[John 1987]

Well it’s getting near that time of my life were I have to enter the big wide world, I’m talking about leaving home and going off to University, I’m actually moving into my halls of residence this Sunday. I’m studying Politics at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, I chose this University over others due to the nice green and wide-open campus, and good reports of the City itself.

Now obviously I’m experiencing the same reservations as any other person who has gone through the same transition, with cooking and washing being high up on my worries. I can wire up the most technical 7.1 Home Cinema system, but put me in front of a cooker or at the controls of a washing machine and It may as well be a nuclear reactor for all I know. Another concern is meeting new friends, I know people keep telling me everyone else is in the same boat, but its still a concern. I also worry about being put with people I just can’t get along with during my first year in halls, or people that are unusually messy, or raid your food etc, you name it and I’m worrying about it.

I’m basically asking for your stories, your experiences, your guidance, hints and tips, anything that could come in useful during my University life e.g. cheap and easy food options, nothing is to insignificant.

P.S. Is Freshers week really all it is cracked up to be.

[Nobber22]

Go find your mother. Tell her you are ashamed of her for not kicking you up the butt sooner, then get her to show you how to cook rice, pasta and potatoes on the stove - no, not chips!. Ask her how to make a couple of stir-fry or Italian dishes you can put over the above starches.

Learn how long to boil various vegetables (kids these days do eat veges, right? ). Take your own fridge along and put a padlock on it.

[John 1987]

Go find your mother. Tell her you are ashamed of her for not kicking you up the butt sooner,

To be honest I'm more ashamed of myself for never learning anything. But your advice is all sound, I did hear my mum mention a crash course this week, but nothing as of yet.

Take your own fridge along and put a padlock on it.

We're technically not suppose to have them, at least not in our rooms, apparently they’re a fire hazard. We obviously have a communal fridge, but I can just imagine food simply being taking out of it without any regard as to who it belongs to.

[Bat-man]

The campus is just lovely and those ziggurat halls of residence are a treat. Plus the Sainsbury Arts Centre.
Don't think of all the possible negatives - try and think of all the probable positives!

[Londondecca]

I would buy one of those basic cooking books and quickly gain a strong control over your money. Remember nearly every other student will feel the same as you.

There is every chance you will love the next few years and as long as you do the work, you should come out with a good classification.

[GBDG1]

You've got to bare in mind that most guys at uni are looking to "experiment", so if anyone is unusually nice to you, you know what they're after.

Cooking is easy, when it involves a phone and cash....

Washing? Laundrettes are easy, they are virtually mongproof as they have been broken by idiots so many times that there are signs everywhere telling you exactly what to do. Also industrial washers only have 3 settings, one of those is off.

The best advice is get a girlfriend as quickly as possible, even if you have to settle for one who is less than desirable. Infact the uglier the better, then set her to task on all the other things your mother used to do for you.

[alexs2]

John...my own son has also just gone off to university,and had a few of the same worries as yourself(eating/cooking/making friends etc),and until a week or so ago couldnt cook anything more than baked beans.

Cooking might be an acquired skill,but washing up simply requires a bit of willpower and discipline to actually do it(one old university mate of mine had neither,and used to use all of the available pots,pans and cups in the flat until the rest of us had none,and then leave the ones he'd used until they grew mould).

Depending on the university,Fresher's week(or in my son's case fortnight ) is usually pretty good and well organised to get you signed on and then fed and drunk,although not in any sort of order.

In any case...he's been away for a few days now,and apart from telling us how busy he is,we've heard very little(apart from the bar noise in the background)

Relax and enjoy it....best years of your life etc etc.

[John 1987]

Thanks for all the advice, hugely useful and helps to ease my fears, keep it coming.

The best advice is get a girlfriend as quickly as possible, even if you have to settle for one who is less than desirable. Infact the uglier the better, then set her to task on all the other things your mother used to do for you.

Your not the first person to suggest that.

Edit:
Thanks alexs2, great post.

apart from the bar noise in the background

[Noggin1980]

No need to worry about making friends, there will be so many people there that whoever you are and whatever your interests you will find like minded people. Even the guy who you could hardly get to leave his room made good close friends after the first few weeks (I don't recommend that by the way)

Our hall served evening meals (though they wern't very nice) and most evenings we had pizza or kebabs. It was somthing rediculously cheap like 2 medium pizza's for a fiver delived (this is at nottingham uni) sure the quality wasn't high, but it did the job. I'm sure there will be low cost places like that near every uni.

