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Well done @Rose113, a great achievement!

That’s brilliant, well done!!

Hi there @AnonymousToe

Thank you for reaching out! Going to university is definitely a big life change and adjustment, and it can be overwhelming and intense. Many people are in the same boat as you, living independently away from home for the first time, learning how to cook and clean, finding a work-life balance and managing their own accommodation and finances.

Your worries about not being able to make friends, being lonely, and being overwhelmed with the workload and academics are also common concerns among students throughout their entire time at university. So you are not alone in this. The university student support services and your personal tutor will be able to advise you and direct you to the appropriate resources if needed.

I am glad you recognise this change is needed for you, to be away from home and have the chance to embrace adulthood as well as the excitement of having more control over yourself. When you are struggling remind yourself of this, and take each hurdle as it comes. Be kind to yourself during this very big transition too, there is no wrong or right way, things happen for people at different times and in different ways, and that is okay.

Please keep us updated on how things go, we all wish you the best on this new chapter of your life!

Best wishes,
Fiona ◡̈

Hi @AnonymousToe I wanted to respond to you as I'm in a very similar situation - I moved out this Thursday and I'm adjusting to living on my own. In terms of learning life skills don't be afraid to google videos of how to do things such as mopping etc or whatever you're wanting to learn - try to remember everyone starts somewhere!

Not sure if this will help but I've been taking videos as I've been learning the appliances such as how to turn on and adjust settings on things like the oven, hob, microwave, washing machines, dryers etc. I've then made a folder in my phone to refer back to whenever I need.

I also have a notebook on things to remember about my accommodation such as where they keep the food waste bags, when their weekly fire alarm testing is, instructions for the microwave, phone numbers and key contacts for maintenance etc.

I also still need to go through the DSA process so I totally get you there, if you need to you could always email student support to help you out.

I also found it useful to look at my local shops to remind myself of what foods I like so I know what to buy.

I found that it's often easier to know what you're missing when you actually get your accommodation e.g. toothbrush holder and other very specific things.

I will be honest I was pretty scared about independent living but it wasn't as bad as I thought.

I hope some of this helps, well done for reaching out! I'm sure a lot of people are in the same boat.

Make sure to keep us updated on how you get on!

hey @Rose113 I just wanted to echo everything Gemma said. We're here for you and please keep reaching out when you feel in pain and need somewhere to turn

I'm also glad you feel able to talk to your friend about the situation. It helps to have someone in your life to turn to and who can be there for you. I know you said you weren't too sure you could or even wanted to talk more about the incident, but I thought I would share some other places you can go to for support just in case if they would be helpful (now or in the future) or just if you needed someone else to talk to in more detail

Crisis Messenger (24/7) | text THEMIX to 85258
Samartians (24/7) | call 116 123 | email jo@samaritans.org
Childline | call 0800 11 11

But we're always here as well so always feel like you can reach out here for some love and support

I really hope today is a better one for you. I love this so much and I’m so proud of you for sharing your experiences. keep going you’re doing amazing.