My name is Niharika and I’m studying Occupational and Organisational Psychology MSc.
Starting university is exciting, but starting in a new country brings its own kind of nerves. I remember stepping onto Surrey’s campus with three bags, a phone full of screenshots, and a head full of questions. I knew I was ready for the journey ahead, but I also didn’t know where the lecture hall was.
So here are the things I wish someone had told me during that first whirlwind week, 15 tips from someone who’s been there. Although I am an international student, almost all of the below suggestions apply to home students too!
1. Yes, use Google Maps (even on campus!)
Don’t be shy, I used Google Maps every single day that first week, even to walk from my accommodation to lecture halls on Stag Hill. Every building looked the same. Every abbreviation felt cryptic, and I couldn’t remember if AP stood for Austin Pearce or “Almost Panic”! If you’re doing the same, you’re not alone. Ask for directions, follow the crowds, and soon you’ll know every shortcut by heart.
Which leads to…
2. Find your go-to
Once I found my way around, the next thing I needed was energy. Jet lag plus 9am lectures is a no go. That’s when I discovered the Lakeside coffee at Rik Medlik Building a warm croissant and coffee before class became my daily ritual. It gave me a moment to breathe before the academic day began. And by Thursday? The weekly food market was a must. Trying different cuisines while catching up with friends became part of my weekly routine. Exploring these spots early helped me feel more grounded and gave structure to those unpredictable first days.
Feeling more settled led me to another discovery…
3. Your flatmates will become your first support system
Your accommodation is more than just a place to sleep. It’s where you start building community. You might not connect with everyone in your accommodation, and that’s fine. But the ones you do connect with? They’ll become part of your journey. From navigating NHS visits to celebrating festivals and our first snow together, those memories were built right in our shared kitchen.
Nothing bonds flatmates faster than being jolted awake at dawn by a fire alarm that sounds like a spaceship landing. As international students, we had no clue what was happening just that it was loud enough to reset your entire nervous system. We bolted out in pyjamas, slippers flying, only to find out it was a drill. Safe to say, we survived our first “alarm-ing” experience and laughed about it all morning , and we comforted each other through homesickness. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real and those were the moments that made it feel like home.
Of course, sometimes things go wrong, and that’s why…
4. Know who to call (and don’t wait until you need to)
If you’re locked out, confused about maintenance, or need someone late at night, campus security, estate and facilities, and your reception desk (whether at Stag Hill or Manor Park) are your go-to people. Save those numbers now. They were incredibly responsive and kind when I needed help and knowing that made me feel safer instantly.
And if you’re ordering things to make your room, feel more like home…
5. Use the Amazon lockers for fast, fuss-free delivery
I didn’t expect to love the Amazon lockers, but they saved me more times than I can count. Whether it was a forgotten charger, toiletries, or snacks from home, these lockers (on Stag hill or Manor Park) are faster and less chaotic than the CDC. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for choosing convenience.
Once you’ve unpacked, settled in, and realised you still have 100 questions…
6. Visit The Hive (it’s not just for admin)
The Hive became my go-to in Week 1. Need help with your self-service account? Confused about registration? Unsure how anything works? The Hive team is friendly, understanding, and never rushes you. It was where I went with all my “I should probably know this but don’t” questions and they always had an answer.
And once you start feeling a bit more like you belong, you’ll find…
7. Nest is where real conversations begin
There’s something about Nest that invites connection. I ended up having my first real university conversation there what started as a quiet coffee became a shared laugh, and then a new friendship. Whether you’re studying or just pausing between classes, Nest makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
Which inspired me to think long-term…
8. Dream ahead with SurreyConnects
One night, I found myself wondering what life would look like after graduation. That’s when I discovered SurreyConnects. Reaching out to alumni felt intimidating at first, but every response I got was generous, insightful, and encouraging. These are people who once stood where we stand—and their advice made the future feel less abstract and more possible.
But there’s more to Surrey than campus and coursework…
9. Connect with the community through FIG
Joining Friends International Guildford (FIG) was one of the best things I did in my first month. They organise meetups, local events, and dinners where you can meet friendly locals and other international students. Exploring Guildford with them helped me feel less like a visitor and more like a resident. Check them out at friendsinternationalguildford.org.uk
Of course, you’ll find even more opportunities during…
10. Freshers’ Week: say yes, even when you’re tired
Freshers’ Week can be overwhelming but try not to skip it. I still wish I had joined more events and explored more societies in that first week. It’s a rare time when everyone is open to meeting new people, trying new things, and saying “yes” without overthinking. Even one random event can lead to a friendship or experience you didn’t know you needed.
And while you’re walking around…
11. Explore campus, you’ll be surprised what you find
In my first week, I only walked between the same four buildings. It wasn’t until later that I discovered peaceful study corners, beautiful hidden gardens, and quiet spots by the lake. Take time to wander. Each corner of the university holds something unique spaces to rest, reflect, laugh, and learn.
Speaking of spaces…
12. Make your room feel like your space
Homesickness doesn’t knock, it just shows up. That’s why I turned my accommodation into my little comfort zone. I packed a few knick-knacks from home photos, postcards pinned them up on the massive soft board every room comes with. Suddenly, those plain walls started feeling like mine. It wasn’t fancy, but every glance reminded me I brought a bit of “me” across continents. (Scroll down to see how I decorated mine!)
Room set? Great. Now let’s tackle the not-so-fun but oh-so-freeing part…
13. Sort your essentials early
Bank account? Done. GP registration? Sorted. Visa documents/ BRP? Out of the way. It’s not the most glamorous part of Week 1 but trust me getting your paperwork handled early is the adulting win you didn’t know you needed. I called it my “admin detox” because once it was out of the way, I could finally breathe (and explore).
And shoutout to the University of Surrey starter pack you’ll get it during registration. It includes your Eduroam login (a.k.a. your Wi-Fi lifeline), campus map and all the basics you didn’t know you needed but suddenly can’t live without.
And when all the checklists are done… feelings show up uninvited.
14. Let yourself feel what you feel
Some days were full of new friends and good food. Others felt quiet and cloudy. And that’s okay. You’re not here to love every moment you’re here to live it fully. Let the excitement in, but leave room for the homesick calls and quiet nights too. You’ll find your rhythm. I did.
And finally…
15. Know your 3 W’s: Water, Wi-Fi, and Washing
It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. Know where to fill your water bottle, which building has strong Wi-Fi for your late-night video calls (hint: library and Nest), and how to use the laundry machines (yes, you’ll stare at them for 5 minutes the first time) before your laundry piles up. These basics smooth out the chaos of settling in.
You won’t remember every lecture from Week 1. But you’ll remember who helped you move in, who walked you to your first seminar, and who stayed up late sharing snacks and stories. The first week may feel like a blur but one day, you’ll walk across campus, remember your first coffee run, your first lost lecture, your first festival celebration and realise, you’ve found your place.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just take the first step. Then the next and you’ll be on your way.
