Well Manchester may not quite boast the hot climate of Paris or be home to gorgeous French croissants, but it certainly equals it in terms of vibrancy and diversity. Be sure to check out Manchester’s cultural scene with all art galleries and museums being free. Even if you’re not a culture vulture, Manchester is a great place for shopping and going out, and is an epicentre for gigs and plays. For ideas on what to do whilst at Manchester then check out the Manchester Confidential website.
And without further a do may I congratulate you all on getting into Manchester! Manchester is a fantastic place to study and live and we hope you’ll have an awesome time here. The Uni’s pretty big and can seem a little overwhelming at first but trust me we’re “(mostly) harmless” 😉 . Always remember that the Uni is here to help and that there’s a vast support network in place to help make sure your time at Manchester is an enjoyable one. If you feel like you’re struggling with your course then don’t suffer in silence. You can get in touch with the Student Support Adviser, Steph, based at the Atrium who can offer advice and guidance on a range of pastoral and wellbeing issues. You can get in touch with Steph via email at studentsupportadviser@manchester.ac.uk or you can call 0161 275 3033/3781 to book an appointment to have a chat.
Starting Uni can be expensive and it may be the first time you’ve had to budget your money. If you feel like you need a little help getting to grips with managing your money or you have a query relating to your finances then you can get in touch with the Student Money Adviser, Katie, also based at the Atrium who can provide information and advice on money-related matters. To get in touch with Katie you can either email studentmoneyadviser@manchester.ac.uk or call 0161 275 3033/3781 to book an appointment.
You can also check out the Uni’s website on where to go to get further support during your studies.
If you haven’t already, then check out the Uni’s welcome website at www.welcome.manchester.ac.uk/getready, which will provide all the details of activities taking place over the next couple of weeks including the Start of Year and Societies Fair.
If you’re living in halls this year then be sure to get involved with all the activities taking place over the next couple of weeks to help you to meet new people. Most halls will have their own Welcome Week with activities to get involved with. It’s a great way to meet those you live with and to help build up a community feel. During your time in halls you will be part of their Residents’ Association who organise socials and trips away, and it’s recommended to get actively involved in their activities, you can check out their website here. You can also seek support and advice from your flat tutor and the pastoral team. Living in halls is a great experience and helps you to meet people who aren’t studying your course. Most halls will have Facebook or Twitter pages, be sure to check these out before you arrive and get to know people who’ll be living near you. Nostalgia seems to be gripping me now and I suddenly remember my first day turning up at my halls, with the excitement and nervousness to meet my flatmates. I had been given a Uni hamper from my family equipped with washing up bowl and liquid, chocolate, teabags, Pringles and pack of cards which helped to break the ice with my flatmates and acted as a bonding agent for us. My tip to you guys would be to bring along with you something such as a hamper or a game which can encourage you all to get together talking and chatting.
If you’re living at home then why not like the Uni’s ‘Living at home’ Facebook page to help build up some friendly faces before you arrive and get networking with other students commuting into Uni, you never know you might be able to nab a lift in the morning! 😉
One of the most important things to do once you arrive in Manchester is to complete registration before the 30th September which can be done at a variety of locations across campus. Once registered you will be given a student card which is your golden ticket to the Mecca of the campus……the Library! Well maybe it’s not high on your agenda’s yet, but it will most probably be your home during revision time and I would recommend you get yourself acquainted with the library early on. Find out where your course textbooks are and make sure you bagsy the set textbooks early on to avoid disappointment later on!
Uni is an exciting new stage in your life, with more freedom and room for independent study. It’s a far cry from the spoon-fed information given at school and whilst the nagging teachers have vanished, it can take some getting use to the new learning style. For help with getting to grips with lectures you can check out the library’s My Learning Essentials online resource programme.
Once final last word: Enjoy yourself! Make the most of your time here at Manchester building up lifelong friendships and getting a good degree. Good luck!