Feeling excited, tired and homesick at the same time is understandable. It does not mean you chose the wrong university. Familiarity takes time. Start with a small foundation rather than expecting perfect study habits, a home and a social life immediately.
Start with the essentials
Check your own university’s accommodation, access, registration and document requirements. Keep copies of important papers separately. Live in your new space for a few days before buying everything.
Find a study rhythm
Check deadlines and course requirements weekly. Collect questions and ask a teacher, mentor or academic office. Your first task is to learn where to find answers.
Meet people without pressure
You do not have to find close friends in the first week. Start with small repeated contacts: sitting near a classmate, walking to class together or attending one interest-based event.
Make the city more familiar
Learn the route from home to university, then the local neighbourhood. Save an offline map and check evening transport. Check housing agreements and the property before transferring money.
When things remain difficult
If your condition does not improve, you barely sleep or eat, or anxiety prevents everyday activities, contact university counselling or another appropriate professional.
One thing to try today
- Keep university, accommodation and emergency contacts in one note
- Walk the route to campus before classes begin
- Make a monthly budget with room for unexpected costs
- Meet one classmate and find your course group or mentor
- Keep a familiar ritual and one evening without commitments
Sources & further reading
Saint Petersburg State University: student guideHSE University: first-year adjustmentHSE University: accommodation informationThis material is educational and does not replace individual professional advice. Named sources are references, not a claim that their authors reviewed or endorsed this website.