8 things I wish I knew before starting university

By Katie Lord, Graduate College

Starting university is exciting, but it can also feel nerve-racking and overwhelming, which is completely normal. Looking back at when I arrived at Lancaster University as a first-year student, there are definitely a few things I wish I had known before moving in.

Although everyone’s university experience is different, these are some of the things that helped me settle in, make the most of my time here and embrace the transition into university life a little more.

1. Make your room feel like home

One of the first things I wish I had known is how important making a comfortable room for yourself is. Adding small personal touches like photos, fairy lights, blankets or one of your favourite old (maybe slightly faded) mugs, can make your accommodation feel much more welcoming. It may seem like a small thing, but having somewhere cosy to return to after a busy day of lectures and socialising really helps when you’re adjusting to a new environment.

2. Don't stress about making friends immediately

Before coming to Lancaster, I worried far more than I needed to about making friends. It can feel like everyone around you is instantly finding their friendship groups, but the reality is that most people are feeling just as nervous as you are.

Some friendships might form during Welcome Week, while others develop weeks or even months later through seminars, societies, accommodation, or part-time jobs. Some of the people I’m closest to now weren't even among the first people I met at university.

It's important to remember that friendships develop naturally, and there’s no timeline for you to follow.

3. Give societies a go

Another thing that I quickly realised during my time at Lancaster was just how much societies have to offer. They’re one of the easiest ways to meet people who share similar interests, whether you’re interested in sports, academics, gaming, or something completely different.

During the first few weeks of term, many societies host taster sessions, meaning you don’t need to commit to a membership fee straight away and you can explore which society might be best for you. What I really like about societies at Lancaster is how welcoming and inclusive they are. You don’t need any prior experience to join a sport, and you’re still made to feel completely included from the start. In fact, you might even find that the sports you’ve never tried before end up surprising you the most!

For me, societies became a great way to meet new people outside of my course and try things I wouldn't have considered before.

4. Make the most of Welcome Week

Looking back, I’m glad I pushed myself to attend events during Welcome Week, even when I felt nervous. Those first few days provide a fantastic opportunity to explore campus, meet other students in your college, and get familiar with your new surroundings.

You don't have to attend every single event, but being open to trying new experiences can make a huge difference. Whether it's a college activity, a campus tour, or simply grabbing a coffee with someone you've just met, Welcome Week is designed to help you settle in.

It can feel daunting at first, but most students are in the exact same position and are looking to meet new people too, showing just how important pushing yourself out of your comfort zone in those first few days can be in shaping your entire university experience.

5. Learn how to budget early

Managing money was one of the biggest adjustments that I had to make when starting university here. It can feel tempting to spend your money freely during the first few weeks, especially when there are lots of social activities happening. Learning how to budget early can save a lot of stress later in the term. Simply keeping track of your spending, planning food shops, and setting realistic limits for social activities can help your money go much further.

You’ll also find that student discounts become your best friend very quickly! Whether it’s food, clothing, or entertainment, those savings can really help you in the long run.

6. Get comfortable cooking for yourself

Another thing I quickly realised was that cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. Before university, I imagined everyone else would be preparing elaborate meals every evening, but the reality is often much simpler.

Learning a few easy recipes can make student life much easier and more affordable. Pasta dishes, stir-fries, curries, and tray bakes are all great places to start. Meal prepping ahead of the week is another habit I wish I had adopted sooner. Preparing extra portions for future lunches or dinners saves both time and money, especially during busy weeks.

7. Use academic support services

One thing that surprised me when I first arrived at Lancaster was the huge amount of support available to students. Transitioning from A-levels to the university learning style can feel quite different, but lecturers, tutors and academic advisors genuinely want students to succeed. Asking questions early, attending office hours, and seeking guidance through email can make a big difference to how you progress in your course. The main thing to remember is that you’re never expected to navigate the course entirely alone!

8. Create a routine

One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to establish a routine early on. University offers a lot more freedom than school or college, which is great, but it means creating a day-to-day structure is important. Having a general routine helped me balance lectures, studying, social activities, exercise, and rest. Finding a balance between productivity and downtime is something that takes practice, but it’s something that I think is worth prioritising from the beginning.

Conclusion

Looking back, there are plenty of things I wish I’d known before arriving at Lancaster University four years ago. However, one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that nobody starts university knowing exactly what they’re doing. Reminding yourself that settling in takes time and that everybody is in the same boat is important. It’s completely normal to take a few weeks to settle into the new environment, but before you know it, Lancaster will begin to feel like home.