Tuesday 02-09-2025 - 13:38

You have got your results, you have had the acceptance email, maybe you have even picked out your outfit for your first day, now what? 

I, Aidan Dawson, your Wellbeing Officer have put together a few tips that I found useful when I was a student! 

 

1. Find your way around! 

If you are studying on one of the university campuses take the time to get to know your new surroundings, you can’t go too far astray and if you do get lost there is always a friendly face to point you in the right direction. Knowing where the library is, where you can get a decent cup of coffee and where your student union office is can help you feel much calmer as you settle into university life. 

2. Enjoy Welcome Week! 

You might be asking, what exactly is Welcome Week? Well, it is a week in which there are plenty of things happening across the campuses to welcome you to the university! Look out for key events such as the Freshers Fairs (who doesn’t want all the freebies??), the return of the Colour Run, its going to be chaos, and all the opportunities to snag some free food, make that budget go further! You can find all the events here but remember to keep an eye on the event page…there are plenty more coming during the rest of the year.  

3. Remember it is Normal to be Excited & Nervous  

Starting university is a massive milestone, and it’s bound to bring a mix of emotions and that is totally normal. Whether you are coming straight from college or returning to education it will bring with it its own set of challenges. Even if it feels like it, you’re not alone and will not be the only one feeling like this. Talk to your housemates and course mates, even if it is just a friendly hello. The UCSU office door is always open for a friendly chat, a word of advice or even just a quiet place to take a break for a moment. The university also has services that you can rely on to help as well. 

4.  Use our Free Stuff! 

UCSU runs a Cost-of-Living Campaign, as part of that we offer: 

• Free tea and coffee stations outside UCSU office spaces 

• Free to use kettles and microwaves on campus to keep your food costs down 

• Free water fountains around campus 

• A voucher to a supermarket of your choice to help you when the budget gets a little tight 

• Free period supplies in female & accessible bathrooms on campus and campus receptions 

• Free condoms in campus bathrooms and from UCSU office space  

 

5. Budget, budget, budget! 

We know, this is probably all you’ve heard from everyone since you said you’re going to university, but it is sound advice. How much you have to work with depends on your individual income, this could be student loans, family support and working part time whilst studying. Whatever your situation it is important to plan. Save the Student have a great list of tools to help you plan your budget each term.  

 

6. Remember UCSU beyond September 

Of course, one of our favourite times of the year is meeting all the new faces and saying welcome back to returning students but the fun doesn’t stop when September ends! Your student union is here for you throughout the year. This year we’ve already got Halloween, Bonfire Night, and Winter events lined up (keep an eye on the events page for updates!) but we don’t stop there. UCSU is here for you no matter what, we are your one stop shop for: 

• Free & impartial advice & support 

• Groups, societies & networks 

• Student voice  

• Merchandise  

 

Whatever you get up to during your first few weeks at the University of Cumbria your students’ union is here for you! To stay up to date with all the latest news and events make sure you are following us on Instagram at: 

UCSU: @cumbria_su 

UCSU Officers: @ucsu_officer_s  

 

We can’t wait to see you around - welcome to Cumbria!