Social Adjustment
I find it hard to talk to new people - what can I do?
If you find it hard to talk to new people, then university is a really good place to start with social adjustment. In your first year, especially, everyone is desperate to make friends, so you are bound to find somebody to talk to. If you are really struggling to find something in common with new people, then get involved with a club or society; that way, you will have something in common already to talk about. Also, your Students Union might run training events such as advocacy or public speaking. Things which are good skills to learn how to speak to normal people, but also very good to put on your CV for when you go for a job in the future.
I don't get on with my roommates - what can I do?
If you don't get on with your roommates in halls, then the first thing to do would be to go and talk to somebody about it. If you're really struggling with your roommates and you want to move out then the best thing to do is to go to your Accommodations Service. They'll either put you on a waiting list for another room, or they might allow you to do a direct swap if you can find somebody else who's willing to swap with you. Also, if you're really suffering with your roommates it might be worth going to the counselling service at the University. It's confidential and free, and you can just go and speak to somebody about your roommate worries. Also, every University's got a harassment policy so if you're really struggling and you feel you're being bullied by your roommates there will be somebody there to help you.
I've never been away from home - how can I adjust?
Most people who come to University have never lived away from home before so they find it a little bit difficult to adjust. The University is aware of this and they'll put on social courses on topics such as cookery and money management, so you can learn some new skills. If you're in halls of residence everybody's in the same position, so you can learn together, which can be quite fun in terms of social adjustment. Finally, before you leave home make sure you speak to your parents. Ask your mum, "How do I cook this?", "How do I wash this?", "How much money do I need to do my weekly shop?" so you you're already clued-up before you get to university.
I miss my friends at home - what can I do?
When you leave home, it's natural that you're going to miss your friends. You really have to remember that when you're at university, everyone's in the same boat, and you can meet lots of new ones who are feeling exactly the same way as you. There's plenty of ways to keep in touch with your friends from home.You can keep in touch via MySpace and Facebook, or you can sign up to Messenger or Skype, so you can actually talk to them every day. The other thing to do would be get your friends to make you a CD before you go, of all the songs that remind you of home. When you're feeling a bit miserable, you can put it on and it will make you smile. If you're really suffering at university, get your friends to come up and visit you for the weekend, and they can meet your new friends, who can see what a great person you really are.
I miss my family - what can I do?
When you come to university, it's natural to miss your family. I'd say the first thing to do is stick it out for at least a month because if you go home you're not going to want to come back. Remember that everybody else is in the same position so make some new friends, find a hobby that you enjoy, go to the student union and join up with a society. If you're really suffering with homesickness, then go and speak to your university counsellor, because a problem shared really is a problem halved and just getting it out in the open will really help you.
I am having problems adjusting to a new culture - what can I do?
International students and students from a different religious background often find it scary to come to university, but there really is no need. University really is one of the most culturally diverse places, where people really appreciate other peoples' differences. You'll find that there's an international advisor on-hand at the university, and that your student union will have a number of international and religious groups that students can sign up for. There's always somebody who understands you, and from the same cultural background as you that you can talk to--so don't feel alone.
How can I meet people with similar interests to me?
You're going to meet people with similar interests to you on your course, but if you want to find people who like the same social things, then definitely go down to the student's union. Go onto the website, see what clubs and societies they've got and what appeals to you, and then sign up. If they don't have something that you like, then it's really simple to actually start something new which, in turn, other people can join, and share your interests. That looks great on your CV as well.
I feel isolated in my halls of residence - what can I do?
If you're feeling isolated in your halls of residence, the first thing to do is take a deep breath, go out there and talk to your flatmates. If you don't get along with them, you can consider transferring. Or you can just go to your common room, and find out if there's other people in your halls whom you get along with. Otherwise, join a university club or society. That way you'll find people with similar interests, and it might not matter if you get along so much with your housemates in your hall of residence.
