Fresher Essential Hints & Tips

Uni is a great opportunity for God to use you like he never has done before. Here are a few hints and tips we've pulled together from those who've been through it.  

  • Always have a doorstop handy and make good use of it to keep your room door open whenever you’re in! This will let people call by and make it easier to become part of the hall community.

  • In the first few weeks keep introducing yourself to people. Everyone is in the same boat at the beginning, so take advantage of the fact that people want to make friends & spend time hanging out with them.

  • If the situation arises, be bold and offer to pray with or for people – even if they’re just homesick. People tend to be really open and hungry for spiritual experience at uni (quite a change from school).

  • Although you will feel homesick, try to resist going home at every opportunity (at least for a few weeks anyway!). This will give you time to chill with new friends and deepen relationships early on (look out for the 2am anointing!). It also gives you a chance to try out a few Churches and get involved.

  • It is easy for evenings to get swamped by ‘Christian’ meetings and stop you from spending quality time with hall & course mates. Choose what it is you will get involved with long-term such as a Fusion hall cell & a Church, then over the first couple of weeks use Christian Bazzar & Revive CU as a good meeting point to make connections with other Christians. Then allow plenty of time to go out, try some societies & join in with hall socials.

  • Choose to become part a Fusion cell in your hall. This will become your main source of Christian community at uni, where personal sharpening & growth can occur combined with mission & being a blessing to the rest of your hall. Once involved, take a step of trust to be open and vulnerable with people about how you’re feeling in this new life as a student – share the good, the bad, and ask for prayer.

  • Early on all the many clubs & societies will be present at the Freshers Bazzar. The best way to avoid overloading yourself is to wait a few weeks to see how much time you realistically have, as you can join a club at any point in the year. Begin to manage your time well, by setting a new rhythm to live by at uni. Include time with God into your days.

  • Try to budget your money at the start of term, so you don’t blow your loan all in the first few weeks. Also remember to always ask for student discount wherever you go i.e. shops, travel, cinema etc.

  • Look after your body as it adjusts to a whole new lifestyle and body clock. Eat well and get some sort of sleep. Maybe even join a gym!

  • Most of all be aware that these years as a student present a very unique time in your life. You are a history maker, your choices will determine what you are remembered for… and what you do now for God echoes in eternity.