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What to Expect on your First Day of University
By Thomas Ahonen
Updated March 9, 2021 Updated March 9, 2021Sometimes the process of choosing a university and going abroad can be like childbirth. Choosing a university long, messy process that involves pain, financial strain and cravings for strange food with the hopes that once it’s all done, you’ll be happier than ever. I think one of the things you should be prepared for the most is what you need do when you land.
As the resident American writer, I can tell you that US universities are pretty good at new student orientation. For students about to embark on a degree, you can usually expect to receive a heavy packet (or maybe times have changed and it’s emailed now… you know, because I’m still calling things on iTunes “CDs”) that outlines every step you’ll literally take the first day of university.
Expecting that, I landed in London for the first day of university to do my MA and since I didn’t get anything sent to me pre-departure, I was expecting a new student orientation welcoming committee with banners and nametags to be sitting in the lobby of my student housing that were going to tell me all the things I needed to do and in what order.
I was welcomed by a receptionist that gave me a room key and that’s about it.
Ok, so surely there was going to be an email…
Probably in my university email account….
How the hell did I access my university login?
These questions, and many others that I assumed would never have to be asked… were now urgent and annoying. I think my expectations had gotten the better of me, so go through a little checklist before your first day of university and make sure you have the necessary rooms, times and info. Here’s my checklist of what will make or break your first couple of days.
Let me know if there’s anything major I’ve missed for your first day of university. I’ve also been suggested to include that you should find out if you can drink outdoors legally (hint, you can in London, except for Westminster, so if you’re planning to crack one open and meet your building neighbors and chat outside, do so in other boroughs!)
This article was originally published in May 2012 . It was last updated in March 2021
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