6 tips for settling in at UCL

1. Do expect ups and downs

Whether you have just started at UCL or are coming back after a break, each of you will be about to embark on something brand new. Being at university can be a really exciting time; new friends, new relationships, learning new things, living away from home. But it can also be a daunting experience; new friends, new relationships, learning new things, living away from home.

Be aware that there may be times that UCL feels like the best place on earth and others when you may wish you could just pack it all in and go home. However you're feeling, keeping things to yourself won't help the situation. Talk to friends old and new, family, personal tutors and contact support services so you don't have to go through it on your own.

2. Don't do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable

With all the new experiences and feelings you are bound to encounter there may be times when you are left feeling a little out of your depth and unsure about what you should and should not be involved in.

Whether it is going out when you need to stay in and work, clubbing, drinking, taking drugs, having sex or spending more money than you have remember that you do not have to do anything you don't want to.

3. Do make your room as homely as possible

This may be your first time away from home or you may be moving in to new accommodation. Whatever your situation you will feel more settled and at home if you bring a piece of home with you. You could buy some things to personalise your room or make sure that you have lots of pictures of family and friends from back home so they never feel too far away.

4. Don't hide away in your room

Make sure that you venture out of your room and take opportunities to meet people. One way to do this is to make sure you eat your meals outside of your room and in communal areas with other students. A sure fire way to find like minded people is to join clubs and societies, UCL has over 250 can get involved with.

If you're a first year undergraduate then the transitions programme is an ideal option which will link you up with a mentor and other first year students and help you to settle in socially and academically.

5. Do take care of yourself

There are some small steps that you can take to make sure that your mind and body stay in tip-top shape. Getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet will enable you to stay on top of the many demands of university life.

Regular exercise doesn't have to mean going to the gym. Getting off the bus or tube a stop early and walking is a great way to fit exercise into your day. And a healthy diet doesn't mean living on rabbit food but making sure you don't survive on fast food only.

6. Don't forget to work

It's important to establish friendships and a sense of belong but don't let it distract you from the main reason you are here; to get a degree. Using schedules from the start can help you to maintain a healthy balance between work and play and ensure you get a great amount of both throughout your time at UCL.

Make a note of all your classes and when you'll work on assignments first and then you can also include the society events you'll attend and don't forget to leave space for that party Friday night.

Dr Sonia Greenidge, UCL Student Psychological Services