Student Storyteller and recent graduate Zoe Dahse offers her top tips for new students arriving at UCL.
I recently graduated from UCL with a degree in History and Spanish. It feels weird to say that out loud. It’s incredible to think about how the last four years have flown by and to look back at all the lessons I’ve learnt, the friends I’ve made and the experiences we’ve shared, including on my year abroad. I am so grateful for my UCL experience and all that I’ve been able to gain from it.
That’s not to say that my time hasn’t come with its challenges. While the first few weeks at university can be quite daunting at times, your first month at UCL is an amazing opportunity to meet new people and discover London, so here are my six top tips on how to make the most of it:
1. Make conversation
My number one tip is to make conversation, in whatever setting, because you never know who you might meet! You can make your seminar groups fun by talking to different people. Starting conversations won’t only bring your classmates closer together but, as the year progresses, you’ll be able to share top tips about your research or coursework, build strong bonds, and support one another.
Don’t be afraid to take the first step. Talking to new people and initiating conversation can feel a bit intimidating but remind yourself that everyone is in the same boat and looking to make friends! Not everyone is a party animal either, so don’t feel you have to go out clubbing every night if that’s not really your thing. There are many alcohol-free societies, the majority of Welcome events run by Students’ Union UCL are alcohol free, and we have a range of alcohol-free social spaces across Bloomsbury and UCL East.
2. Explore UCL’s campus and beyond
Explore campus and all that London has to offer - you might want to try Discover London events through the Students’ Union. I wish I had done this a lot more during my time at UCL! London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, with so much going on all the time, so take a new friend and explore it with them while getting to know them, too. Also, take the opportunity to explore campus and get to know where your lectures are before you go to your first classes so you can arrive on time.
3. Practise self-care
Social burnout is a very real thing. There may come a time when you notice that you need to take a step back and the only thing you want to do is crawl into bed! If this happens, it’s best to practise some self-care by doing something you love. Remember that you’re not missing out on anything by taking care of yourself - in fact, that’s probably the best thing you can do.
During your time at UCL, if you feel unhappy or overwhelmed, and find yourself wanting to talk to someone, Student Support and Wellbeing Services are here for you. You can find out more about available support. It’s also important to remember that friends take time to come by, and you’ll meet new people and make more friends as the year progresses, so don’t think that you have to make all’your friends in the first few weeks.
Freshers’ flu is also real, so if you feel your energy is running low and you’re consistently tired, it’s a very good indicator that your body just wants to rest, so listen to it! Make sure you’re registered with a local GP and contact them if you continue to feel unwell.
4. Get involved with Welcome Week and your Students’ Union
Keep track of everything on offer and organise your schedule through UCL’s International Week and Welcome events , and the Students’ Union’s What’s On Calendar. The Students’ Union has many society freshers’ events and plans for you to attend but also remember that you can try them out as the year goes on.
Additionally, Project Active is a fantastic initiative run by the Students’ Union, which offers flexibly scheduled exercise classes, ranging from yoga and barre to dance fit. Ask a potential new friend to come along and have a great time while breaking into a sweat. I’d recommend the barre classes!
If you’re feeling confused and would like some guidance through the new student processes, check out the Welcome team’s online resources.
5. Get to know your programme and your Student Adviser
Make sure you go to the introductory session for your programme, which will likely be held in the first week, as it explains your course structure and will provide you with some very helpful introductory guidance. Student Advisers are also an excellent resource as you can ask them any of those student-related questions you’re likely to have.
6. Embrace your time at UCL
Lastly, my personal advice from my experience at UCL would be to try as many opportunities as you can, to take care of yourself (both physically and mentally), and to remember that university is a learning experience, so try and take each lesson as it comes. You will feel a whole range of things in the first weeks as you try to settle in.
Have a fantastic start to the year!
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