So… It’s the middle of my exams in first year, and as you can see, I have an exam tomorrow at 9am and I am writing this post. The idea of this post was inspired by me being too lazy to study, and also because I’m in first year and I couldn’t care less. This post is a rough guide to what you can expect to feel/experience when you arrive in the UK, so maybe you’ll know what to expect, and maybe what to pack for if you feel like it. So here we go!
When you arrive
You’re probably incredibly jet-lagged and really under the weather after 13-15 hours stuck on a plane with less-than-ideal sleep. If you’ve arrived at Heathrow Airport, you’re probably wondering why the Tube is so stuffy and why London is warmer than you expected. If you’ve arrived at Manchester Airport, you’re probably wondering why you have to walk so far to get to the train station. Either way, you’re not in a good mood, but you’re still excited to get to York. It’s a 2-hour train ride regardless of which airport you came in from.
When you arrive at York station, if you’re not getting the coach from the station, you’ll want to get the number 4, 66 or the 44. The bus stop is right outside the station. You’ll need to go across a zebra crossing, but it is still the one on the same side as the train station (don’t cross the road itself), and you’ll probably want a return ticket that costs £2 because you’ll want to head to town and explore/buy loads of stuff. Just ask the bus driver nicely to tell you when you’ve arrived at the JB Morell Library stop (if your accomodation is on Hes West). Alternatively, my dad gave me very good advice when he said: Just keep going until you see a large field to your left. Immediately after the field, there will be a bus stop (That’s Wentworth bus stop, by the way. If you’re in James/New Vanbrugh and know where you’re going, get off here because it’s closer to your College). Once you pass this bus stop, ring the bell. Alternatively, wait for someone to press the bell and get off with them. If your accommodation is on Hes East, ask the bus driver to let you know when you’ve reached your stop (second stop on Hes East for Langwith & Goodricke college, third stop for Constantine).
At the University
One way or another, you’ll arrive at the Uni. Doesn’t matter whether you arrive before or during Fresher’s Week, just BE THERE FOR FRESHER’S WEEK. Although I don’t think you can move in before a certain date, but it doesn’t matter. Find your College! That’s the important bit!
You’ll hear your seniors tell you “The Uni is not that big!” That’s half a lie, which is still a lie. It’s FREAKING BIG when you first arrive. You’ll be like ‘Derp. Herp derp. Derp? Derp. Derpy derp.’ I guarantee. You will feel lost but I want you to take this piece of advice from me now: Whatever you do, wherever you go, navigate yourself with reference to these 3 things: 1) Your room. 2) Market Square 3) Central Hall (Hes West) or Ron Cooke Hub (Hes East). Trust me. Always orientate yourself with reference to these landmarks because the buildings and labyrinth that is the University will throw you off on your first day. Don’t worry, in about a week, you’ll discover shortcuts that involve you walking on grass, mud, and through the trees that are worth it because it saves you time in getting to lessons.
At your College
So hopefully someone would have directed you to your College, if not, use the map that is on the Uni’s website. You need to find your College Reception. Again, the receptions are found on the map, marked ‘R’. Note that not all receptions are 24/7, so you should try to arrive between 9:00-16:00, because the Brits are very punctual when it comes to ending work. 24/7 Receptions can be found in: James, Halifax, Derwent, Ron Cooke Hub. Collect your key and anything else.
Your room
Hopefully you’re staying on campus, otherwise, you’re really missing out on A LOT in your first year. Find your room. Hopefully, it won’t be hard to find. Just look out for all the signs and arrows and stuff. You might struggle with your belongings a little if you live in some of the older blocks that don’t have lift access. Just hold your breath and drag, brute force conquers all; that’s all the advice I have for you. Good luck, skippy.
Once you get to your room, do a thorough check of EVERYTHING. Check that the lights work, check the washbasin, the window (as in, make sure it OPENS or you will die during summer), the fixtures, the curtains, the radiator (crank it up to full blast and leave it on for 10-20 minutes, if you touch it and it’s hot, you’re good), shelves, the mattress (make sure that when you lie down you’re not jabbed by some metal shard), water comes out of the sink and shower (if you have an ensuite), etc. Make sure that you have everything stated in the checklist, and make sure you report any markings or damages, or they’ll think you did it and fine you. Basically make sure you check that everything that should be there is actually THERE, and anything that might look like a problem is brought up immediately.
Unpacking and settling in
I shouldn’t be teaching you how to unpack, but I recommend you do this after the sun sets. Take note that you are arriving in Autumn, and the days will be getting shorter. You can afford to do the unpacking when you’re alone in the room. Right now, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Despite being in a very bad mood and being very tired, my dad dragged me out of my room (screaming and kicking, mind you) and out to town. Here’s the reason: You probably don’t have towels, or sheets, or a duvet, or pillows, or shampoo, or body wash, yada yada. If you bought the Bedding pack, I ask you now: WHY?! DON’T F***ING GET THE BEDDING PACK! It’s cheap and crappy and you need to do preliminary shopping, so go buy pillows and stuff along the way.
See my Where to get what post
Fresher’s Week
So hopefully now you’ve bought stuff that you can survive on. You can buy the luxuries like rice and Asian food once you’ve settled in. Now, prepare yourself for Fresher’s Week, because this is basically the start of a crazy year for you!
~:Denise
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