1. Familiarise yourself with what’s available

When you first start, make sure you familiarise yourself with all the resources available to you.

The library is not just for books. The library team offer loads of courses and workshops to help you with anything and everything, from referencing to understanding feedback.

Then there’s the Careers and Enterprise Hub for job applications and CVs, Unitemps for part time work, and the Student Wellbeing Advisers to help you if you’re struggling.

There are so many resources and support systems available to students at CCCU, you'll always have someone to support any problem, idea or endeavour that you have in mind.

2. Get to know your Personal Academic Tutor

Everyone gets assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) when they start at CCCU and they will be your first port of call when you have questions about your course, your assignments, and anything in between.

Whether you're struggling with course content or simply need someone to chat to, your PAT will be available to help you throughout your course. 

3. Put yourself out there

This might be pretty obvious but one of the most important parts of your university life will be the connections that you make with others. One of the easiest ways to do this, besides meeting the people on your course or in your accommodation, is to go to Freshers Fayre.

Sign up for trial sessions for sports and societies that interest you. Whether it’s something you’ve been doing for ages or something you’ve never experienced before, being part of a sport or society is a great way of meeting like-minded people.

Check out the Christ Church Students' Union for more information about what you can get involved in.

4. Make your room feel like home

For a lot of students, moving to university will mean leaving behind the things you know - it definitely did for me. So, decorate your room and make it your space. This is one of the best things to do when you finally gain that sense of independence!

Obviously, you can’t paint or do anything drastic but there are things you can do to make it yours. Put up pictures, and bring cushions, blankets, and other knick-knacks that make your space feel like home.

One of my favourite ways to spruce up my room is using Washi tape to add a splash of colour. My bedroom door has a rainbow outline which I love! As long as what you’re doing isn’t permanent and doesn’t damage anything, then go for it.

5. Be considerate to your housemates

This is an important one. Make sure you’re doing your chores, and don’t leave the communal spaces in a mess or invite tons of people over without checking with your flatmates first.

Remember, you’re going to be together for at least a year and you don't want to make any enemies! Make it enjoyable, and be respectful and kind towards each other. I think that learning to live with other people is a real skill but, whilst it might be difficult at first, it'll get easier and you can make friends for life.

6. Communicate

Another important thing to do is to communicate. Talk to people if you’re having problems, whether that be your PAT, one of your tutors, or a peer mentor. 

Everyone here at CCCU wants to see you succeed. If you need help, all you have to do is ask for it. Never be afraid to reach out because there's someone to who will always want to support you.

If the person you speak to can’t help you directly, there will always be someone they can refer you to. 

Check out what support you have as a CCCU student. 

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We are so excited for you to start with us, and I hope my top tips help you get settled and have an amazing start to your CCCU journey.