Are you ready for university?
Going to university is such a life-changing experience. It’s the first time that you get the chance to be entirely independent, which includes managing a budget, cooking for yourself and doing your own washing.
It can be daunting when you’ve got so many things to concentrate on at once. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate survival guide – from meeting new people to washing up, we’ve got it covered.
Get stuck in
As with most things, you tend to get out of university what you put into it. University will have loads of opportunities for you to grab, so the best thing you can do to is to make the most of them.
Sign up to as many societies as you can and even if you don’t become a part of them all you’ll be able to find the ones to suit you. They’re a great way to meet new people who aren’t on your course.
Be friendly
When you’re meeting people for the first time, whether it’s your new flatmates or otherwise, be as open and as friendly as you can. Everyone will find it tough, no matter how outgoing you are.
Once the first awkward conversations are over, you’ll certainly find someone to hang around with. Just remember that all friendships take time, so don’t expect to find your new best friend straightaway.
Stay in touch with friends and family
If you’re finding it hard to adjust, remember that all your old friends and your family will stick by you no matter what. Why not try using Skype to stay in contact with them? That way you’ll feel less lonely knowing that they are all just a phone call away.
Don’t go overboard
Enjoying yourself is a big part of university, but don’t go overboard, particularly during Freshers’ Week. It can be tough dealing with peer pressure during your first few weeks, but remember that you are still getting to know everyone around you. You don’t want to make a bad first impression.
Also try to be considerate concerning the kitchen. It’s incredibly frustrating if there is one flatmate who doesn’t do their fair share when it comes to cleaning up - and I’m speaking from experience!
Try to keep your mess to a minimum. Washing up at the end of every day may be a chore but it will help you to keep the kitchen tidy.
Keep an eye on your spends
It's easy nowadays to spend a considerable amount of money when we go out, so make sure you keep an eye on what you're spending. Ask your parents to help you budget on a weekly basis - they'd be happy to help you look after your money!
Focus on your degree
At the end of the day, you are at university to study and you don’t want to waste all the money that you have to pay. Although plenty of people will tell you that your first year doesn’t count, it’s still important to put the effort in to get a good grade.
First year often provides you with the grounding knowledge that you’ll need for when you start modules that will contribute to you degree. Despite popular opinion it is possible to fail your first year – you don’t want to spend the summer resitting exams!
The most important bit of advice to remember is to have fun. University is such a fantastic experience, but only if you make the most of it and put the effort it. It will most likely be the best three years of your life.
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