You will have the time of your life at uni. If you are really worried about making friends a games console with a football, fighting and driving games will useually bring a few people into your room and will be fun too.

[C225]

I'm just starting second year and cant help you with anything about halls as i stayed at home(Don't see the point in paying 3 grand for accomodation when my house is a 15 min drive away from the best uni in scotland doing my course)

When it was my freshers week i did not enjoy it that much as i am not the type thats go out every night and get toatally hammered(rather save my money and buy AV stuff and video games) dont see the need for it a small drink now and again does me fine. That was the main reason i did not enjoy it very much.

About making friends i can garuntee you will meet at least a few people that are similar to you and you will get along fine. I was worried about meeting friends as well because i dont like to drink that much and everyone else seemed to want to drink constantly but have found a few good people who are like minded and we get along well.

[Woodywizz]

Best of luck for next week

It is a very nerve-wracking time but you do get used to it very very quickly. If you are in halls then making friends is not a problem - just remember that everyone is in the same boat as you and all of you will be cacking yourselves. Just go out and get hammered and you will make some good friends. You will also make friends on your course - also see if the Uni has a Home Cinema/Cinema society and join that.

Freshers week is great for meeting women, so take advantage of the situation

My Uni days were brilliant and I am very jealous of you....Relax and Enjoy

[krish]

Originally Posted by John 1987

I’m studying Politics at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, I chose this University over others due to the nice green and wide-open campus, and good reports of the City itself.

UEA also has/had a reputation for quality totty

Originally Posted by John 1987

Another concern is meeting new friends, I know people keep telling me everyone else is in the same boat, but its still a concern. I also worry about being put with people I just can’t get along with during my first year in halls, or people that are unusually messy, or raid your food etc, you name it and I’m worrying about it.

DON'T BE CONCERNED!!! Yes people will pinch milk, beer, wine, ribena etc... sometimes keeping as many of your items in one bag in the fridge can help; or get a beer fridge / small fridge and microwave for your room

Originally Posted by John 1987

I’m basically asking for your stories, your experiences, your guidance, hints and tips, anything that could come in useful during my University life e.g. cheap and easy food options, nothing is to insignificant.

Going back 16 years... my first week involved drinking, drinking, drinking, drinking, kebabs, spliffs and shagging from Friday

Originally Posted by John 1987

P.S. Is Freshers week really all it is cracked up to be.

Yes; and in the second year its called **** a fresher's week

[Woodywizz]

Originally Posted by krish

Going back 16 years... my first week involved drinking, drinking, drinking, drinking, kebabs, spliffs and shagging from Friday Yes; and in the second year its called **** a fresher's week

Exactly the same as me - including the time, although my shagging happened on the Wednesday

We also called it "**** a fresher's week" when in the second and third years.

[IronGiant]

Don't spend the first evening setting up your hifi, get out and meet people while you're still all dazed and confused at being away from home.

Dave

[ash]

Don't worry too much. Washing Machine is quite easy you know, jsut wash everyhting at 40 degrees for safety.

And also people stealing your food is the biggest problem really. Just try to be strict with them, maybe put your anme on the milk.

Here is a story for you, this guy kept having his drinks and milk drank from the fridge form friends et all that once this guy drank the milk and he was reading the box/carton and the owner wrote on the box that he had mixed his urine in it

http://thestudentroom.co.uk/index.php
Also check this place out, and go to the uni section, you will find people from your uni and the General Uni Discussion is good to talk about things liek this.

[ush flynn]

use freshers week to sign onto some stuff, our uni had a karting club and then all the sports. I joined american football and met some great guys and girls (cheerleaders oh yes...oh wait they were fairly ugly) and you automatically have some drinking buddies then!
Dont waste all your money on freshers week mate, dont by everyone drinks!
get the cheap version of the basic foods like pasta and rice. Learn to stir fry... its really just stiring! People will come round your halls inviting you out to places, take a look, suggest it to some other people there see what they are up to, invite people in for some xbox and booze or just plain booze. Once you know some people by name and they know you get a night out arrange, invite any other people you have met and get them to invite people they have met. Its all good dont be worried or shy, dont stay in when people are asking you to come out with them

Do you play any sports? or would you? American football was good because they didnt asume everyone knew the rules and could play. So everyone started at the same level. Great stuff

Have fun mate!

[DVD-Man]

Just skimmed this thread but using the modern wonders that are the mircowave and kettle a plethora of tasty meals can be rustled (hint pardon the pun! LOL) up in no time!

