You may have questions about when or whether to come out to your new flatmates, course mates and lecturers, where to go to meet other LGBT students, and whether or not there is any support for you as an LGBT student.
Most universities, and some colleges, have LGBT societies set up by and for students. These vary from place to place, but most will have a social element and others will also incorporate support, fundraising and campaigning elements as well. This should be your first port of call as an LGBT student. Most are advertised at your freshers fair, but if you don't feel confident enough to go up to them in person, there should be posters around your union with an e-mail address and/or phone number of someone you can contact to find out about LGBT events. Alternatively, details should be on your union website.
Last year LGBT societies across the UK organised thousands of events for LGBT students and their friends. These ranged from coffee mornings to club nights to balls to talks to campaign stunts. Many put on events to mark LGBT History Month in February or the International Day against Homophobia in May.
As well as organising their own events, LGBT societies will be allowed to provide you with information about local LGBT venues and organisations - from bars to campaigning groups to support organisations. They will also be able to tell you where you can get support if you are experiencing any difficulties related to your sexual orientation or gender identity.
Within your student services and the students' union there should also be welfare support of one kind or another. If you are finding it difficult to come to terms with your sexuality or gender identity, most universities have counselling services or welfare advisers you can speak to. Equally if you feel you are being unfairly treated or have been discriminated against you should seek advice - it is against the law to discriminate against anyone because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. Some welfare offices also provide free condoms and sexual health advice as well.
At a national level, NUS LGBT is a democratic organisation made up of LGBT students in further and higher education which supports LGBT societies and campaigns on behalf of LGBT students. If there is no LGBT group in your union and you would like to set one up e-mail lgbt@nus.org.uk for advice and tips.