Welcome to the ARU family. I'm Ramees Nazar, your friendly Students' Union President. I remember my own Welcome Week like it was yesterday – the excitement, the nerves, the huge quantity of pizza I consumed. To help you survive and thrive during this awesome time, I’ve put together a Welcome Survival Pack. Now let's get started.

1. Friends: The Real Treasure

One of the best parts of Welcome Week is meeting new people. When I first arrived, I made many friends who have supported me throughout my university journey. Here are some tips to help you connect:

· Hit the Events: Go to as many Welcome Week events as possible. They’re super fun and the best place to meet people. You can find all the exciting events happening at Anglia Ruskin University on our events page.

· Get Involved: Sign up for clubs and societies that interest you. This is where you’ll meet like-minded people and make lasting friendships. Plus, don’t miss the society taster sessions running over Welcome Week to explore your options and find your perfect fit.

· Say Hi: Don’t be shy! Everyone’s looking to make friends. A simple “Hey, what’s your name?” can go a long way.

2. Stay Active, Stay Happy

Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood. During my first year, I joined the campus sports sessions, which not only kept me fit but also helped me meet lots of amazing people. Here’s how you can stay active:

· Join a Team: Whether you’re into football, basketball, or any other sport, there’s a team for you. Find out more and get involved by visiting our sports page.

· Fitness Classes: Try out different fitness classes offered on campus, like yoga or pilates. They’re fun, keep you fit, and help you meet new people.

· Explore Outdoors: Our campus and city are beautiful. Go for a run, walk, or cycle and enjoy the scenery. If you're looking for a great way to get active, check out the Get Active group at our University. If you prefer to explore on your own or with friends, punting on the River Cam is a must-do experience in Cambridge, be sure to give it a try at least once.

3. Look After Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but self-care is key. Here are my top tips to stay on top form:

· Eat Right: Sure, Enjoy the occasional Burger, but balance it with healthy foods. Your body will thank you.

· Sleep Well: Trust me, a good night’s sleep makes all the difference. Try to get those Zzzs.

· Reach Out: Feeling a bit overwhelmed? No worries! Our university has fantastic support services ready to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out. You can find all the details you need on ours support services page.

4. Essential To-Dos

To get settled in and ready for your university life, make sure you cover these important tasks:

· Collect Your ID Card: Head over to the iCentre to pick up your student ID card. It’s your key to campus facilities and services.

· Get Your Term Letter: You’ll need this for part-time work, so make sure to grab it and keep it handy.

· Open a Bank Account: If you’re an international student, opening a local bank account is crucial for managing your finances. Check out our university’s recommended banks for student accounts.

· Register with a GP: Don’t forget to register with a local GP (General Practitioner). It’s important to have healthcare sorted out from the start.

· Check Your University Email: Important updates and information will be sent here, so keep an eye on your inbox.

· Download Must-Have Apps: To make your university experience smoother, download essential apps such as Outlook, Canvas, MS Teams, MS Authenticator, the ARU App. You’ll also learn about other useful apps to download once you start your journey here.

5. Have Fun and Explore

Welcome Week is your chance to explore and enjoy. Don’t miss out on these fun activities:

· Campus Tours: Get to know your new home with a self-guided tour available from the Welcome desk.

· Local Spots: Find the best student hangouts around campus. Coffee shops, parks, and more.

· Cultural Events: Take part in the local culture with events and performances happening on and off-campus.

6. Stay in the Loop

Keep an eye on your university email and social media for updates on Welcome Week events. You don’t want to miss any of the fun!

Welcome Week is just the start of your adventure. Enjoy it, make new friends, and take care of yourself. If you need anything, the Students' Union is here to support you.

Here’s to an amazing Welcome Week.

Cheers,

Ramees Nazar President, Students’ Union