Adding a DS at Sheffield – thanks for the list, @NCTDN. (also Changes17, btw, just had a user name fail).
Sorry to hear about those having trouble settling in - and for the gamers, what about seeing if there's a board games club? I know a friend's DC has joined one. It's good for having a social evening where the primary focus is on something else other than making conversation.
Agree that having a routine and a sense of knowing what your plan is should help once lectures have started. Looking back to my own university days, I had friends from the society where I spent a lot of time – and a lot of that was just about going fairly regularly to a place where you'd be recognised by people from a range of ages and subjects. I had friends on my course and where I was living – not loads, but people who stayed friends for years. I was fairly shy – but still had a great time once I settled in.
DS seems to be settling in OK, as far as I can tell from the occasional message/exchange we've had. His sister asks all the forthright questions we wouldn't ask (but want to know the answers to!) like, have you left your room, have you made any friends.
Have to say, no tears have been shed here – I just think if DS was at home he'd be in his room gaming all the time and being cooked for, whereas this way he's gaining some independence and learning important life skills, as well as his subject.
I think it is also helping me that I've just started to go in a new work direction, so I've got lots of other things to think about as well.