Whether this is your first time away from home or you are going back to study after a break, starting university is a time of great change.

Even if it is exciting, change is not always easy to cope with. The first few days can be quite bewildering and it’s not unusual to feel lost or lonely.

How can I help myself?

Build in time to chill out

• Make time to relax with music, read the paper, take a hot bath or whatever you like doing.
• Make sure you get enough sleep.

Expect to be nervous

Everybody is finding their feet, however cool and confident they may appear.

Anxiety at this stage is completely normal and if you do not find your lifetime friends in the first fortnight, you are certainly not alone.

Maximise the chances of finding people you get on with

• Go to things you know you will enjoy.
• University is a great opportunity to explore different interests or change your image.
• Don’t feel you have to keep in with the crowd at all costs.

Don't beat yourself up

Don’t worry if you're not always at ease socially, or if you say or do something you later regret. Learn whatever lesson is there for you, then forget about it and move on.