Your new student guide: settling into your new city

September has arrived! Whether you’re joining us in London, Berlin or at one of our other campuses, starting university is an exciting new chapter. For many students, it also means moving to a new city, finding your way around, meeting new people, and getting used to a new routine.

There’s a lot to think about when you first arrive, so we’ve put together some practical tips to help you feel more settled and ready for student life.

Getting settled

When you first move somewhere new, it can take a little while for everything to feel familiar. Getting a few practical things sorted early on can make those first few weeks much easier.

One of the first things to think about is registering with a local GP. Have a look at the practices near where you live and check what you need to register. You’ll usually need proof of address, so it’s worth having this ready.

It’s also a good idea to work out your route to campus before your first day. If you can, try the journey once beforehand so you know where you’re going and how long it takes. You might also want to download your local public transport app and see whether there are any student discounts available. If you’re travelling by train in the UK, a 16 to 25 Railcard could also help you save on your journeys if you’re eligible.

Once you’ve settled into your new home, take a moment to check when your rubbish and recycling are collected. Your local council website should have all the information you need, and it’s much better to know before you accidentally miss collection day.

If you’re renting in the UK, it’s also worth checking your council tax situation. Full-time students are generally exempt, but you’ll need to apply to your local council and provide proof of your student status. It’s a quick job that’s best sorted soon after you move in.

Bills, budgeting and student life

When you move into a new home, it’s worth checking exactly what’s included in your rent and if you need to pay anything separately. If you’re sharing a house or flat, have a conversation with your housemates about any bills and agree on how you’ll manage them.

Budgeting can take a little getting used to, particularly if this is your first time managing your own money. Alongside your regular expenses, you’ll probably want to have some money available for seeing friends, going out, and exploring your new city. Keeping an eye on your spending can help you enjoy these things without losing track of your budget.

Many tools can help you track your money. Monzo, for example, allows you to categorise your spending and set monthly budgets, which can be useful when you’re getting to grips with your finances.

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Don’t forget your student ID

It’s a good idea to keep your student ID with you at all times. Lots of places offer student discounts, so it’s always worth checking before you pay. You might find discounts at shops, restaurants, cinemas, and other places you visit regularly.

Your student ID can also be useful when you’re exploring your new city. Many museums and galleries offer free or discounted entry for students, so have a look at what’s nearby and make the most of your student status.

There are also websites and apps that bring student offers together in one place. UNiDAYS and Student Beans are two options you can sign up to using your student details. You may find discounts on things you already use, as well as a few offers that could come in handy during your studies.

Getting involved during Freshers

Freshers is a great chance to settle into student life and meet people outside of your course.

Keep an eye on CONNECT for upcoming events. You’ll need to sign in using your university email address and password to view the events and register for the ones you’re interested in. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a QR code, which you can scan when you arrive.

It’s a great opportunity to meet students studying different courses and get to know people across the university. You might already have a few people you’re hoping to meet, but don’t worry if you arrive without knowing anyone. Remember, a lot of other students will be in the same position.

Give yourself time to settle in

Starting university and moving somewhere new can feel like a lot at first. There will be plenty of things to work out, but you don’t need to have everything figured out straight away.

Give yourself time to find your favourite places, get comfortable with your journey to campus, and settle into a routine. Say yes to things that interest you, meet new people, and don’t be afraid to ask questions when you need to.

Before you know it, your new city will start to feel a little more familiar, and your student life will start to feel like your own. If you do need a little extra support along the way, our dedicated Student Support team is here to give you the resources, knowledge, and confidence to look after yourself throughout your studies and beyond.

Want to find out more about life at MetFilm School?

Join us at one of our upcoming Open Days to explore our campuses, meet our community, and get a feel for what studying film and screen media could be like for you.