Making the move - a guide to university life

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 Embarking on the university rollercoaster is like diving into a pool of unknowns - thrilling, a bit nerve-wracking, and occasionally making you question your life choices. The university experience is more than just attending lectures and doing exams—it's an opportunity for personal growth, holistic development, and creating unforgettable memories. Whilst struggling to cope with the shift from adolescence to independent adulthood. 

Picture the university finance game as Monopoly, but with more responsibility and fewer get-out-of-jail-free cards. That termly accommodation loan isn't Monopoly money; it's real, and a chunk is earmarked for your landlord. Emergency loans are provided by the university in the case of a sudden financial crisis, but remember, it’s not free money; you'll be paying it back-, unfortunately, not in colourful notes.Hunt for applicable scholarships and bursaries – unlike loans, you don’t have to pay them back.

University  can turn your three-meals-a-day routine into an instant noodles diet. Embrace the 'unholy trinity' of carbs, sweets, and fats if you must, but a bit of pre-uni cooking practice might help you maintain your health and save you from giving yourself food poisoning, or burning the flat down. 

Freshers week, when people from all over and outside of the country come to university,  kindle the beginning of friendships, spark excitement for the future, and fosters the dreaded freshers' flu. Universities often offer vaccinations to protect against freshers’ flu. Alternatively, keep. The. Sanitizer. Ready.

While living with strangers, you can become best friends or worse enemies. To prevent the latter, keep communal spaces tidy; not everyone appreciates late-night opera performances, so keep the volume down. When it comes to food, stealing is a crime, even in the culinary world. Treat the bin duty roster seriously– don't be the jerk who forgets their turn.

One of the hardest parts of living independently is remembering to take care of your mental health. University can be extremely stressful and for most of us, the pressure to perform well academically can be difficult to manage and can inspire feelings of anxiety, but it’s important to remember that this is very common and not anything to be ashamed about. In fact, according to data released by the Mental Health Foundation (2023), 89% of 18 to 24 year olds have reported difficulty in their daily lives because of anxiety. 

Being away from home in a new environment can have a huge impact on mental health and shouldn’t be underestimated. Packing personal items when moving to university can make the place feel more like home, whether that’s on-site accommodation or off-campus. 

If you’re looking for advice or need a listening ear, support for students is available at most universities. Some examples at Warwick include Nightline, Wellbeing Services and Student Support. Nightline is an anonymous online service that provides judgement-free listening and advice. If you prefer a face-to-face interaction, Wellbeing Services are based at Senate House and offer both drop-in and scheduled appointments. These services can be helpful whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by independent life, academic workload or feeling anxious or stressed, which is particularly common at the beginning of term; according to the Office for National Statistics (2021), 37% of students in their first year of university in the UK expressed feelings and symptoms of emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression. 

Other than support provided by your university, there are plenty of things you can do for your mental health and overall well-being, exercise perhaps being one of the most beneficial and accessible. 

Warwick's lively sports scene offers more than just physical activity; it's a gateway to numerous social and mental health benefits. While the immediate physical gains like increased strength are evident, studies, exemplified by Sharma (2006), stress the profound impact of exercise on mental well-being. Just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise emerges as a simple yet potent strategy for reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood, concurrently boosting self-esteem and cognitive function.

However, the true essence lies in the communal nature of university-level sports. Acting as a gateway, it brings students from diverse backgrounds together, fostering close-knit communities through shared training, competitions, and triumphs. This collective experience not only tackles loneliness but also serves as a crucial stress outlet, aligning with findings by Umberson and Montez (2011). Beyond mere physical fitness, sports at Warwick become a catalyst for social bonds, mental resilience, and enduring connections, enriching the university experience holistically.

In a nutshell, university life is a rollercoaster of challenges and opportunities. Juggling finances, embracing makeshift meals, navigating new friendships, and prioritising mental health—all are part of this transformative journey. It's not just about academic pursuits, it's a holistic experience that shapes your growth and creates lasting memories. So, strap in, stay resilient, and make the most of every twist and turn on this thrilling ride.


References


Office for National statistics. (2021, October 27). Coronavirus and first year higher education students, England - Office for National Statistics. Www.ons.gov.uk. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/healthandwellbeing/bulletins/coronavirusandfirstyearhighereducationstudentsengland/4octoberto11october2021

Sharma, A., Madaan, V., & Petty, F. D. (2006). Exercise for mental health. Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry, 8(2), 106. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a

Umberson, D., & Karas Montez, J. (2011). Social Relationships and Health: a Flashpoint for Health Policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(1), 54–66 https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146510383501

Uncertain times: Anxiety in the UK and how to tackle it. (n.d.). Www.mentalhealth.org.uk. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week/anxiety-report



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