Adapting to life away from home 

If you are living away from home for the first time, you are likely to need time to adjust. 

It is very common for new students to become homesick, and there are many things you can do to help. 

Talk to someone 

Speak to your classmates about how you feel – it is likely that many of them are feeling homesick too! If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then you can also talk to a tutor or counsellor at Trinity Laban. Don’t keep your feelings bottled up as this can make you feel worse in the long run. 

Keep in contact with friends and family back home

Although your friends and family might be far away, a friendly voice is always reassuring. Go home to visit, but don’t miss out on opportunities to settle into your new surroundings. Friends and family can visit you too – this gives you the opportunity to explore the area with people you know. 

Keep doing things you enjoy 

If you enjoyed cooking, playing sport or anything else before your studies, keep your interests alive. This will help you take your mind off any negative feelings, and find likeminded people. There are plenty of local classes in London, which can even help you find new hobbies! 

Establish a routine 

Once you have your timetable you will start to develop a routine. This will help you find stability and become more settled into your new life. Look after yourself

Make sure you get enough sleep, exercise and try to eat a healthy diet. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, as this can have a negative effect on your mood.

Give yourself time

Moving away from home is a big change and it takes time to make new friends and settle in. So don’t be too hard on yourself. 

If you do experience prolonged feelings of homesickness, anxiety or depression – this is nothing to be ashamed of and you are not alone. Student Services are here to help. 

You might find that the teaching and learning methods at Trinity Laban are different from what you are used to. Our Student Services team and teaching staff are here to support you into a new style of learning, and to help you get the best out of your time with us. 

Here are some guidelines as to what to expect:

In the classroom/studio
Most of your programme will be delivered through small groups/classes, and your teacher is there to support you in your learning. You should be prepared to:

• Take an active part in practical sessions/group work
• Ask questions if you wish to – it will not cause offence if you have a different viewpoint
• Take notes

Independence

We encourage you to work independently from a range of sources. Generally speaking, there isn’t always a correct answer – we want you to understand different arguments and make your own judgement.

Reading

For most modules you will have a reading list. Items may contain: 

• Basic reading and/or reference material 

• An overview of the subject 

• Background information 

• Useful information for a specific topic/piece of work 

You are not expected to read every book/article on the list. Most should be available in our libraries – you can ask an assistant if you have trouble finding anything or need to order anything in.

Technology

You will need to be able to use IT during your studies – from everyday computer programmes to specialist music and dance science technology (depending on your programme). 

All our students use the following: 

• The Moodle Virtual Learning Environment – for information about your programme and submitting assignments 

• A Trinity Laban email address – a vital tool for communication 

If you are faced with equipment or systems that you don’t understand, ask Student Services for help.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the act of presenting someone else’s work/ideas as your own. 

Although you don’t need to worry too much about this, you need to be aware of the definition as the consequences can be severe. If you are accused of plagiarism in assessed work and examinations, you could fail your programme. 

To avoid being accused of plagiarism, make sure you do the following at all times: 

• Acknowledge other peoples’ ideas (rather than present them as your own) – whether they are a fellow student or external artist/practitioner 

• Reference other sources and materials in written work – even when reproducing information in your own words. Referencing other sources shows that you are aware of existing ideas/arguments within your area of study, which is encouraged 

Your programme handbook will include detailed instructions on the accepted methods of referencing. 

If you are unsure of what constitutes plagiarism or you need help with referencing, your teachers will be more than happy to help so don’t be afraid to ask.

Punctuality

You must attend classes regularly and arrive on time. A large part of your course is delivered in class, and you may miss important information if you are not there. 

If you are absent without notification, you will have no grounds for any appeal you might wish to make later.