Five tips for any new student starting university

Krupa Naik studied for a master’s in clinical psychology at the University of Plymouth from 2023 to 2024. After graduating, she served as a Sabbatical Officer as Vice President for Wellbeing and Diversity at the Students’ Union.

She shares her top five tips for any new student starting university.

1. Allow yourself time to adjust

Culture shock can hit you in unexpected ways. From food and humour to accents and even the weather, it can all feel overwhelming at first. But it’s important to remember that these experiences don’t mean you don’t belong. They’re simply part of the adjustment process. Over time, you’ll find that it becomes easier to adapt, and many of those challenges will transform into cherished aspects of your experience.

For many international students, homesickness can sneak up unexpectedly. What helped me the most during these moments was finding a sense of community. It wasn’t about attending every event or making dozens of new friends, it was about starting small. Whether it was joining a society, attending a casual meetup, or simply visiting campus events, each little step counts. Even just one or two friends can make all the difference in helping you feel less isolated and more connected to your new home.

2. Get involved with your Students' Union

One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to get involved with your Students’ Union. When I first arrived, I didn’t realise just how much the Union could offer beyond hosting events. The Union often have advice centres and offer a wealth of support whether it’s confidential advice on legal matters, financial guidance, or academic support, it’s a place you can turn to in moments of uncertainty.

Moreover, Unions run student-led societies that allow you to meet new people, pursue your interests, and feel more at home. Many also organise buddy schemes or welcome events, helping you to connect with fellow students from around the world. So, if you ever feel unsure or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to visit your Union. They truly are here to help.

3. Seek support if you need it

As an international student, it’s easy to underestimate how much stress can accumulate, especially in a new environment. That’s why universities have dedicated well-being services, which provide professional support for students. If you ever feel emotionally overwhelmed or just out of place, don’t wait to reach out. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and the support you receive can make a world of difference to your overall well-being.

There were also some academic challenges I didn’t anticipate, things like referencing, citations, and writing in a more critical, analytical style. In my home country, the approach to learning was different, but I quickly learned that UK universities have academic support teams to help with these challenges. There’s absolutely no shame in reaching out for assistance. Whether it’s a writing workshop or one-on-one tutoring, don’t hesitate to use these resources to help you thrive academically.

4. Start networking and think about your future career

UK universities offer careers services that can help you with your CV, as well as advice on networking, which can open doors you might not have even expected.

Networking, whether through attending university events, speaking to alumni, or chatting with your lecturers, can help you discover opportunities and learn about job openings before they’re advertised. Don’t underestimate the power of being in the right conversation at the right time.

5. You belong here

Finally, I want to say this: it’s okay to feel out of place sometimes. It’s okay to feel homesick or uncertain. It’s okay to not have everything figured out right away. But please know this, almost every international student around you is probably going through or has gone through a similar experience.

You’re resilient. You’ve already taken a brave step by moving to a new country. Even when it feels hard, you’re doing better than you think.

Find your support systems. Use the resources available. Ask for help. Speak your truth. And most importantly, know that you belong here.

If you need any advice and help during your studies, your university is the best place to go to for support. There are also lots of organisations that support international students, including UKCISA and Student Minds.