Got your results? Coming to Manchester Met? It's time to plan the best week of the year.
9 Things to do Before Coming to Uni
Ok so, you’ve got your results and secured your course but... now what?
To help you feel that bit more prepared before coming to uni, here’s some tips on what you can be doing whilst you're waiting for Welcome Week.
1. Sort out the important stuff
It’s boring but could literally make or break your first-year experience.
- Student Finance: Double check that student finance isn’t waiting for anything else to go alongside your application, this could delay when you receive any loans!
- Student Bank Account: Whilst this isn’t essential, some banks offer rewards if you choose to open a student bank account with them.
- Register with a GP: Now this is essential, make sure to look into what GP surgery you’ll sign up with once you’re here
2. Check out societies and sports
Think about what you might want to join before you even arrive, whether that’s a sport you already love or a society that sparks your interest. Having an idea means you’ll know exactly which stalls to visit at Freshers Fair. But if you don’t see anything that catches your eye, maybe think about a society you’d like to start.
3. Explore Manchester (virtually first!)
It can be so overwhelming coming to a new city and deciding where to go first. So, why not try exploring it virtually by checking out must-visit places. Instagram and TikTok are great places for inspo. This just means by the time you get here you’ll be that bit more familiar with your new home.
4. Know your neighbourhood
Check out where your nearest supermarket, corner shop and cafe is to your accommodation, so you know where to grab the essentials.
5. Don’t overpack
Your accommodation might already provide things like kettles or irons so double check before you lug them here. And don’t panic if you forget something, Manchester has plenty of shops as well as The Union's very own. Plus, you can even pick up free bits at our Union Cupboard event at Welcome Week.
6. Connect with your housemates
Most student accommodations have apps where you can chat with your new housemates and introduce yourself. You could even plan to do something together for when you get to Manchester.
7. Remember: making friends takes time
Remember, everyone’s in the same boat, and you’ll have plenty of chances to meet people through your course, your flat, societies, and our Welcome events which are specifically designed to help you make friends.
8. Expect a bit of homesickness
You're in a new place with new people, it’s completely normal to miss home at first. Be kind to yourself, it gets easier as you settle in. Maybe try making yourself a routine that you can still do when you get to uni, that way you’ll still have something that familiar.
9. Plan your Welcome Week
At The Union, we’ve got loads of Welcome events planned to help you meet people, get stuck in, and settle into uni life. From beer garden parties to bingo nights there really is something for everyone! You can find the full line-up on our website.
Plus, you could bag yourself some Cool It wristbands, these are the official Manchester Metropolitan University freshers wristbands. There’ll get you access to some of the biggest nights out. But don’t worry, you don’t need the wristband to come to The Union’s events.
The main thing to remember is that if you’re feeling nervous, excited or just unsure, you really won’t be the only one. Moving to uni can be overwhelming but The Union are here to help!