Only joking, don't eat that crap all the time, it's just constipates you and gives you greasy skin, this comes from experience let me tell you.

My only piece of useful advice is not to keep quiet during the first few weeks, pipe up, say hello, strike up convos then suss people out and you'll sooon make friends, and yeah the cliche is always true everyone else is in the same boat.

Liam

[John 1987]

Sorry for rhe late reply (and long reply). I just got back from work, I'm overjoyed with the responses so far, their great to read so thank you all.

Just go out and get hammered and you will make some good friends.

That's pretty much my plan, far to shy and uptight without a bit of Dutch courage.

Freshers week is great for meeting women, so take advantage of the situation

That's what I'm hopping.

My Uni days were brilliant and I am very jealous of you....Relax and Enjoy

That's what my brothers keep saying, wishing they could have their time again.

Going back 16 years... my first week involved drinking, drinking, drinking, drinking, kebabs, spliffs and shagging from Friday...Yes; and in the second year its called **** a fresher's week

That's pretty much the image I have in my head of the first week. But now I'm strangely looking forward to the second year.

Also check this place out,

Thanks very much for the link.

Don't worry too much. Washing Machine is quite easy you know, jsut wash everyhting at 40 degrees for safety.

Thank you, some very practical advice.

Do you play any sports? or would you? American football was good because they didnt asume everyone knew the rules and could play. So everyone started at the same level. Great stuff

I could be up for joining a team, it's just I was ill for quite a long time and am not exactly what you would call fit. I intend in joining the gym and getting fit, however I'm sure there will be far more attractive things to distract me from my goal.

My only piece of useful advice is not to keep quiet during the first few weeks, pipe up, say hello, strike up convos then suss people out and you'll sooon make friends, and yeah the cliche is always true everyone else is in the same boat.

Good advice, I just have to forget about my shyness and dive right in.

[IronGiant]

"Quote:
My only piece of useful advice is not to keep quiet during the first few weeks, pipe up, say hello, strike up convos then suss people out and you'll sooon make friends, and yeah the cliche is always true everyone else is in the same boat."


"Good advice, I just have to forget about my shyness and dive right in."


Yep: that's exactly what I meant about not staying in and setting up the hifi on your first night Enjoy yourself !!

dave

[damage]

sorry, I haven't had time to read the other posts,

but don't be concerned about uni, I don't know where you
are going, but you will have a great time.

at some point you wuill have to take one of four routes, - one is
working hard to get the best grade you can, the other two are not working hard
to either coast into a second, first or third, but you dont' need to worry about that.


who needs cooking, live off a kebab van or frozen food

and the washing will be self explantory,

[BrianC]

Agree with most of advice so far - everything except eating take always and other junk food. Only things I'll add is that if you decide your course isn't for you get it changed as soon as possible, its reasonably easy to do in the first couple of weeks if you are staying the same faculty.

I'd also suggest that you get a part time job for somewhere that gives you a good discount on food/games/cds/beer as its nice to have some extra cash, and if you have like minded friends who work elsewhere you can trade discounts.

Finally don't be lame and take your dirty washing home with you, I never did this but my sister did it all the time and I know how much it p*ssed off my mom.

[Pbryanw]

Just to add... be yourself. If you're not a naturally loud person don't suddenly force yourself to become one. Don't put on an act like one fresher I knew. Remember everyone's in the same position as you. And also keep in contact with your mum and dad during the first few weeks. It's good to let them know what you're up to and also it's reassuring to know they're there for you.

I remember my first year. I didn't get stuck into all the fresher's activities but I did meet some really nice people in my block, who I eventually moved out with in my second year. I would also back up BrianC's advice. If you don't like your course, do something immediately about it - don't let the problem fester. Of my five housemates, two changed course and were the better off for it. And I wish I had looking back.

[GW43]

Uni is a great experience, and I would recommend it to anyone.

However, my first year was at UEA, and it was a dreadful place back in the late '70s. I too lived in the rabbit warren that was the "stepped" terraced halls - "Norfolk Terrace", or due to the lack of attractive/available women it was re-named "No-**** Terrace"!

Norwich was and still is a place where the locals point at aeroplanes

Having endured a thoroughly miserable 9 months I failed my exams and left - went to a Polytechnic after that (ask someone over about 35 what a Polytechnic was) in the grim north - much better time all round.

[Ed Selley]

Cooking isn't rocket science- experiment with permiatations of the "meat with sauce" excercise and you'll be fine. Cook in bulk as well- it saves and allows for food to be available in a hurry.

