Hey everyone, and welcome to the Mathematics & Computing community! 
Welcome Week is finally here, and it’s your golden opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and make the most of your university experience from day one. I know for some of you—especially if you’re an international student or a bit introverted—this might feel a little overwhelming. But here’s the truth: this week is all about new beginnings, so push yourself to take that first step to meet new people, explore your surroundings, and set yourself up for an awesome year!
Here’s how you can make the most of it:
- Meet New People – Don’t Be Shy!
- Everyone’s in the same boat, trying to settle in, so go ahead and introduce yourself to fellow students. Start with those in your flat, your course, or the people you meet at events. You don’t need to have a long conversation—just say “Hi!” and you’ll see how easy it becomes from there.
- Attend as many social events as you can this week. It’s the best time to meet people from all backgrounds, and who knows, you might find a study buddy or even a close friend.
- Explore Your New City:
- Get out there and see what your city has to offer. Whether it’s grabbing coffee with new friends, exploring parks, or even taking part in a city tour organized by the university, make sure to familiarize yourself with your new environment.
- If you’re an international student or completely new to this place, exploring will help you feel more connected and comfortable in your surroundings.
- Push Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone:
- I know it’s tempting to stick to what feels comfortable, but university is the perfect place to try new things. Whether it’s joining a club, attending a social event, or even just saying “yes” to something you wouldn’t normally do push yourself to try new experiences.
- If you’re more introverted, set small goals. Maybe aim to introduce yourself to two new people each day or attend one event. These little steps will help you feel more at ease.
- Engage with the Student Community & Societies:
- Join a society, that interests you. These are great ways to meet people.
- University is as much about the social and extracurricular experiences as it is about your academics, so get involved in the student life beyond the lecture hall.
- Plan for Your Academic Start:
- While Welcome Week is a lot of fun, don’t forget to attend the course introduction sessions for the course you study. These will give you key information about your modules, academic expectations, and the support available to you throughout the year.
- If you can, start organizing your study space, familiarizing yourself with the campus, and getting access to any essential software or learning platforms you’ll need for your course.
- Look After Yourself:
- In the middle of all the excitement, don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed, but make sure to rest, eat well, and take time for yourself when needed. Welcome Week is just the start of a long and exciting journey!
A Special Note for International Students:
- I know how challenging it can be to be far from home, especially in a completely new environment. Everything might seem unfamiliar, but you’re not alone! The university has a diverse student body, and there are plenty of students going through the same experience. Don’t hesitate to join international student groups or reach out to others for support.
- Make use of all the resources available whether it’s student services, cultural societies, or just asking a local for help. The quicker you get involved, the more at home you’ll feel!