First impressions of uni

Before coming to the university I was nervous about leaving home but I have settled in quite well.  I had visited the campus before so it was not completely new to me.  It seems like a nice environment because I have everything on my doorstep including shops and restaurants and classrooms and also club activities. However I did find it difficult in the first few days to find the right room my classes were in, which was quite stressful. 

Before I came I found clubs and societies on the uni website such as films and e-sports and when I arrived I was glad to find that they are still going.  I think they are a good way of getting to know people.

The style of teaching here is not too much of a culture shock for me because in sixth form at high school I was expected to take notes the same as here.  But I used to find it difficult to get all the notes down in sixth form and I still do now.  Something that I use to help me with following lectures is to record them on a dictaphone or iPod so I can listen to them again later and check my notes are alright.

I am finding maths easy to understand at the moment as it is about the same as A level and the way of teaching is also about the same. Some of the new subjects are difficult and I know I will have to work hard on these but I know I can ask my mentors.  Another difference is that at uni I don’t know my classmates very well yet whereas at school I had been with the same people for more than five years.  I am looking forward to getting to know my classmates better and having a chance to socialise with them too.

The main culture shock for me is living away from home.  I have to be more independent about knowing where I have to go when and also doing other things for myself like cooking.