First Weeks at Uni Feeling Scary? The Top Questions Answered
Before starting university you’re often focused on thinking about what to pack, finding people on your course, planning your commute to campus or thinking about what activities to get involved with during Welcome Week. So once you’ve settled in and started your course you might find yourself thinking of things you hadn’t thought about before.
This blog is here to help you answer some of the top questions students have during their first semester.
“I think I have dyslexia and need extra support”
Here at the University of Worcester, there is lots help and support in this area, whether you have a formal diagnosis or not. If you think you could have dyslexia, you can reach out to the Counselling and Mental Health team, who can support you in getting a dyslexia assessment. This is a 1-hour assessment which can identify traits of dyslexia.
Whether or not you have been diagnosed with dyslexia or another neurodiversity or disability, The Disability and Dyslexia service can offer you help and assistance. You can book an appointment online or in person with a disability adviser to gain advice on what support is available to you and how to access it. The team can discuss any adjustments you may need to help you during taught sessions or your assignments, and put together a Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAPs). These are accessible to your lecturers, so they’ll know what you need to get the most out of your course.
“I am not enjoying my course and want to understand if I can change to a different course”
It can be possible to change courses or modules when you first start your course, and many courses have a set first-year module list to allow changes to be made throughout the year. You can speak to your course leader or your PAT to talk though your options and decide which course of modules you want to move to.
If your certain you wish to make a change, you can contact firstpoint to help you through the process. For more information on making a course or module change, see the Student Services website.
“I am worried about my finances and unable to ask my parents/guardians for help”
Depending on your lifestyle, university life can be expensive, from groceries to going out with friends and transport costs. To help you feel in control of your finances, there are tools set up by the University to help. firspoint can direct you to the service or resource which could best support you, such as putting you in touch with the Money Advice service, the Universities dedicated team for providing students with financial advice and support.
If you’re thinking of finding a part-time job to give you some extra income, the ‘My careers’ section of MyDay (our student portal) lists local jobs in the area and at the university, such as working with the facilities team or getting involved with student ambassador work.
“I am concerned about a course friend or housemate, but unsure who to talk to.”
If you have been reaching out to a friend and you feel as if they are being less chatty, quieter than usual or seem disengaged, it’s okay to check in and ask them directly if they are okay. It’s likely that they’re fine, just busy with their university work. During university people have different workloads and different ways of managing; some may want more contact with friends during busy times, others may need to keep to themselves. But if you do reach out to a friend and they let you know that they aren’t feeling great, suggest meeting up, keep in regular contact and signpost them to firstpoint, the student wellbeing champions or their PAT if they need additional support.
“ I am struggling to make friends at university and do not know where to start”
Starting at a new place can be hard, especially when you don't know anyone. However, there are things you can do to help you make friends. Join a society or a club; there are many different societies and clubs offered at the University to choose from. Some may even be offered for your chosen course! There are events put on by the Student Union, like a quiz, where you could meet individuals! You may also wish to get involved in roles such as being a Student Ambassador, as this is a great way to meet new people across different courses and years!
Blog uploaded: 26/03/2026