Everything else written here is spot on. All I would say is that the early weeks of university are a prime time to royally balls up financially. Pay attention to what you spend and when you receive the not inconsiquentially sized student loan cheque Put the bloody thing into an account you can't automatically get to instantly. This should avoid waking up with a headache, a projector and £22 to feed yourself for three months.

[Jamiewalshe]

john - my brother has just started at norwich, he moved in yesterday, and i had my mother ringing me up all of last night worrying about hi - so make sure you keep your parents informed, as they WILL worry far too much!. i gave him a few calls and he was a bit nervous about everything (mostly because he's the last person to move into the house hes at, and everyone seems to be ignoring him - but he had only been there a couple of hours when i spoke to him) but on the whole i think hes going to do alright. if he wants me to i said i'd plan to come down this weekend, but im not sure if this is a good idea (it might stop him from interacting with everyone else a little) - if i do go tho, i may be seen about norwich pretending that im a wacky student

its usual to feel like that, i reckon (i never went to uni, but pretty much everyone of my friends has, or is currently) that the first few weeks are going to be crucial to how you take to uni. im not the most social person about, but if you try to get to know a lot of people - befriend one person then go off as a pair to meet other people?- then you'll have a much nicer first few weeks. everyone is in the same boat, and chances are if you dont get in there quick to make friends you might miss out. dont go overboard tho and try to be someone you're not. no one likes those types of people.

[krish]

Originally Posted by Jamiewalshe

...if i do go tho, i may be seen about norwich pretending that im a wacky student

typo ?

[John 1987]

Only things I'll add is that if you decide your course isn't for you get it changed as soon as possible,

A lot of people have told me that, It does make sense.

Pay attention to what you spend and when you receive the not inconsequentially sized student loan cheque

Also another bit of good advice, thanks.

Good post Jamiewalshe, thanks.

[Geezer]

As people have already said, if you can get a fridge in your room do it. I only had beer in mine wasnt too bothered about people taking my food. But my beer was a different matter.

First few days are superb, if you are one of the first in the hall just open the door up have some beers ready and some music/games etc playing people will come in and introduce themselves. You will all be in the same boat so you will spend a lot of time with the people in your hall to start off with. But i soon moved into a different halls, which were all shared houses with a couple of mates from my course.

It really is the best time of your life, i feel sorry for people who dont go. Would love to be back there now, but we are having a mates uni reunion in a couple of weeks cant wait.

[Jamiewalshe]

Originally Posted by krish

typo ?

cones out students about

[Kopite4Ever]

Originally Posted by krish

Yes; and in the second year its called **** a fresher's week

Originally Posted by woodywizz

Exactly the same as me - including the time, although my shagging happened on the Wednesday

We also called it "**** a fresher's week" when in the second and third years.

I finished uni in june 2005 and its still "**** a fresher's week" to me

At liverpool uni it starts next week so im saving the pennies for a weeks worth of benders

On a serious note, OP you have nothing to worry about it will be the time of your life social wise. Me personally i think education wise it was the worst mistake i ever made i didnt learn anything that i didnt already know and id have rather had the 3 years experience in the working world than the piece of paper you get at the end of it with a 12,000 quid debt to pay. But dont let that put you off

Uni dorms, mate you wont even be in them half the time, its a place to sleep, eat and thats about it. Someone mentioned it above good way to make friends easy is bring a games console and loads of games and controllers, leave your door room open when you in and just generally be inviting to people. Dont be one of those losers who stays in their rooms 24/7 surfing the net and having no interaction with the flatmates, yes some people are like that at uni sadly.

Rule # 1 Never say no to a nightout, ever period. No i havnt the money does not fly, its cheap as hell in the student unions.

Rule # 2 Do not get the most plastered out of all the lads, a) you will be alone at the end of the night and b) your probably going to be the one they play the practical joke on

Rule # 3 Dont **** on your own door step following on from that ALWAYS were the wellies best bit of advice i ever took.

Dont take the work side to seriously it will drive you insane, year 3 is were you knuckle down, even then its still not to painful.

Oh and about washing up, clothes, feeding youself, i cant help you i stayed at home it was all done for me when i staggered in from a night out I spent alot fo time at mates dorms who i met on course so i took in the life that way, ended up staying there most nights as it was closer to town than my house.

Edit : crap remember banks are pretty kind to students if you need a overdraught id adivse you to take it. I got a £1500 no interest one and i didnt pay it back untill about a year after uni still interest free, it was a total life saver. All the times i would have missed nights out

Good luck have fun is all i can end with.