First few weeks at university

So you've made it. The wait is over and you're finally out of school and into university.

When you start university, there's usually a lot to take in. From information about the classes you should be taking and societies you should be joining to actually meeting your room and class mates for the first time and getting to know each other.

It doesn't have to be too hard, though; there'll be highs and lows. Here's a few things that should be on your radar in your first weeks.

Inductions

Depending on where you are in the world, an orientation week or a freshers' week is a chance for the university to give you the lowdown on what university life is going to be like.

There'll be talks, guest speakers, seminars, enrolments and much more. You should attend as many as possible. Not only will they make your life easier so you're fully clued in on what's going on, they're the ideal way to meet new people.

Without even realising it, you're networking.

Homesickness

It might seem strange, but even though you couldn't wait to get out of the family home and have your independence, a little bit of homesickness is inevitable.

You'll miss friends and family and it can be tempting to head home as often as possible to get the best of both worlds. That works for some people, but make sure that your longing for home isn't interfering with your studies.

A good way to combat any homesickness would be to check out any clubs or societies that might interest you. You'll find people on common ground who- just like you- are away from home too.

Don't be afraid to belong to a club: it doesn't make you any less of an individual and it's a great way to make contacts and share information.

Make sure you've got everything you need in our student checklist

Make friends

You're going to meet a lot of new people, who have totally different backgrounds, experiences and mindsets from you.

Although you may want to be everybody's friend, give it a few weeks before you're sharing your innermost secrets. That's when people stop acting and get real.

Build up trust gradually and make friends selectively- without isolating yourself of course.

There's an old saying that goes: 'You spend a great deal of your second year trying to lose the friends you made in your first'. Is it true? You tell us.

Be open-minded

Another part of meeting new people is that you might be exposed to attitudes or behaviours that you've never encountered before. If confronted by something you're not comfortable with, then remove yourself from the situation.

Universities tend to have a very liberal atmosphere, so if you're more conservative, you might struggle at first with letting yourself go. That doesn't mean you have to change your personality: just be true to yourself and open-minded people will respect you for it.

You're unlikely to be put into university accommodation with a bunch of people just like you, so try not to get too down if you have nothing in common with your room mates.

Perhaps suggest an activity to do together that could act as a bonding session; they might not be your kind of person at first, but once you get to know them, they could be cool, and that's another contact made.

Use resources

There's a wealth of information and resources at your fingertips, so don't waste any time in discovering them. Head straight to the library to make sure you've got your user details sorted so that you can use the facilities.

Sign up for an orientation session to make sure you're fully informed. Check out your nearest wireless internet hotspots and find out all about the cubs and societies available.

Read how to make the most out of university

Take care of yourself

You're away from home, you're meeting lots of new people, having lots of fun. Sounds great, but make sure you look after number one. You've got plenty of years of freedom to go, so try not to cram everything into just a few weeks.

When alcohol is involved, your judgement might be skewed and your inhibitions low; try to make sure that you're not left in compromising situations.

You're your own greatest asset, stay safe.

Study

Many people have so much fun when they first get to university that they forget what they're there for- to study. Have fun, but remember that you may not get another opportunity to get your education so use the time wisely.

Make the partying that extra perk that comes with all your studying, not a priority.

Help

Nobody wants to look as if they don't know what they're doing, but if you're trying to save face by not asking for help, then you're losing out.

Going to university is probably one of the biggest upheavals in your life so far. Don't make it worse by staying silent.

Most universities have specially-assigned helpers for orientation weeks. Make the most of this resource: they've been there and done it and are still living the university life.

Get the inside line on what's going on from them and soon you'll be the one answering all the questions.

If you need more support, most universities offer counselling which can help you through those tough first few weeks.