After a week of indulging in parties, alcohol and reveling in newfound independence, the aftermath of freshers’ week can be overwhelming.

Suddenly, you are jolted back into the world of classes, routine and early mornings. It feels like being back at home, only without the comfort of your parents who would cook you meals and do your laundry.

In the beginning, you may have a wardrobe brimming with clothes neatly ironed, sorted by color, but then it would be empty, and your laundry basket full. Moving out for the first time makes you realize how tedious it is to take on mundane chores such as grocery shopping, cooking and washing laundry. But, it’s necessary- wearing inside-out underwear to lectures is not a good look.

Those late-night hangouts, usually spent chatting or binge-watching movies, must now give way to getting up at a reasonable hour and being part of the society. But making this transition may not be easy, and here are the few challenges you may face.

The Post-Freshers’ Flu:

Be fully prepared for the strikes of coughing, sneezing and constant spluttering during lectures; the flu will get you, and you may have already experienced freshers’ flu. No matter how much you sanitize your hands or avoid those constantly sniffing around you, you are bound to have a runny nose and a groggy head even in your first term.

Despite it all, former Liverpool John Moores University student Abi Bramhall advises against missing the first few weeks of lectures- that’s when everyone socializes and begins to make friends. Skipping out could make you feel like an outcast.

Understanding Your Course:

Former Queen’s University student and now lecturer at Salford University, Caroline Magennis, shares some insights. To many students, it may seem like everyone has their act together and can offer perfectly composed opinions on every subject during seminars. But if anything proves difficult, tutors are there to help, and most academicians only want you to understand the subject they love.

Balancing Your Time:

Some students suggest that you shouldn’t work too hard in your first year because, for most courses, it doesn’t count towards your degree. While you should listen to them, don’t overdo the fun and drinks. Make some mistakes and learn from them- this is a time for figuring out how to balance work and play. Karl Payn, a graduate of the University of Winchester, stresses the need to find that balance.

Forgetting Who You Are:

University is a place to reinvent yourself. Nobody knows who you are or your embarrassing nickname from school. But keeping up appearances from freshers’ week becomes challenging as the first term progresses. You are who you are. You can grow in confidence and experiment with changing your looks, but stay true to yourself.

According to Keele University graduate Fia Bartle, reinventing herself was never an option. She was more concerned about people liking her for who she is.

Finding Your People:

With lectures ongoing, you’ll notice that everyone has calmed down and begun making actual friends as opposed to those "best friends" they met in nightclub toilets whose names slipped their minds the next day. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation with a stranger, even if it’s about the weather. You may find more in common than you think.

Discovering the Right Societies:

Joining one of the many societies available is an excellent way to make new friends and explore hobbies. It’s the perfect place to meet like-minded individuals with whom you can connect and bond.

It is advisable to refrain from visiting your hometown and meeting your family and friends during the first few weeks of your university life. The initial month is crucial and presents numerous opportunities. From grabbing a few drinks at the pub with your classmates after a lecture, to binge-watching your favorite rom-com on Netflix while indulging in some Domino’s, a plethora of experiences await you.

These experiences are the perfect way to establish fruitful friendships, and frequent visits to your hometown might dilute the experience. Therefore, it is advisable to persist through the homesickness, and things are bound to get better.

If you encounter any difficulties during your first term at university, share your experience using the hashtag #firsttermproblems on Twitter. Additionally, stay updated with the latest events and happenings on Guardian Students by following us on Twitter, @GdnStudents, and signing up for our exclusive membership program and weekly newsletter.