Learn Local at UHI Perth - Top Tips
We know that coming to college and university can be exciting yet challenging 😬
Whether you are staying at home or moving to study, we have put together some ‘Top Tips’ to help you navigate your first few weeks as smoothly as possible 🙌
1. Learn to do a few things before you leave home
If you are moving away for the first time, learn a number of easy recipes that remind you of home. The temptation might be to buy expensive takeaways and eat rubbish 🙃, but nothing beats the comfort of a home cooked meal! You will also be able to impress your new flatmates with your cooking skills👌👨🍳
You will now be responsible for washing your own clothes 😬, so ask a family member for some advice on the best programmes to use so that your white clothes don’t end up pink… 🫠
2. Only bring stuff you will actually need
We know you will be tempted to bring everything you own, but most student accommodation is small, and you will have limited space. Remember that your new flatmates will also be bringing their own possessions, so you may end up with doubles of everything. Wait until you are settled in your flat and then you can buy anything that is missing. If your new accommodation has a WhatsApp group, ask everyone what they are planning to bring.
3. Get to know your flatmates when you arrive
It can be tempting to hide in your room when you arrive but make the effort to meet your new flatmates on day one. The quicker the ice is broken, the easier it will be to settle in.
Be polite and friendly and ask questions to start the conversation ⬇️
➕ Where have you come from? ➕What course are you studying? ➕ Have you been to Perth before? ➕ How are you feeling about starting at UHI Perth?
You might not have lots in common with everyone 🤷♂️, but the one thing you do have in common is that you are all in the same boat on day one.
4. Embrace making new friends, at every opportunity
You don’t have to make friends with people just on your course, or those you live with, be friendly and open to everyone that you interact with. Why not join one of the student association clubs and societies so that you find people with a common interest? Or join the UHI Perth gym?
5. It’s okay to miss your friends and family
It's perfectly normal to miss familiar surroundings and struggle to adapt to new ones. It’s a whole new environment and set of experiences, and can be completely overwhelming, so just take each day one step at a time. Keep in contact with your friends and family and let them know how you are feeling. Remember that the best way to get over home sickness is to immerse yourself in your new life at UHI Perth, even if it feels scary at first. If things start to become too much, our student support team are always on hand to help you.
6. Step outside your comfort zone and say yes to things!
It can be tempting to stick to what you know, but if the opportunity arises to try something new or to mix with a different group of people, take the chance as you might end up enjoying yourself immensely! If you try things and they aren’t for you, it’s also totally fine to say no the next time. Make the most of your time at UHI Perth and be brave 💪
7. Have faith in your abilities!
The transition from school to college/university is a huge adjustment and it won’t just be you that is feeling that way. You earned your place on the course - so always remember that. The staff at UHI Perth will make sure you are supported the whole way through your course and will help you anytime you are feeling overwhelmed. The struggles and tough times will be worth it in the end and play a part in building your resilience.
8. Have realistic expectations of what to expect in your first month
Allow yourself to go through the motions and don’t put unrealistic expectations on yourself for your first month. Not everything will fall into place in the first few weeks, it will take time to fully adjust to your new life. As long as you are turning up to classes on time and trying your best at everything that is asked of you, then that’s all we will ask of you. And remember, try to enjoy this exciting new phase of your life!
9. Connect with people on social media
Why not start a class WhatsApp group so you can all stay in touch and help each other with assignments and morale support? Your course might have a mixture of age groups and life experiences, so it is another great opportunity to make friends with people that wouldn’t normally be in your social circle.
10. Get involved in Freshers Week
This is the perfect chance to settle in and enjoy your new life at UHI Perth before your classes begin. You will also be able to find out about all the clubs and societies on offer. Follow your students’ association on social media to hear more info about the timetable of events.
Sunday 27 August
11am-3pm - Halls BBQ, Webster
Monday 28 August
12-1pm - Board Game Afternoon, Webster
1-2pm - Give it a Go Yoga, ASW
Tuesday 29 August
tbc - Freshers Bingo
11am-3pm - Give it A Go Sessions (hourly) ASW - (sports TBC)
Wednesday 30 August
10am-4pm - Freshers Fair Day 1 - various locations
12-5pm - Give it A Go Sessions (hourly) ASW - (sports TBC)
Thursday 31 August
10am-4pm - Freshers Fair Day 2 - various locations
Friday 1 September
12-1pm - Freshers Quiz, Webster
1-2pm - Give It A Go, ASW (sports TBC)
11. Don’t give in to peer pressure
Although Fresher’s Week is the perfect chance to settle in, it also comes with the risk that you might feel peer pressure to get involved in things that don’t feel comfortable. You will be mixing with a lot of different people at UHI Perth, so it is important to remember your own boundaries and that it is ok to say no to things that you don’t feel happy with. Be firm and don’t engage in anything just to show off to your new friends. You will find plenty of people that share the same boundaries as yourself, so don’t allow peer pressure to take over and ruin your experience.
12. Money matters - work out a budget
Studying at university and college can be an expensive time, and this might be the first time that you are in charge of your own money. Student loans can seem very exciting, but remember this money is to last you the academic year and is not just for having fun. Make sure you prioritise your rent, travel, and food money before spending on the ‘nice to have’ luxuries. Remember that your new friends will all have different attitudes to money, so don’t feel pressurised to spend money that you do not have. There are lots of great things to do in Perth that are free or cost very little. Get outside and explore your new surroundings. 🌳🚶♀️
13. Check if you need a TV license
When moving into your new student accommodation, it is important to note when a TV Licence is needed and how much it costs. Love Live TV? You need a TV Licence. To find out when a TV Licence is needed, visit here.
14. Get to know the campus
You might end up having all of your classes in one building on campus so make sure you explore the rest of the facilities on offer at UHI Perth. Look out for 👀 ➡️ ➕ Library ➕ ASW ➕ Wellbeing Garden ➕ Gallery Restaurant ➕ Hair and Beauty salon ➕ Sports Therapy clinic ➕ Starbucks, Costa, and the Brahan shop.
15. And remember, if you are struggling, we are here for you 💓
Don’t suffer in silence, reach out and get the support on offer. We try to make coming to UHI Perth as easy as possible but there may be times when you need somebody to talk to about any concerns you have during this journey. Student Services provide friendly and confidential services and support, where you are able to talk over your problems in private, and we refer you on to specialist agencies if required.
