((((((((((( Rio ))))))))))))

Congrats on starting at university! Are you still living in scotland? (I guess you are since you mentioned a ceilidh band, I can't imagine many of those in England!) I think the first week is the worst, when you're trying to orientate yourself and work out which classes to go to and where they are and how to get there, as well as trying to make new friends. Big universities can be rather overwhelming - there are 40,000 students here, and it's easy to just feel like you're nobody, and you have to make sure you won't be overlooked if you need help! I know you have 20,000 but still your personal tutor might not notice if you need any help.

What subject are you doing? You could join one of the student societies in your subject, or maybe in something that interests you.

I suppose you have a student newspaper, it will give local news in there and you should be able to get some idea from it which places aren't safe to walk alone, or where students should avoid. You could also try asking at your student union, they might be able to tell you.

Don't worry too much about being late in your first week! I'm taking a first-year class for some of my credits (I'm in the second year) and in that class loads of people kept coming in late. The latest person came in 20 minutes after class had started. Even if you arrive late you're going to benefit from the class, it's better than not going at all.

I imagine you'll get used to buses, I did not like them when I first started using them on my own, but since they're a part of life now I have to accept them...

(((((((((( Rio )))))))))