So you've gone through the process, you have your offer, accommodation and registration, what’s next? Well if you’re moving into halls you have a whole new chapter to be prepared for and if not, you still have so much to look forward to!
When I first moved into my room I had no idea what to do, I unpacked, bought food and cleaning materials but I didn't clean my room until someone suggested to me that I should, just to be on the safe side. I've never felt so embarrassed in my life, considering I have an OCD for bacteria and germs!
Next step was exploring the area, I visited Greenwich beforehand but never really looked around properly, still to this day I don’t know Greenwich fully and I've just finished my first year! I also missed all the freshers’ events because I lost the leaflet so I was pretty useless when I first moved in. These are the things you need to keep your eyes open for if you want to make the most out of the free time you have in freshers’ week. I started making good friends with my flat mates after 2-3 months of moving in – Yes I was REALLY delayed.
In order to avoid being in my position I've made a small list for you to use when you move in:
- Buy food from the right shop (don’t go to news agents or small Tescos they are more expensive)
- CLEAN your room before you use it e.g. surfaces and kitchen
- You will have a freshers leaflet don’t lose it!
- Attend the meet and greet
- Visit the local SU bar
Join societies at the freshers fair – also attend the fair you get really good student deals!
Apply for an NHS student certificate so your prescriptions are free and also register with the local GP
For those students who are living at home, be grateful you’re still be able to have a nice dinner! I remember when I moved out I hadn't the slightest clue on how or what to cook, but I've managed to become a pro at making omelettes ;)
Apart from freshers there’s also other things you need to remember for the first year of uni, don’t get too carried away make sure you still pick up things on how the system works because you need to adjust to the differences between A-levels and University. Don’t be scared about the whole independence barrier, it will come naturally to you because if the lecturer doesn't cover something you don’t understand, you will take your own time to research it and attempt to understand it yourself. That’s the beauty of university!
Also if you are coming to Greenwich then you need to know a few things about what’s good and what’s not about studying or living in London:
A few good things…
- Piccadilly Circus is full of good places to eat not to mention the ONE and ONLY HAAGEN DASZ!
- Greenwich has a few hidden places where you can see the most amazing views across London
- The River Thames and Canary Wharf looks stunning at night
- The most obvious is the night life and clubs! – DSTRKT etc..
- You’re near public transport and travelling is not once and hour e.g. in Wales
- Greenwich park is clean – I don’t know about you but I find it very difficult to find a clean park!
A few bad things…
- The night life may be good but you NEED to be careful and cautious at all times for your own safety
- It can be expensive at times but hey what are student loans for?!
- You can’t always get food from outside you need to learn how to cook
- It does get packed and congested in Piccadilly and Leicester square
We now have come to an end of Devi’s short guide to success for Freshers! I hope you found the advice useful and remember to be sensible, you've reached adulthood now!
