Whether you've packed up every single thing you own and moved into student accommodation, or you’ve become part of the commuting community, starting university can be a huge shock to the system. Read how first year student Lana, coped with starting university and the impact we, the Students’ Union had on their experience.

The hardest part of that first week is keeping busy, the days can feel twice as long, and it can be hard to not want to hideaway in your room and wait for lectures to start but for me the Students' Union didn't let that happen. Almost every day during Welcome Week there was something new going on, a club night, a pub quiz, a market, a fair, a get together, that not only offered a way to spend the day and an opportunity to invite my flat mates or classmates along to but never let us leave without a free tote bag full of event flyers, vouchers and university merch to keep us excited about starting this new journey.

Being a student at UCLan means that you are a member of the Students’ Union, no dues, fees, or signups necessary. From the moment of enrolment, you're entitled to the services and representation provided by  them. This has been incredibly valuable so far and I know my life as a first-year university student would look entirely different if I didn't have access to this important support. It's also important that other first years are also aware of the benefits of the Students' Union, so here are just a few things that have really made my experience here at the University of Central Lancashire.

One of my biggest worries leading up to leaving for university was the cost of living, not just having to figure out budgeting food shopping and rent but also about getting to do the fun things. Having to miss out on the social scene, especially in a new place with new people to meet and new things to try, would've been a huge shame but at some points felt like it could be a necessity.

One of the first Students' Union perks that I was introduced to was in Lampworks, the SU bar/social space, with a free burger event on my move in day. It was an easy icebreaker for my flatmates who also wanted to make the most out of the freshers' freebies as I did, and once I was there, I found a warm and welcoming student run space that offered affordable food and drinks. It's perfect for a quick lunch in between lectures as it's connected to the SU building, and a great spot for a weeknight out with my friends, especially when they host their Strangled Cats Karaoke and speed quiz nights.

This was just the start of a whole load of events that the Students' Union has run since my first day in Preston. Even after Welcome Week it hardly slowed down, the best place to keep up to date on any upcoming events is the event page and Instagram. My favourite has been the Vintage Folk thrift sales, I can browse great quality vintage at an affordable price so if you're like me and forgot to pack warm clothes for the cold winter semester then you should check out the Union Cafe when Vintage Folk stop by.

Transitioning from the sudden freedom of Welcome Week to suddenly grappling with deadlines and coursework can be jarring even for the most prepared students. Something that I discovered during my first few weeks of the semester is that the Union runs an independent Advice Centre, attached to the building, which are on hand to advise students about housing and financial issues including welfare benefits and academic issues. Knowing that I won't be alone and will have someone to turn to if I find myself becoming overwhelmed or struggling provides a lot of comfort and frees my mind to focus on my assignments, my new friends, and my future.

I've only just gotten started, and with almost 3 years to go I know there's loads more to discover about the UCLan Students' Union, but they have already had such an active role in my life here and I can't imagine my university experience without it. I hope this encourages other students, whether they're brand new or starting their final year, to do their own research and find out how the Students' Union can support you.