So the car is packed up, you've said goodbye to the dog and now it's time to start your journey as a UEA student, here are some top tips to survive as a fresher.
Never go out in the city on a Saturday
Seriously, some things can never be unseen. If Jeremy Kyle has to do a documentary on it you know it's a no-go. Think overpriced drinks, queues longer than Black Friday's and enough drama to qualify for an episode of EastEnders. The UEA LCR (Student's Union) is the only place to be as a student on a Saturday night, with budget booze galore, more cheese than Rylan Clark and a guaranteed chance of bumping into everyone on your course. Plus, from door to dance floor will take you less than five minutes.
Visit the seaside
You can't study in Norwich without visiting the beautiful Norfolk coast. Take a trip to Cromer when your parents first come to visit and make sure you check out Mary Jane's Fish Bar, which is famous all over Norfolk. Before your student loan runs out you should also visit Wroxham to take a boat out on the broads, The Pleasure Beach in Great Yarmouth and the stunning beaches in Wells and Holkham.
Find the lanes
Intu Chapelfield is much like any other shopping centre you'd get in any medium-sized city in the UK, it's got your Zara, H&M and JD Sports. However, it is the cobbled streets of the famous Norwich Lanes which are the real jewel in the city's crown. Think quaint tea rooms, churches converted into antique shops and a fish and chip bar complete with seating in an underground bunker. Forget the big brands; with over 100 independent retailers this is the place to spend your Saturday afternoon in Norwich.
Basic geography
There are three main roads that lead from the university to the city, Dereham Road (21/22 bus route) Unthank Road (25) and Earlham Road (26), with second and third year students living in between. There are lots of great pubs and restaurants to visit in the golden triangle, which is the area between Unthank and Earlham Road. Particular highlights include The Mulberry, The Workshop, The Earlham Arms and newly opened Blue Joanna. The nearest supermarket is Tesco Express on the Fiveways Roundabout, which is a 10 minute walk from the university. The nearest large supermarket is Morrisons in the Riverside Retail Park, which is on the 25 and 26 bus route. All the main supermarkets will also deliver directly to your halls. Also, make sure to visit the beautiful Eaton Park, complete with live music on a Saturday, which is a stones throw from UEA.
Pimp my Barrow will be the highlight of your year
Every year after exams thousands of UEA students take part in a bar crawl with a difference around Norwich, with themed wheelbarrows to raise money for The Big C Charity. Winning entries this year included the Kardashians, Inside Out and the Weasleys. One things for sure, it's certainly a barrow of laughs.
Where to go out on different days of the week
Tuesday: Damn Good themed night in the LCR. Previous themes have included Disney, Toga, Kids TV, with the Chuckle Brothers, and Harry Potter.
Oh and Dick and Dom (of Bungalow fame) ran a bogies competition last year- need I say more?
Wednesday: Sports Night. Wednesday afternoons are free on your timetable for students to get involved in sports societies and UEA has over 60 of them, ranging from Korfball to Kayaking. Sports night starts at the union pub then onto the city and brings the team together to celebrate their victories and drown their sorrows for their losses.
Thursday: After Dark at Mantra is the place to be. Think dress to impress and One Dance by Drake more than you've had hot meals. Alternatively The Loft does karaoke on a Thursday, if you fancy channelling your inner Whitney.
Friday: Cabana Club at Mercy or Propaganda at The Waterfront. Mercy is by far the biggest club in Norwich and the post popular Friday club night in the city. If you love reality TV this is the place to go, with the Made in Chelsea and Geordie Shore cast making regular appearances. If you prefer indie music and something a bit more chilled, then head along the river to The Waterfront.
Saturday: LCR LCR LCR
Enjoy!
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