Making friends
If you've moved away from home to start university or college, it's quite normal to feel homesick in the first few weeks. While it is important to keep in touch with family and friends at home, getting involved in new activities and making new friends is often the best way to make yourself feel better.
Social networking sites are a great way to meet people who are starting at the same university or college before you go. Talking to other people in the same boat could help you feel a lot more confident when you do arrive at university/ college.
If, several weeks into the term, you are still struggling to settle in, there are people at your university or college who you can talk to about this. The institutions in York all offer free Counselling services. York St John University and the University of York also run Nightline – this is a scheme whereby students can phone and speak to a volunteer confidentially, about anything that is troubling them.
Coping with your course
Studying at university or college is very different from studying at school, and it's natural to have some concerns about this. However, remember that everyone is in the same position and university tutors are aware that being taught through lectures and seminars is likely to be new to you. Also bear in mind that you were selected to go on the course – you wouldn't have been offered a place if the tutors didn't think you could cope with the academic demands of the course.
Once you have started your course, make a timetable which incorporates the lectures and seminars you are required to attend, with additional time set aside for independent study. Don't get into the habit of missing lectures, even if they are not compulsory, as you are likely to get behind very quickly. If you do find that you are struggling with any aspect of your course then seek advice and support from you personal tutor – do not struggle on in silence.
Managing by yourself
If this is the first time you've lived alone, you will be taking responsibility for things you've never had to before. While this could be a steep learning curve, you will probably enjoy your newfound independence.
Before you go to university it might be a good idea to check you know how to do essentials like cook a nutritious meal and wash and iron your clothes, as this will save on phone calls home later on! It's also a good idea to plan a budget before you go to university, as you will feel a lot happier if you don't have to worry about money. See the Money section of this website for help with budgeting.
If you are struggling to manage by yourself there will be plenty of people at your university or college who can offer support and advice.