It is important to consider your first week at UWE and plan as much as you can if possible. You may find that this could help you to settle into university life and to be a more prepared for personal challenges should they arise.  

There will be events that you will need to attend (such as registration), others that are optional, but useful (such as campus tours) and others that you might want to opt out from as they might be a bit overwhelming for you. Planning how you are going to spend your first few days and initial weeks will ensure that you do everything you have to do, many of the things you might want to do and keep you from being distracted from the many suggestions and opportunities you may have upon arrival. 

It could also be a good idea to put some notifications in your calendar about things you might forget once you are on campus, such as doing your laundry, going grocery shopping or taking your medication (if applicable). One of the first (and hardest!) adulthood lessons is that if you don’t remember to do something, it simply won’t get done. 

If you can, it is very useful to arrange to visit the campus before the official start of term. The campus will be much quieter during the summer break, and you can use this time to visit your department without the distraction of other students. This will help you orientate yourself to the campus environment. If offered, try to attend a pre-entry meeting with disability service and attend open days or opportunities to attend transitions if they are offered. These events can be very insightful and can provide additional information that you may find useful. It also provides you with the opportunity for you to have your questions answered.  

Finally, a few days before coming to UWE do check out your timetable for the Starting Block.

• where you I go during breaks between lectures and lunchtimes? 

• can I remember the quiet locations? 

• do I know where the shops are on campus and local shops off campus? 

• do I understand how to use transport if I need to get to another campus from my accommodation? 

• can I navigate the campus environment?  

• do I have a support staff contact person in place to help me address any issues I may encounter? 

• am I able to use blackboard and MyEngagement 

• do I understand my timetable? 

The main UWE website had lots of useful information to help you prepare your initial arrival at UWE: 

UWE study and starting-block 

UWE life – preparing-and-arrival 

UWE life – arriving-and-living-in-the-uk-international 

UWE students 

UWE global-centre