Your first four weeks at University: a survival guide for new students

Before you even pack your bags, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your arrival is as smooth as possible.  

Get your paperwork in order 

Make sure all your important documents are in one place. This includes your ID (or Passport), your university acceptance letter, and accommodation details.

If you’re an international student, double-check that your visa immigration documents are ready to go. Consider saving digital versions of your important papers (screenshots or files saved in a dedicated folder on your phone or e-mail inbox), so you have backups, but always keep the originals safe. Also, consider checking the UK government website for more detailed information. 

Get to know your student portal (before you even arrive)

Log in to your student portal now and have a look around. Familiarising yourself with the layout and functions will save you a lot of stress later. You might be able to find your timetable, read about different student societies, and check your university emails – all before you even set foot on campus.  

Know where you’re going

Don’t wait the last minute to figure out your travel plans. Find out the name of your accommodation building, how to get there, and what time you can pick up your keys.  
 
An essential step is to get familiar with London’s geography. Have an overview of the London tube map and download apps like Citymapper or the official Tfl app to help you get around. Do you know your way from the airport or train station to your accommodation? And from there to campus? Start saving all those key locations on your Google Maps, just in case you need to access the information offline.  
 
If you’re an international student, consider looking into e-sims to ensure you have a data connection as soon as you arrive. While you can find free Wi-Fi in public spots like airports, train stations, and coffee shops, it’s always good to be prepared. Once you have your journey sorted, you can start having a look at campus building locations and lecture halls on a map.  

The first month is the perfect time to explore and get your bearings. Start with a walk around campus to find key spots like the library, the student union, and your main lecture halls. Don’t forget to check the official London Campus induction week schedule for your course! Getting familiar with these buildings now will save you from getting lost later! For more essential information and resources for getting started, visit our page for new and current students.

Next, venture off-campus to find your local grocery store, your new favorite coffee shop, and a nice park to relax in. While you're out and about, why not visit Greenwich? It's not far from campus and offers a stunning view of the city—a perfect photo opportunity with your new friends. For more tips on exploring the city, check out our guide to student life in London.

Want more insider tips on making the most of your new city? We’ve put together a guide on living like a local.

Now for the fun part! Once you’re arrived and unpacked, it’s time to get to know your new home and the people in it.  

Embrace your social side (however you see fit)  

The first few weeks are a whirlwind of social events, from Freshers’ Week to TEG Club meetups. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and find your vibe. The easiest place to start is right at home with your flatmates. A simple chat over a cup of tea or shared meal can be the first step to building your new home base.  
 
After that, throw yourself into clubs or societies that genuinely appeal to you. Whether it’s a sport team, a debating society, or a film club, you’re guaranteed to find people who share your passions.  
 
And hey, it’s completely okay if you’re not a social butterfly. University can be a lot, and balance is key. There’s no pressure to attend every event. It’s perfectly fine to take time for yourself to recharge. You’ll find your own pace and your own people soon enough. If you ever need support or just someone to talk to, remember our student services are always here to help.

Make your room a home

Use this time to personalise your new space and make it ‘yours’. Grab a few plants, some cosy blankets, and string lights to make your room feel welcoming. To add a personal touch, consider hanging poster or prints. You can find unique pieces on a budget by exploring London’s vibrant street markets in Greenwich, Camden or Brick Lane over the weekend, or by browsing online shopping sites like Desenio or Drool if you’re more into contemporary art.  
 
When you’re ready to start decorating, you have plenty of student-friendly options. IKEA is not too far away, with a store in North Greenwich that’s easily accessible via a short bus ride from the Jubilee line station. For everyday essentials and home items, you’ll find a wide range of affordable options at large grocery stores like Asda, Tesco Extra, Aldi and Lidl. These are great places to pick up everything from towels to kitchen utensils without breaking your budget.  

When it comes to communal spaces, every household is different, so it’s a good idea to have an open conversation with your flatmates. Chat about who will be responsible for buying shared essentials like washing-up liquid, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. Some flatmates will prefer only using their own stuff, while others may want to create a shared budget and take turns buying items. Getting on the same page from day one will prevent misunderstandings and awkward conversations down the line.  
 
If you do decide on a shared budget, there are some great apps to help. Many people in the UK use their mobile banking apps for instant money transfers, which is great for small amounts. For keeping track of all your shared expenses, an app like Tricount or Splitwise is a fantastic option. This gives everyone visibility on who has paid for what, making it super easy to split the costs fairly.  

Take some time in the first month to plan your finances for the year. Write down your income from loans or part-time work and all your outgoings, from rent to subscriptions. 

This helps you avoid overspending and ensures you have enough money to enjoy your new life. Our guide to smart money moves has some great tips on this. If you are struggling with finances, our finance options page can provide support.

The secret to a stress-free year? It starts right now. Pay close attention to your lecturers when they talk about assignment deadlines and what they expect from you. It might sound simple but having a clear plan from the get-go is a lifesaver that will leave you with more time to enjoy everything else uni has to offer.  

The first few weeks are a wonderful mix of excitement and a little bit of chaos, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s okay if it feels like a lot to take in – we've all been there! There's no pressure to do everything at once. Taking care of yourself is the most important thing, so give yourself permission to breathe and take it all in. Just remember that we’re always here if you have a question or just need a friendly chat.  

Best of luck!