A Student’s Guide to Life at Uni

It can be a really stressful time going to University. For most young people it’s their first time living away from home and making your own way in the world can be quite a difficult transition. And let’s face it; often there can be no one there to help despite some parent’s good intentions.

So here is a quick guide to help you through what could be the most exciting period of your life.

    Pack the essentials
There is nothing worse than getting to university and finding you’ve forgotten the most important things. So keep a folder with all of the must haves in such as your passport, your student loans registration form (if you have one), and your qualification certificates. You’ll need these for enrolment. Otherwise things might get delayed and it will put a dampener on your fresher’s week.

    Be a chatterbox
If you’re moving in to halls this is a great way to make friends. Moving in day can be quite hectic but you’re bound to meet people as you go. So just be friendly and introduce yourself. And when you get a chance ask them if they’d like to go along with you to some of the fresher events.
During freshers you meet a lot of people but chances are you won’t stay friends with most of them. Once you start your course you normally settle with a group of friends. But you’ll find that you know most people on campus because of freshers so it’s really important that you go.

    Do your research
There are so many things going on at university, so find out what sports clubs and social events they have. Extra curricular activities look great on your CV and it’s also another good way to meet people and just have fun.

Once your course gets going you’ll have assignments on the go most of the time so it’s important that you find something to give you a break from that. Even if it is just a yoga class, there are so many things to choose from. So sign up the first chance you get.

    Work hard, play hard
It’s important that you do your best in your chosen subject. After all it’s what you plan to do as a career, so try and get your assignments in on time. There’s nothing worse than letting them pile up and then finding you’ve got more than you can manage. It’s crucial to find the right balance between work and fun. So make sure you make time for socialising. University is not just about academic learning, but it’s also about life experiences and enjoying yourself.  After you’ve handed in that first assignment, you’ll really feel like you deserve that pint!

    Managing your money
This can be really tricky to master at first. Especially with all of the parties you’re going to. But remember your student loan is not an everlasting fountain of money, it will run out. So you need to be careful how you spend it. Don’t buy unnecessary things such as novelty junk. As tempting as it may be, you need to be wise how you spend your money. When grocery shopping, try and look for bargains such as buy one get one free’s and only get what you need. The last thing you want is to buy a load of food and then find it’s gone past its sell by date.

If you can get a part time job, that’s always a good thing. A few hours a week will really help your finances and you’ll be able to relax more and not worry as much about tightening those purse strings.

    Ask for help
If there comes a time when you’re feeling homesick or are just a bit down, don’t feel like you have no one to turn to. Even in the busiest of places like university, especially student halls you can feel lonely. It’s not uncommon. Speak to your tutor; they may be able to give you advice. If not there are counsellors at hand at your university. Whatever your predicament, whether it be struggling with your work or other personal problems, they are there to help. What you mustn’t do is hide away and be on your own. It always helps to talk to someone so don’t be afraid to be pushy if you need help with something.

    Have fun
This is probably the most important thing for you to do while at university. If you’re not having fun, there is no point in you being there. What you have to remember is that you are paying these institutions good money so you can study there. You are going to be at university for at least three years of your life so you might as well enjoy it. This will probably be the only time in your life that you can really let go and do what you enjoy doing. When it’s over, unfortunately you have to join the real world and get a job, and in most cases it’s responsibility from there on out.  So make the most of your time at university. Find out who you are and take up every opportunity available to you. And hopefully you’ll find that it’s the best experience of your life.