Words by Tanishka Harish
Health Services Management [MSc]

Hey! Is it your first time staying away from home? Your first time traveling abroad or alone for the first time? Cooking for the first time? Doing your laundry for the first time? Feeling scared, anxious, nervous but excited as well?

I am, rather, was in the same situation if that makes you feel any better! But DO NOT WORRY!

Coming to a new city in a completely new country is no easy feat. It takes a lot of bravery, courage, and guts to do that, and if you are thinking about it or are already in process of doing it, then hats off to you! Know that you are strong and capable of handling the new change coming your way. It might seem intimidating to move across the oceans to study at a new place and may also bring with it apprehensions and uneasiness. How do I make friends? How am I going to adjust? All these doubts are valid and important.

And let me tell you, I had the exact same questions as mentioned above when I first came to Glasgow, and I finally have some answers for those! So let me share my insights, experiences, and a couple of suggestions with you.

I have never traveled alone anywhere, so when I had to fly for over 16 hours alone, it did seem extremely scary. One thing that I realised is that it's okay to not know things. Ask those around you for help. It is in the human nature to help others. I missed my flight due to unforeseen circumstances, and one of my luggage was delayed. I did freak out, but I asked for help from strangers (mainly the airport staff and fellow passengers), and that honestly made the situation so much better. Lugging three massive suitcases to my accommodation room was an ordeal, but luckily, I had help along the way, I asked for it, and the ones I asked for help from, are now my best friends!

Advice No. 1- Ask for help! Maybe you'll get more than what you asked for! 

Homesickness is an inevitable part of Uni life, but what I would suggest you do is to go out of your room/dorm and mingle. It sounds hard and intimidating, but it does get better. At least 99% of the students are going through the same thing. It becomes easier to make friends because of the similarity in the situations and then it’s simpler to bond over other things as and when you talk further. I met so many people over the screening of the recent India-Pakistan cricket match in the accommodation common room! The people of Glasgow, staff and students at the UofG are by far the sweetest ones I have met Keep yourself engaged and how you do that is up to you. It could be through joining the numerous societies here or by going to the gym or just inviting some friends over for a meal- keep your mind occupied, try meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on life. 

Advice No.2- Talk to others! You never know, you may find your future best friend!

Afraid of doing things alone? It’s okay, you will get the hang of it. From doing your own laundry, to cleaning up after cooking, to grocery shopping- seems like a lot of work right? But in a couple of weeks, you will get used to it and might even enjoy it as it’s different from your daily academic tasks. Roam around the area, see new things and places and get new experiences. That’s what Uni life is all about. From my personal experience, it gives you a fresh breath of air and is a variation from your everyday routine. 

Advice No.3- Get out of your room, take a break, and come back with experiences!

Don't miss out on opportunities and chances. Go out for a party or two, hang out with friends of friends, take a little trip down Ashton Lane, or take a stroll in Kelvingrove park. Do things you wouldn't have otherwise done, this is your time to explore yourself and have fun. Of course, studying is your number one priority here, but remember, it is not your only priority. (But that's a topic for another blog post!). 

Advice No.4- As cliche as it sounds, don’t forget to have FUN!

Remember, you are STRONG, you are CAPABLE, and you're going to have the BEST OF TIMES here!

First published: 4 November 2022

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First appeared on Unibuddy