One of the best ways to adjust to University life is to immerse yourself in it and there are several ways to do this.
Your faculty will run induction activities throughout the first few weeks, which will give you a chance to find out more about your course as well as meeting your lecturers and peers. Within each faculty, there are student information officers who can give you practical advice and guidance on a wide range of pastoral issues such as settling into University and difficulty making friends.
The Students' Union have so many opportunities for you to engage with. They have over 140 societies for you to meet likeminded people and do what you enjoy or try something completely new that you have always wanted to do.
You could also consider becoming a subject or college rep, run for the commuter student part-time officer post or even set up a commuter student society. Their Fresher’s Fayre that runs in the first week of term on both campuses is a brilliant way to find out about all of this and so much more. Check out their website for more details on events like this.
The Students’ Union and Sport Swansea run 50+ sports clubs for you join with a lot of them competing in BUCS! They offer taster sessions and trials in the first few weeks of term for you to find out what you like.
All of these things will help you feel part of the University and benefit you in becoming a well-rounded student. Remember, a lot of your peers who have moved to the area will appreciate your inside knowledge of the best coffee spots, beaches and places to go. So be proud and let them know that you are from the local area – it’s a great talking point!