Wonder what a typical university term is like? In this blog, St Mary’s Student Ambassador, Kamilla, shares what a first term entails, from what you'll do to how to prepare.
Starting your first term at university can be exciting, but also a bit challenging, especially if you've never lived away from home before. You have so many different things on your mind, like what to pack, what happens during Freshers’ Week, what your classes will be like, and how uni life will be.
So, what does the first term of university look like?
Preparing for your first term
I spent a lot of my summer before university curious about what my first term would be like.
As an international student from Norway, I didn’t know what to expect. I was looking forward to studying in a different country, but I was also nervous about living on my own, as this was the first time I would be living away from my parents and friends.
My parents helped me pack all my clothes and belongings in three suitcases and move into my student accommodation in London. It was comforting to know they got to see where I was going to study, and how lovely the campus is.
To make sure you're prepared for your first term, here's some tips:
1. Make sure you have accommodation sorted
If you're living away from home, make sure you've paid your deposit and that you have a room on campus or nearby arranged.
2. Pack efficiently
Don’t bring loads of clothes and room décor, as it will add up over the academic year. You only need the essentials. Kingston is a 15-minute train ride away, and if you’re like me, you’ll end up shopping!
3. Wait before buying course books
I'd recommend waiting before buying course books, as many of the ones I needed were in the library. You can borrow them from there, saving you money.
4. Remember feeling homesick is normal
In the beginning I felt homesick, but with a routine, plans, and all the fun activities on campus, you'll soon settle in and time will start to fly by.
5. Have a calendar
I recommend having a calendar to stay organised and to block your time. This gives you an overview of when you have lectures and need to do coursework, so that you can have time for extracurricular activities like and , as well as enjoy some time for yourself and friends.
This helpful blog shares more about .
What happens during Freshers' Week?
Freshers' Week (or as we call it at St Mary's) is one of the best weeks of the academic year. The week before lectures start, there are many fun activities and events happening around campus, and of course, in the 1850 student bar. It's a great way to meet people from different courses, hang out with course mates, and familiarise yourself with the campus.
Induction session
You’ll have an induction session during your first week, where you meet your classmates and lecturers. The session is for you to discuss the course and learn what your first year will look like. They'll cover your timetable and how to access it, and go through the different websites you’ll need for your studies like Moodle, the MySMU app for attendance, and other resources. After the session, there's time to mingle with your classmates and get to know the people you’ll be around for the next three years.
Activities
There's a wide variety of activities available during Freshers' Week. I’ve been to daytime events like pottery painting, a dog petting café, sip & paint, bracelet-making, foam party, Freshers’ Fayre, and so many more.
In the evening, there are activities like karaoke, club nights, silent discos, and a Freshers’ Ball. In my first year of university, I really enjoyed Drag Bingo – it was so fun!
Freshers’ Fayre
Freshers' Fayre is held in the sports hall, where there are stalls hosted by the societies and sports clubs that the university offers. You get lots of freebies, like tote bags and keychains. It's the perfect opportunity to engage with the wider university and even look for part-time jobs.
How can you make friends?
Firstly, it's important to know that not having a “main friend group” during the first semester of uni is completely normal. Over the three years, you'll get to know people and make friends, but it happens over time, so don't rush it. Focus more on building meaningful connections and enjoying your time.
can be easier if you put yourself out there. Talk to your neighbours, ask them if they want to join you in the Refectory to eat. Everyone is away from home, so people are open to getting to know others. We also have a Commuter Lounge, where you can meet other students if you don’t live on campus.
If you join a society or a sports club, you’ll meet people with similar interests. Every week we have karaoke Mondays and pub quiz/bingo on Thursdays in the 1850 bar. Becoming a regular gives you more opportunities to befriend others.
Support at St Mary’s
Personal tutor
You get assigned a personal tutor at the beginning of the term, who'll be there to support you over your three years. Your personal tutor helps you understand assignment feedback, and they signpost you to relevant support if needed.
Email them if you have questions regarding attendance, coursework, or any worries about your course. They'll help you reach your full potential with support and guidance from the university and academic staff.
The Student’s Union
The (SU) makes sure that your voice is heard. They plan events and activities around campus, and are open to feedback and suggestions. If there's something you want to see more of or make a change, you can start a petition on their website. If you want to start up a society that you haven’t seen, you're welcome to do that too.
Student Services
can help you if you're overwhelmed, struggling with living on your own or academic stress, and many other pastoral issues.
The Student Services team is here to help you, giving support and options for counselling if needed. On Wednesdays, they host , where they organise short group sessions on meditation, arts and crafts, and other wellbeing activities.
The library team
If you want to make the most of campus resources, or you're unsure about where to find coursebooks, how to cite, or you need academic support, you can always contact the .
The library also has a variety of group study spaces, social zones, and individual workspaces.
University term dates
At St Mary’s, you’ll have three terms each year, and each term is around 8-12 weeks long. In the first term of year one, you begin to ease your way into your course, and the modules that you have, while also settling in at uni. You get to know your lecturers, classmates and the academic structure of your course. At the end of the first term, some of the courses have exams and/or assignments.
In the second term, you slowly get eased in after the Christmas holidays with a Reconnect Week, which features activities similar to Freshers’ Week. It's nice when you finally get to see everyone again, without academic stress on your shoulders.
The third term is mostly preparation for exams or assessments. After that, it's summer holidays!
Your first and second year usually prepare you for your final year. You have modules that further your career each semester, helping shape what you'll do after university.
In your third year, the second and third term are usually dedicated to your dissertation, or in my case, as I study Acting, it’s a showcase. We use the second term to prepare us for our final showcase and learn how to network within the industry.
Reflections and moving forward
I'm now entering my third year at university, but as I look back at what my first term at St Mary’s was like, and I’ve noticed a few things I would have done differently:
- Budget more, and buy less stuff.
- Schedule my time better, and not leave anything to the last minute.
- Keep my room more consistently tidy.
- Don’t feel bad about rest days. It's okay to not always be doing something.
- You don’t need to have loads of friends to enjoy your time at uni.
- Make the most of your three years because time flies by fast!
I hope this advice helps you hit the ground running in your first term — good luck, and enjoy every moment.
Student life at St Mary's
At St Mary's University, London, we're proud to hold a Gold rating for student experience in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework. From world-class facilities to dedicated support and vibrant societies, discover what makes St Mary's your home away from home.