peer mentors
4. Being social
5. Finances
6. Homesickness

Settling into university life

University life might be a big jump from what you are used to, but there are plenty of ways to welcome you and help you settle in.

Tabitha: One of the first things it can be helpful to do is get your bearings. After you arrive at university, take time to understand the layout of campus - where your lectures will take place where Student Services are located – and importantly beyond campus, how to get around the city.

Leah: The BIG Welcome is a series of fairs, events, and activities designed to welcome you to Newcastle: the perfect opportunity to familiarise yourself with the university if you live outside the city. It's open to both UK and international students and takes place at the start of term one, every year. The International Welcome is specifically designed for international students, and includes free tours of the city, as well as introductory sessions, skills workshops, and social events.

‘The more you explore and get to know our beautiful city, the sooner you will feel settled.’ Tabitha, Outreach Ambassador

Tabitha (left) and Leah (right): two of our Outreach Ambassadors.

Lectures

Attending lectures at university will feel different from classroom teaching, and will take some getting used to.

Tabitha: Study skills will be learned over time, and you should trial different methods of note-taking to find out what works for you. If you’d like to develop your study skills, Get Ready to Study offers some great advice on research, revision, note-taking, and more. And don’t worry if you miss things during your lectures; they’re always recapped.

Leah: Expect thorough introductions from lecturers on what your course will entail, and how modules are split and assessed – all useful information that help form the basis of your degree. Lecturers understand that university is a whole new world and will guide you through it, step-by-step.

You may have to adjust to attending lectures rather than classroom teaching. Credit: Chris Bishop.

Personal tutors and peer mentors

Some degree courses offer a chance to meet up with your personal tutor and peer mentor group, who is there to help you throughout your entire university journey.

Leah: This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to a member of staff or fellow student. Your peer mentor will be in either Stage 2 or Stage 3 of their degree and can give relatable advice. Tell them about any concerns you have as they can point you towards the appropriate support available. But also tell them what you are excited about and interested in – make the most of your university journey!

'Your peer mentor group is a great opportunity to meet individuals on your course in a relaxed, friendly environment, and make use of their experience and wisdom.' Leah, Outreach Ambassador

Being social

University social events are a great way to get to know the university, and the people you'll be sharing your time with.

Tabitha: Society and sports taster sessions are great – throw yourself into every opportunity to try new activities. You have nothing to lose by going along, and you never know who you might meet or how much you might enjoy something you’ve never tried before.

Leah: Expect to be busy and try a bit of everything. Get involved with lots of activities whether that’s with your flatmates, your course mates, or on your own. The Newcastle University Students' Union (NUSU) always has something going on. Track down the free taster sessions from sports clubs and societies and check out our gym using the free trials in our Sports Centre - you have nothing to lose!

Finances

Managing your finances is an essential skill to learn as a university student.

Tabitha: This is the best time to enjoy your financial independence. This may be the most control you’ve ever had over your money, so use the first few weeks to trial your budgeting techniques.

Choosing to study in Newcastle will help with your budget: Newcastle is one of the top 5 most affordable cities in the UK (QS Best Student Cities 2026), the cost of living here is 22% lower than if you lived in London. And if you’re coming to Newcastle from abroad, you can attend an information session about banking in the UK during International Welcome Week to help you get started.

Homesickness

It can take a little while before you feel fully settled and that’s fine; missing your home or your friends is completely normal.

Tabitha: You might feel lonely at first - and that’s okay. A lot of people regard university as some of the best days of their lives, and it’s true that it’s a fantastic opportunity to make friends and live independently. However, don’t put the pressure on yourself to feel like that straight away. Give it time, be true to yourself, and don’t put pressure on yourself. There is a lot of support available at the University from the Wellbeing teams, Students’ Union and societies, so if you do want someone to speak to, you won’t ever be alone.

Leah: Many people feel some anxiety or homesickness. This is a massive period of transition: if you’re feeling nervous or out of your comfort zone you’re not alone. Try to speak to people around you, whether that’s flat mates, course mates or other networks around the University, and before you know it, you’ll be embracing university life.

We hope you have found these tips and tricks for settling into your first few weeks at University useful. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our Student Services team - they will be more than happy to help.

Header image credit: John Donoghue