How to Make the Most of One Semester in a New City

One semester might not sound like long. But it’s enough time to find your favourite coffee spot, meet people who become proper friends and get surprisingly attached to a city you barely knew a few months ago.

Whether you’re on a university exchange or studying somewhere new for a term, you don’t need a full year to feel part of the place. At true student, we’re all about helping you enjoy that time, from finding your feet to finding your people, if you’ve opted for a short term stay.

Here’s how to make those months count, without turning your calendar into another assignment.

Give yourself time to arrive

Start with the things that make everyday life easier. Find your nearest supermarket, try the journey to campus and work out where you need to be for your first class. Save useful university contacts and check any welcome sessions available to you.

If you’re staying at true, say hello to our onsite team, too. Whether you have a question about your new home or need help finding your way around the building, we’re here to help.

Then give yourself an evening to unpack properly. Put your clothes away, call someone from home and get some sleep. Exploring is much more enjoyable when you’re not running on a meal deal and four hours’ rest.

 Pick a few things you really want to do

You’ll probably arrive with recommendations from friends, social media and someone who visited once in 2019. You don’t have to follow all of them.

Choose a few experiences that matter to you. That could be seeing live music, visiting a local gallery, watching a match or finding the best Sunday roast within walking distance.

Keep a little list on your phone and fit things in when you can. Leave space for spontaneous plans, too. An afternoon you hadn’t planned might turn out to be a favourite.

And if you spend a weekend doing very little? That counts as living somewhere as well.

Check out our blog for tips and advice around each location: true Blogs

Find your people through things you enjoy

Meeting people can feel easier when there’s something to do together.

Look at university societies, sports sessions, volunteering opportunities or events for visiting students. Check whether you can join for a semester and whether there are any fees before signing up.

At true, take a look at the trueLife events happening during your stay. They’re an opportunity to meet other residents through shared activities, so you’ve got something to chat about beyond “what are you studying?”

Pick something you actually enjoy rather than something you think you should do. You’ll have more to talk about, and you’re more likely to go back.

Small invitations help, too. Ask a course mate if they fancy lunch after a lecture or suggest a coffee to someone you’ve been chatting with. Friendships often start with ordinary plans.

 Build a routine that leaves room for fun

A semester away still comes with deadlines. Sadly, they don’t disappear just because you’ve discovered a brilliant brunch place.

Get your teaching timetable and assessment dates into your calendar early. Then work out when you’re likely to study, do your food shop and take a proper break.

If you’re living at true, try out the study spaces and find somewhere that suits you. Having a regular spot to focus can help you get into work mode before heading back to your room to switch off.

Having a routine can make it easier to enjoy yourself. If you know you’ve got time set aside for that essay, saying yes to an evening out feels a little less complicated.

Keep your plans realistic. You don’t need to become a completely new person with a 6am gym habit unless you actually want to.

Get to know the everyday city

The big attractions are worth exploring, but your favourite places might be the ones you return to each week.

Try a different route home when you have time. Browse the local market. Find a park where you can take a breather or a café where you’re happy spending an hour with a book.

Pay attention to the neighbourhood around your true accommodation as well as the city centre. Living somewhere gives you a chance to notice things you might miss on a weekend visit.

Over time, you’ll collect your own recommendations. That’s usually when a new city starts feeling a bit more like yours.

Make your budget work for the whole semester

It’s tempting to do everything in the first fortnight. Your bank balance may have other ideas.

Work out what you need for essentials, then decide what you can comfortably spend on going out, exploring and travelling. A weekly allowance can help you keep track without checking your banking app after every coffee.

Mix paid plans with free ones. A walk with a friend, a university event or an afternoon cooking together can be just as memorable as a big night out.

If you’re planning a trip, check the full cost before booking, including travel, food and somewhere to stay.

Stay connected to home

Enjoying your semester away and missing home can happen at the same time.

Make room for calls with friends or family, familiar food and whatever helps you feel settled. Some weeks will feel exciting; others might feel a little lonely. You don’t have to pretend every day is amazing.

If you’re finding things difficult, speak to your university’s student support team or someone you trust. You can also talk to our onsite team at true if you need support during your stay. You don’t have to work everything out by yourself.

Don’t leave every goodbye until the last week

Towards the end of your semester, take another look at your list. Is there somewhere you still want to visit? Someone you’d like to spend more time with?

Make a few plans before assessments, packing and travel take over. Swap contact details with the people you want to keep in touch with, and take some photos of everyday moments as well as the big occasions.

You don’t need to leave feeling you’ve done everything. Having reasons to come back is a good thing.

Find your semester home at true

Having somewhere to come back to gives you space to recharge between classes, plans and everything else your semester brings.

If you’re looking for accommodation for one semester, explore short stays at true student. Tell our team your preferred city and dates, and we’ll help you check the available room and tenancy options. Then you can get on with making the city your own.

Find out more about our short term stays: Short Stays at true student