University life is exciting, but it can get overwhelming, make you feel anxious and on top of that, you can start to feel isolated. Don’t worry, you are not alone! Overcoming this can be difficult so here’s some advice to help you get out there and enjoy your university experience.
Join the Students’ Union – the heart of life at Roehampton
We’re all experiencing university for the first time together. So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, make connections, and be the person you’d want to reach out to. Get involved in everything student life has to offer, from events like Freshers’ Festival and summer celebrations to student societies, activities and groups. Whether you want to try something completely different or spend time doing something you’re passionate about, there are plenty of opportunities to meet people with similar interests and form new connections. You can join an existing society or even start your own, with support from the Students’ Union along the way. It’s a great way to make friends, discover new interests and create memories to look back on.
Make time for sport and staying active
If you’re looking for a good way to meet people and take a break from studying, getting involved in a sport is worth a try. You could join a sports team if you enjoy a bit of competition, or try a more relaxed session through Play Roehampton. There’s E-Sports too, as well as the on-campus gym and fitness classes. Start with something that fits into your routine and, most importantly, something you’ll enjoy coming back to.
Explore Communities and activities on campus
One of the best ways to settle into university is to get involved in what’s happening around campus. There are activities and events taking place throughout the year, so keep an eye out and give something a go when you see something that catches your interest. You could join a karaoke night at the Union Bar, try scrapbooking at The Hive or simply pop along to something you’ve never done before. You don’t have to commit to anything – start with something you enjoy and see where it takes you.
If you are seeking a community, we offer a multi-faith Chaplaincy
Sometimes, it’s nice to have somewhere you can go, take a breather and have a bit of time to yourself. If you ever need someone to talk to or a quiet space to take some time for yourself, the Chaplaincy is there for you. You can access pastoral care, bereavement support and a listening ear, or join a reflection walk if you fancy getting some fresh air. It’s open to students of all faiths and none, so you can come along whenever you need some time, support or simply a friendly conversation.
Join RoeBuddies, our mentoring scheme
Starting university can take a little getting used to, and having someone who’s been through it before can be useful. Your Roebuddy can share their own experiences and give you advice on managing stress, getting to know people and settling into university life. If something’s on your mind or you’re unsure about how to approach something, you can always ask your mentor for their perspective.
Reach out if you need some support
University can feel like a lot sometimes, so it’s good to know where you can turn if you’re not feeling yourself. You can access free counselling and mental health advice, as well as the RoeWellbeing app for wellbeing resources and referrals. If things are getting on top of you, it’s okay to ask for a bit of help and take things one step at a time.
Making friends can take time, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out straight away. Get involved in things you enjoy, say yes when you feel like it and give yourself time to find people you click with. There’s no right way to experience university, so give yourself the freedom to enjoy it at your own pace and see where it takes you.
Find out more about the support we offer.