Incoming Freshmen: What You Actually Need in Your First Weeks

Starting college is exciting and a bit overwhelming. You don’t need a perfect plan, but a few smart moves will make the first weeks smoother. This guide gives clear, useful steps you can use right away—no fluff, just things that work.

Before You Arrive: Must-do checklist

Handle the basics first. Finish any enrollment forms, confirm housing, and know how to get your student ID. Set up your student email and sign into the campus portal so you can see your timetable and fees. If you need a visa, health records, or vaccinations, get those done now.

Packing tip: bring essentials, not everything you own. A few good shoes, basic bedding, a small toolkit, and a power strip go a long way. Don’t forget chargers and a lightweight rain jacket. Leave heavy, sentimental items at home until you know your living space.

Money, Classes and Daily Life

Set a simple budget. Know your recurring costs—rent, food, transport, phone and books—and plan for occasional costs like social outings or trips home. Open a local bank account if needed and note how to move money internationally without heavy fees.

Attend orientation and first lectures. Professors often explain how they grade and what matters in assignments. Go to the first class even if it feels optional. Small details there can save hours later. Use a calendar app to block class times, study hours, and social plans.

Study smarter: review notes within 24 hours of class, break study into short focused sessions, and form a small study group for tricky subjects. Campus libraries and writing centers are free help—use them early, not when you’re panicking before exams.

Make friends by joining one or two clubs that actually interest you. It’s easier to meet people when you share an activity. Say yes to low-pressure events—coffee meetups, campus fairs, or group walks. Friendships formed in casual settings often stick.

Keep your health in check. Find a local doctor, know how campus health services work, and keep a small first-aid kit. Sleep, water, and simple meals matter more than late-night cramming. If you feel stressed or homesick, talk to a counsellor early.

Stay safe: learn campus emergency contacts and routes, don’t walk alone at night if you can avoid it, and secure valuables in a locked place. If you’re new to the city, learn public transport basics and a few trusted taxi options.

Finally, give yourself time. You’ll make mistakes and figure things out fast. Ask questions, try new things, and keep a few routines that make you feel grounded—like a weekly call home or a short morning walk. You’ve got this.