No matter how long you’ve been looking forward to going to university, or how prepared you feel, it’s still one of the biggest things you will ever do in your life. You want to make sure you know what to expect and can go in feeling as ready as you can to get the most from the experience. While the main aim of university is, of course, to get your degree, it’s also a great opportunity to meet others, live away from home for the first time, get some independence and generally have a really good time. There is a big shift in responsibility and a new environment to get ready for.
In this article we take a look at some of the top tips that should help you get the most from your time at uni.
Keep reading to find out more and get inspired.
Get organised before you arrive
The first thing you need to do before going to uni, is get organised – in more ways than one! Ensure you have all your important documents safely together, including your ID, accommodation information, course details, and things like local doctors and important phone numbers. Try and plan a budget before you go and ensure you pack smart as opposed to overpacking.
Set up essentials like your bank account and student finance before you go so you don’t need to think about any of these practical things in the first few days when your main focus should be on settling in and getting used to the change in your routines, life and what is coming up with the start of term.
Sort where you’ll live
One of the main things you need to think about when going away to university is where you are going to life. There are a host of options, from hosted student accommodations in people’s houses, to university halls or shared houses with other students. You could also privately rent depending on how much money you have. Think about the sort of experience you have, what budget you are working with and what works best for the way you want to live.
Halls or hosted accommodation can be good if you are looking to make friends, want to be social and perhaps are worried about living alone for the first time. Then once you’ve made friends and got to know people, you could look to all get a flat together in your second year.
Don’t stress about making friends right away
When you get to uni it can be stressful thinking you have to make friends right away, when this isn’t the case. Instead try and think about the fact that everyone is in the same position as you, probably feeling nervous and everything is all up in the air. Rather than forcing connections, remember that friendships take time to form and it’s okay if you don’t find your people in week one.
Some of the best ways to try and make friends include going to freshers events, making conversations with people on your course and speaking to others in your halls. You don’t need to gel with everyone and you will soon have a fantastic network of people you can’t imagine living without!
Say yes (but don’t push yourself)
When people invite you to things when you’ve just started university, it can be tempting to say yes to absolutely everything as you don’t want to miss out. While this can be a great thing and a chance to go out of your comfort zone, you don’t want to push yourself. Try to attend events, join societies, explore opportunities and meet up with people from your course or halls, but also know when to rest and when to say no.
Don’t overcommit as you might end up double-booking and having to let people down, and you could also end up being burnt out. When you have a lot of changes and things going on, you need to prioritise time to rest and relax as well as do things! It’s a good idea to keep a diary or calendar where you can track the things you have committed to.
Learn basic life skills before you go
If you have never lived away from home, chances are your parents did a lot for you. University throws you in the deep end and you will need to learn some basic life skills pretty fast. To avoid this being another thing to think about, learn basic life skills before you go such as how to cook simple meals and do your laundry. Have a roster of basic things you can cook such as a pasta bake, spaghetti bolognese, curry and soups that are really easy to whip up or that you can batch cook and pop in the freezer. Other things you need to refine are keeping your space clean and learning to manage your time independently.
Budget budget budget!
When you first arrive at university, it’s easy to underestimate just how quickly your money can disappear. Between rent, food, socialising and day-to-day essentials, your budget needs to stretch further than you might expect. It’s important to separate your fixed costs, like accommodation and bills, from your weekly spending money, so you have a clear picture of what you can realistically afford. Nights out, trips away with friends, and spontaneous plans can quickly add up, so finding a balance between enjoying yourself and staying financially secure is key.
Making the most of student discounts, planning meals in advance and keeping track of your spending (whether through an app or a simple notes list) can make a huge difference. Getting into good financial habits early on will not only reduce stress but also help you enjoy your university experience without constantly worrying about money.
These are just a few things you can do that can help you to make the most of your university experience. Whether you’re going far away for your uni, or just down the road, whether you’re going with friends you already know, or heading somewhere solo, these tips should hopefully alleviate some of your worries. What are some top tips you have for anyone starting university this year? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
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