Moving to a new country is exciting… but it can also feel overwhelming. Here are some simple tips to help you settle in and make the most of your experience.
Get familiar with your local area
Take some time to explore your campus and the amazing city you’ve chosen to study in!
Feeling confident about your surroundings can help you feel at home more quickly. Find out where the nearest supermarkets, pharmacies, banks and transport links are.
Most large supermarkets in Bristol have an international food aisle plus there are lots of international supermarkets across the city!
Manage your finances
Keep track of your spending and remember to plan for essentials such as accommodation, food and travel. Setting up a UK bank account and creating a budget can make daily life much easier. Plus the Blackbullion app is a great way to budget – and enter student competitions!
Build new connections
As you settle in, keep connected with friends and family back home – but be sure to make the most of the opportunity to meet new people.
- Join a club or society to make new friends and expand your network.
- Our Student Life team host a huge range of events both on and off campus.
- Visit the Global Student Support team in P Block on Frenchay Campus.
Don’t be afraid to start conversations! There will be lots of other students feeling how you feel, so why not make the first move and say hi?
Look after your wellbeing
As you settle into new routines, make sure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep and regular exercise. It might sound obvious, but these will help you settle in and feel your best.
If you’re feeling homesick or stressed, we recommend the Wisdom app. It’s free to download and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It’s here for when you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or just need some inspiration to manage your wellbeing. You can talk to a counsellor via WhatsApp or a call.
Embrace your new home
Trying local food, exploring nearby attractions and learning about UK traditions can make your experience more rewarding.
At the same time, celebrate and share your own culture with others – diversity is one of the things that makes uni life so special.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself
Settling into life in the UK will take some time and that’s ok. Pace yourself and enjoy it!