How to survive your first year at university
Your first year at university will most likely be a completely new experience for you. Some people say this year will be the best year of your life. But that’s not to say it will be easy for you. We’ve made a list of things to remember to make this year a breeze!
-
Manage your time well
Depending on your course, you may have a bit of free time during the week. Use that time wisely whether it’s by being active at the gym or joining a society. It’s important to balance your work, study and social life well to be successful.
-
Join a society
There are so many different societies to join so you’re bound to find one for whatever you like to do. From playing board games to practising martial arts, joining a society is a good way to make friends and explore your hobbies.
-
Plan ahead
Life is a lot easier when you’re not rushing around trying not to be late to somewhere important or completing an essay 2 hours before it’s due. Try to know what deadlines you have and what plans you’ve made for the coming weeks. That way nothing can take you by surprise.
-
Ask for help when you need it
Needing help doesn’t make you a lesser person. We all go through times when we need a helping hand to guide us through. Whether you need to brush up on your referencing or another explanation of your assignment, don’t hesitate to utilise the people around you. Your lecturers, tutors and friends can all help you out in your time of need.
-
Keep to a budget
Your life at university will be a lot easier if you have a budget for your spending. Remember that all the little transactions add up. It might be worth taking lunch from home sometimes rather than buying food outside. Also, don’t forget that you get a lot of discounts at places for being a student so take your ID with you wherever you go.
-
Make friends
It’s important to take a break from studying sometimes and go out with your friends. At university, you make lifelong friends and it’s worth taking time to build good relationships with the people around you. Make the most of freshers’ week by speaking to your flatmates and getting to know each other.
-
Maintain a good sleeping pattern
It’ll be easier to study and go to lectures if you’re not tired all the time. Having a sensible sleeping pattern will be beneficial in the long run so make sure you keep it in check. For example, maybe don’t go out if you have an important 9am the next morning or assignment that’s due in.
-
Take care of your mental health
Mental health is just as important as your physical health. All universities have wellbeing services and people you can talk to about your problems. Get familiar with the services and people as well as with your own tutor. Your tutor is usually your first point of contact so it’s important to maintain a good relationship with them.
-
Go to your lectures
This may be your first time away from home so you want to enjoy it fully but don’t get carried away. Don’t forget that you’re paying tuition fees to get a degree and you want to make the most of that too. Make meaningful revision notes for all of your lectures. When it comes to exam season, you won’t regret it.
-
Have fun
This is the most important thing on this list. There’s no point of doing anything if you’re not enjoying yourself so make the most out of your time at university.
