The First 30 Days: A Guide for New University Students

What Should You Do in Your First Days at University?

For new university students, the first days are about more than just attending classes. Understanding the new educational system, learning where the key places on campus are and establishing a daily routine are also important parts of this process.

Remember that you do not have to figure everything out on the first day. Adapting to university life is a natural process that varies from person to person. All you need to do is give yourself time, observe your surroundings and ask for support when you need it.

1. Get to Know the Campus and Key Units

In addition to learning where your classrooms are, find out the locations of units you may use frequently, such as the library, cafeteria, infirmary, student affairs office and the Directorate of Health, Culture and Sports. That way, you will know where to go when you need help.

• ✓ Learn where the classrooms and laboratories are.
• ✓ Explore the library and study areas.
• ✓ Check the cafeteria and shuttle schedules.
• ✓ Save the contact details of student support units.

2. Add Your Class Schedule to Your Personal Calendar

Instead of keeping your class schedule only as a screenshot, add it to the calendar on your phone or computer. Note the classroom along with the class times. As you learn about assignment, project and exam dates, keep track of them in the same calendar.

This method reduces the risk of mixing up classes and deadlines, especially in the first weeks. Setting notifications to go off a certain amount of time before class starts also makes it easier to plan your time on campus.

3. Take the First Step to Meet New People

Making friends at university can sometimes take longer than expected. You can start a conversation by asking people in your class simple questions about the course, the campus or events. The first conversation does not need to be special or long.

Spending time in common areas between classes, joining group work and exploring student clubs make it easier to meet people with similar interests.

4. Explore Student Clubs and Events

Student clubs are among the most important parts of university life socially, culturally and academically. By exploring clubs related to your interests, you can take part in events, develop new skills and meet students from different departments.

Rather than trying to join every club in your first month, it is healthier to identify a few areas that genuinely interest you. By noticing how the events you attend make you feel, you can refine your choices over time.

5. Strike a Balance Between Classes and Social Life

When starting university, focusing only on your classes or devoting too much time to social activities can make it hard to stay balanced. In your weekly plan, set aside separate time slots for classes, review, rest and social activities.

Rather than studying for long hours every day, doing short reviews after classes can help information stick. That way, you will not have to learn every topic from scratch during exam season.

6. Do Not Neglect Your Sleep and Eating Habits

Your sleeping hours may change as you adjust to a new environment and class schedule. However, irregular sleep can negatively affect your focus in class and your daily energy. Try to go to bed at roughly the same time each night and start the day with breakfast.

Keeping water with you and preparing small, healthy snacks for long class days will also help you maintain your energy throughout the day.

7. Do Not Compare Yourself to Others

Some students may seem to have made friends from day one and adjusted to university life right away. However, everyone's adaptation process is different. Focus on your own pace and do not see the uncertainty you feel in the first days as failure.

If you have been feeling unhappy, highly anxious or lonely for a long time, you do not have to deal with it on your own. You can get help from your university's psychological counseling and student support units.

Frequently Asked Questions