For most people, going to university is the first time that they will be leaving home and is a significant time in their life.

University gives you the chance to meet new people, learn new things and encounter new experiences.

Living in a new area of the country may seem daunting but with so many things to do, it is an exciting and interesting time and an opportunity to broaden your horizons.

As well as managing your studies, your time will be filled with a busy entertainment and social life.

However, the thought of leaving behind a comfortable way of life along with all your friends and family can be a scary one.

To help prepare teenagers for making the transition from school to university, Lancaster University runs a series of summer schools and workshops, giving students the opportunity to experience university life.

Lucy Lloyd, assistant director in the Department of Continuing Education, said: "The summer schools give a taste of university for young people – it gives them the chance to live on campus and see what student life is like and have a taste of lectures, and learn how finances work and about looking after yourself."

Workshops are also held in schools for sixth formers.

Natalie Cook, events and logistics co-ordinator in the schools and colleges liaison office, said: "We give presentations on choosing the right university and course, and also talks on finance, to reassure them that they can afford it."

The university sends current students as ambassadors in to schools to talk about student life, as well as giving tours around campus for visiting schools.

There are also two open days in August and September for prospective students and their parents.

"Parents are usually concerned about finance and safety, while the students are more concerned about the courses and what the campus is like," Natalie said.

"We try to get across to them that everything is on one site and it's a very safe environment with a community feel, and also explain the college system and the differences between living on campus or in student houses."

Preparation before the time comes for students to leave home can also come in the form of school support.

Des Coyle, head of sixth form at Our Lady's, said the school helps guide its students through the university process.

Pupils are encouraged to visit as many open days as possible, and are helped to prepare for interviews.

"It's important that they get a good feel for the places," he said.
External speakers are also invited in to speak about relevant issues for life outside school, such as finance and issues such as drugs and alcohol, and students are informed of the relevant support groups that are available to them.

"It's a big transition for them and we try to help them as much as possible," Mr Coyle said.

Once at the university, student support offers counselling including financial advice and healthcare to students.

All students are also appointed a personal tutor who will help them with any problems.

Meanwhile, students at the University of Cumbria are provided with a 'user manual' when they first arrive, to help them to acclimatise to university life. The guide answers all the most common questions about living and studying on campus.

During welcome week, there is also a full programme of introductory sessions on issues such as academic skills and how to use the library and its facilities, as well as meetings with tutors.

Drama and creative writing student Patrick Hall settled in quickly to life at the University of Cumbria's Lancaster campus, thanks to the support he received.

"My sister didn't enjoy her first year at university so I was a bit worried, but I felt very comfortable here and within the first week I felt at home," he said.

"A lot of people have never cooked a proper meal or had to budget before but I think the best thing is to just have a go at it for yourself, and there will always be people who can help you if you
need it.

"Both the students' union and the university can help if you feel like you can't cope."

Patrick, 18, was living on campus but has since moved into a house in Lancaster.

"Worrying about finding friends is a big thing for a lot of people but it's really not something to worry about," he said. "You just have to remember that anybody you meet could be a potential friend, even if they are not like your friends from home."

Students who have just completed their A-levels currently face an anxious wait for their results, due out on August 14, to discover their fate.

Former Our Lady's student Kate Seddon is hoping to study biomedical sciences at either Newcastle or Sheffield University, depending on the grades of her chemistry, biology and religious studies exams.

"I have always wanted to go to university," she said. "I have got friends who went out to work after Year 11 but I never really thought about doing that.

"It's quite scary really, because you just don't know what to expect; there's things to worry about like finance and the people you might have to live with.

"But the thought of going to a new place is exciting and I am quite looking forward to it."

It's not just the students themselves who start to worry as September draws ever closer – for parents too it can be an anxious time.

It can be difficult for parents when a child starts university or college – particularly if they've moved away from home to study.

"My mum really does want me to go but she keeps telling me she will miss me," Kate, 18, said. "But she went to Newcastle University as well so she knows what it's like."

Stefan Wawszczyk has just returned home to Lancaster for the summer after completing his first year at York University.
His new life away from home was something of a culture shock to begin with.

"It's nothing like I expected it to be," the 19-year-old history student said. "It was a massive surprise because it's such a big change, and for the first term I found it really difficult to adapt to the new way of life.

"I had such a good time at school and had so many good friends and going to a new place, that was probably what I missed the most.

"Everyone is so desperate at the end of school to get away but I think you should really appreciate how good school is and how good your friends are."

After a full year in York, Stefan is now feeling more at home.
"After the first term I wondered if university was for me but at the end of the year I didn't want to leave," he said.

"It's been like a rollercoaster ride but as time has gone on I have settled in.

"I think the thing that hit me the most was that it takes until the end of the first year to find a lot of friends.

"When you go away it does take time, and you don't really appreciate that at first, but everyone is in the same boat.

"I feel after a year away like I have learnt so much about myself, and I think if I had stayed at home and gone to university it wouldn't have been the same.

"It's good to know you can live away from your mum and dad and do practical things like cooking – at home your mum is always there to do your washing or cooking but at university you have got to do everything for yourself, so you get much more independent.

"Just being in a random place and not knowing anyone makes you stronger and it's good to think you have got through it."

SURVIVING YOUR FIRST WEEK
* When you're unpacking and settling in to your room, leave your door open so that your new housemates/hall mates can meet you.
* Take some posters and photos to decorate your room with – it will make it look and feel more like your own.
* Make sure you have some cash with you for Freshers' Week as there may not be a cash machine on campus and, even if there is, the queues may be long.
* If you are going to be living off campus, try to get involved with some of the activities taking place on campus, as this will help you make friends and feel part of the institution.
* Have some wine/beer/chocolate to share with your new housemates to help break the ice.
* Go to Freshers' Fair and join some clubs/societies that appeal to you – these could also provide you with a ready-made group of friends.

TOP TIPS FOR STARTING UNIVERSITY
* Settling in – if you've moved away from home to start university or college, it's quite normal to feel homesick in the first few weeks. While it is important to keep in touch with family and friends at home, getting involved in new activities and making new friends is often the best way to make yourself feel better.

* Managing by yourself – if this is the first time you've lived alone, you will be taking responsibility for things you've never had to before. Before you go to university, it might be a good idea to check you know how to do essentials like cook a nutritious meal and wash and iron your clothes. It's also a good idea to plan a budget before you go to university, as you will feel a lot happier if you don't have to worry about money.

* Coping with your course – studying at university or college is very different from studying at school, and it's natural to have some concerns about this. However, remember that everyone is in the same position and university tutors are aware that being taught through lectures and seminars is likely to be new to you. If you do find that you are struggling with any aspect of your course, then seek advice and support from you personal tutor – do not struggle on in silence.

>> Useful websites
www.aimhigher.ac.uk
www.youthinformation.com
www.studentastic.co.uk
www.gap-year.com

>> Films to guide you
Lancaster University students have helped put together a series of short films about what to expect at university and their experiences of
student life. The videos, aimed at helping prospective students, parents and teachers, can be found at http://www.lancs.ac.uk/campustour/video.html