Preparing for University

• Get organised! Make yourself a list of any equipment you think you might need for your course such as pens, notepads, post-it notes and highlighters. If you're moving into student accommodation, start planning what you need to take with you, for example, saucepans, cleaning products and a toothbrush. Getting things ready now will help you feel more in-control of what's happening.

• Find out more. Take the time to read the resources available on our webpages and browse through all the information available on the University of Sheffield website. You do not have to read or remember it all, but it will give you an idea of what to expect and what resources are out there that may be useful once you have started your studies.

• Make sure you have got everyone's contact details. Even though you will be meeting new people, it is important to keep in touch with your current network of family and family and anyone else you have supporting you.

• Develop your practical skills. If you are going to be in student accommodation, now is a good time to begin practising your cooking, make sure you know how to use a washing machine and perhaps even find out how to change a fuse or a lightbulb.

• Develop your academic skills. Take some time to go over any useful materials from your previous qualifications, particularly any on study skills. You can also check out the non-compulsory preliminary reading list if you have some spare time.

• Make time for hobbies. Just because you are off to university, it does not mean you have to leave your current hobbies and interests behind. You may well find that there is a society at the university which will cater for your interest. Even if not, there is likely to be one in the local area, so now is a good time to start doing some research.

• Talk to people. If you are feeling anxious or nervous, take the time to chat with family or friends and let them know how you are feeling. Often, something which seems difficult and challenging when you are thinking about it alone becomes far more manageable when you chat it over with others.

• Make new connections. The School of Law has various social media channels that you can follow that help keep you up to date with what's happening in the School. There are also informal social media groups for Sheffield students. Although it is important not to assume everything you read on such informal groups is accurate, they can be a useful way to start meeting some new people.

• Take time to relax. Starting university can be a busy time. If possible, try to build in some time to rest and relax before you begin. If you have not already got a good self-care routine in place (ways to look after yourself), now is the time to start one. Eating well, having a regular sleep routine and exercising are all valuable parts of self-care which you can bring with you to university.

• Take deep breaths. If you are feeling anxious about starting university, it is a good idea to learn a few simple breathing exercises to help you feel calm. Headspace has a number of free meditations you can use or you can google a technique called 'box breathing'. 

Overall, try to make your preparation a positive and fun time, and remember there will be plenty of help and support waiting for you when you arrive at university.

Once you have started University

Starting university can be fun, exciting and interesting. It can also feel challenging, daunting and like a bit of a rollercoaster ride! Here are some tips to help during this period:

• Take things at your own pace. Some people throw themselves in to new situations straight away. Other people like to take a bit longer to adjust. There is no one ‘right’ way to begin your time at university, so try not to put too much pressure on yourself.

• Smile! If you are shy or quiet, meeting a lot of new people can be daunting. The likelihood is most people you meet will be feeling the same. If you feel up to starting a conversation, that is great. If not, a simple smile can be a great ice-breaker.

• Turn up to events. Make sure you attend the events that take place in induction week and the Core Legal And Study Skills (CLASS)/Skills for Criminologists (S4C) sessions that run in the weeks after that. They provide you with plenty of helpful information and will also help you start to settle into your course.

• Find ways to become part of the community. Getting to know your housemates, joining clubs and societies, attending optional events run by the School of Law or wider university and volunteering can all be ways to find your own place at university.

• Avoid comparing yourself with others. Sometimes hearing about other people’s educational background or achievements can make you feel insecure. Remember, you have earnt your place on your course and everyone has their own path to success.

• Get in touch with your Academic Tutor. They will be emailing and introducing themselves during the first week of term. Your Tutor is a great point-of-contact for any questions or concerns you might have.

• Stay organised! When you start your modules, make sure your calendar is up-to-date and that all the information you need is neatly organised. Spend time familiarising yourself with the university library (both online and in person, if possible) and plan a study schedule for yourself.

• Keep in touch. When you are busy, it can be easy to drop your old hobbies and interests and even to lose contact with old friends and your family. Make the time to keep doing your hobbies and interests and schedule in some regular times to chat with friends and family.

• Keep up the self-care! It may be you have a few extra late nights or the odd meal of junk food as you adjust, but try to remember the importance of eating and sleeping well and exercising. How you feel physically can impact upon how you feel mentally, so self-care (looking after yourself) is important.

• Reach out. Reaching out for help when you need it is a sign of strength and maturity. If you find yourself struggling or feeling overwhelmed, it is important to remember that there are plenty of people in the School of Law and wider university who can help. There is a lot of support for students available across the university. Or you can start by speaking to your Academic Tutor – if they cannot help, they will signpost you to someone who can.

Overall, enjoy your first few weeks at university, but be ready for the occasional challenge or doubt to arise. University is a marathon, not a sprint, so give yourself plenty of time to adjust.