Questions I was too nervous to ask before starting at YSJ!
Hi I’m Keira, a second-year Politics and International Relations Student here at York St John University! I’m here to share the questions I was too nervous to ask before starting at YSJ as a first-year student!
Will I make friends?
This is the question on every new student’s mind, but don’t worry! While you settle into uni life, you’ll meet so many new people! From flatmates to course mates to society members! Everybody makes new friends at different paces, so don’t worry if it takes you a few weeks – this is normal! I’d recommend joining a society to meet like-minded people and make new friends! Everybody really is in the same boat!
What if I get lost?
It’s completely normal to get lost when starting university! You’re still getting used to a new city and a new campus, so finding some classrooms could be trial and error at first! When I first arrived at YSJ, I spent half an hour lost in the quad!
I’d recommend spending some time in welcome week finding the rooms on your timetable so that you feel more prepared for starting your course the week after! Student Ambassadors are always on hand during welcome week to help with navigation questions!
What is move-in day like?
Move-in day can feel quite overwhelming at first, but I found it to be very exciting once I’d got started! You’ll be able to book a time slot for move in and collect your keys from campus (if you’re in uni-managed accommodation) or the accommodation sites themselves (if you’re in a partner-provider). Then it’s the exciting part! You’ll be able to move you belongings into you new uni home, meet flatmates and pick your fridge shelves and cupboards! It’s natural to be nervous as this could be your first time moving away from home! I found decorating my uni room and unpacking to be a great way to settle in and meet my flatmates!
Where do I start exploring York?
It’s so fun to explore your new uni city! York always has something to do for you to get involved with!
When I first moved to York, I familiarised myself with the city by walking around the full length of the city walls (which is free)! I’d also recommend walking to both uni and the city centre from your accommodation to familiarise yourself with the different routes!
During September, keep an eye out for the annual Food Festival that comes to Parliament Street in York city centre every year! This is a great way to start your exploring too!
Remember, don’t worry if you have to use google maps to explore York at first! I used google maps for 3 months before I knew all the routes around York!
What is welcome week?
Welcome Week (also known as freshers’ week) is a great chance to explore campus! Typically running in the third week of September, the student union hosts lots of events around campus! From plant and poster sales to bingo to pottery painting – there’s something for everyone! There will also be course induction sessions for first year and master’s students – great events for meeting your lecturers and some of your classmates!
Good Luck Starting Uni!
Keira
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