University life in the UK: What to expect in your first Term 2025

What the first term looks like in 2025

The first term (September to December) is where university life really begins. You’ll move into your accommodation, meet new people, join Student Unions, and start classes—while figuring out how to manage time, money, and wellbeing.

Below is everything you need to know to make a confident start.

Key first-term timeline

• Move-in & registration: Arrivals days, enrolment, campus tours, and ID checks.
• Freshers’ Week: Society fairs, meetups, sports trials, and welcome events (including sober options).
• Teaching begins: Intro lectures, seminars, and setting up your study routine.
• Mid-term: First assignments and feedback; group projects get underway.
• End of term: Coursework deadlines and, at some universities, December exams.

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Freshers’ week essentials

• Visit the societies and sports fair—join two or three to start, you can add more later.
• Look for inclusive and low-cost events as well as sober socials and daytime meetups.
• Collect info on student support services (careers, wellbeing, disability support).
• Note key locations: library, study hubs, student union, health centre, and bus stops.

Moving in and getting set up

• Check room inventory, report maintenance issues, and learn how to use heating and laundry.
• Swap contact details with flatmates and set some friendly shared-space guidelines.
• Sort student card, module enrolment, timetable, and campus IT logins.
• Plan a first food shop and agree on basic kitchen staples to share.

First weeks of teaching

• Download module handbooks and list all deadlines in a calendar or planner.
• Skim reading lists; focus on the first two weeks rather than everything at once.
• Attend study skills workshops (referencing, note-taking, time management).
• Form a small study group from your course or seminar group.

Joining societies and making friends

• Try both a hobby society (fun) and an academic/professional society (career-building).
• Go to small meetups: coffee chats, board games, film nights—easier for conversation.
• Give it time; it’s normal if friendships take a few weeks to settle.

Health and well-being

• Register with a GP (doctor) near your accommodation.
• Expect seasonal bugs; sleep, hydration, and fresh air help a lot.
• Know where to access mental health support and out-of-hours help.
• Balance social life with rest—protect at least one quiet evening each week.

Money and budgeting

• Set a weekly budget for food, transport, and socials; track spending for two weeks.
• Batch-cook simple meals and use student discounts for travel and essentials.
• Plan for one-off costs (course materials, society fees, winter travel).

Accommodation checklist

• Understand your tenancy or residence agreement and how to report issues.
• Keep shared areas clean—short, regular tidies beat big weekend clean-ups.
• Label food, agree on bin days, and respect quiet hours during assessment weeks.

International student notes

• Attend international orientation for practical help (banking, healthcare, visas).
• Join cultural societies and language exchanges to meet people and share experiences.
• Learn local transport options and typical term-time travel patterns.

Part-time jobs and volunteering

• Use the university careers service and SU jobs board for student-friendly roles.
• Balance hours with study (many students aim for 10–15 hours per week maximum).
• Consider volunteering or course-related roles to build your CV.

Study habits that work

• Block study sessions in 50-minute chunks with short breaks.
• Start assignments early: outline, draft, then refine with feedback.
• Use office hours to ask targeted questions and check you’re on track.

Staying safe and supported

• Save emergency contacts and campus security numbers in your phone.
• Use trusted transport at night and share live locations with friends.
• Report concerns early—accommodation teams and student services can help.

First-term FAQs

How busy is the first term?
Busy—but manageable with a planner. Expect socials in the first two weeks, then steady coursework and early deadlines by mid-term.

Do I need to join lots of societies?
No. Start with one or two, then add more if you have time.

What if I feel homesick?
Very common. Keep routines, get outside daily, and talk to friends or support services.

When do I look for a part-time job?
Many students apply after Freshers’ Week once timetables are finalised.

When should I think about second-year housing?
Not immediately. Focus on settling in; speak to your accommodation team and do proper research before deciding.

Final thoughts

The first term is a whirlwind of new places, people, and possibilities. Pace yourself, use the support on offer, and remember—everyone is figuring it out as they go.

Settled into your new place? Help future students choose confidently: head to Hallbookers to rate & review your accommodation.