There are so many things to know before starting university.
While your parents and teachers would like you to think that going away to university is all about bettering yourself and studying hard, we all know that there is so much more to it than that. We’re not just talking the social aspects (though they are, of course, vital!) but also this is the time where you really mature and become yourself.
The combination of freedom from your parents, freedom in your budget and all the new people to meet and things to try means that this can be the most defining moment in your life – and that’s no exaduration.
Life-long friendships are forged, partners may be met, new foods, hobbies, music, nationalities and so on can all be experienced, allowing you to come out the other side with a far better idea of who you are and what you like.
The way you also need to maintain balance between your work and pleasure, and the way you need to budget your money all encourage you to grow up, learn a vitally important set of life lessons and really discover who you are, what you like and what motivates you.
Infact, based on my own time at university, I would say it is this aspect more than the actual certificate you leave with which is so important and helps to set graduates apart from people who haven’t been to uni.
Here’s how to make it through your first week at uni and into the first semester with some great new friends, retain your good health and hopefully, get good grades.
1. Leave Your Door Open
No, not when you go out silly, you’ll get robbed! When you first move in to student halls, a good trick to help you meet new people is to wedge your door open with a box.
This way, you’ll be able to see people as they move in and also gives them the impression you are open and want to meet people – they should pop by and say hi.
Do this for the first week or so, pop on some loud music and you’ll find you’ll attract a lot of people to your room; then all you’ve got to do is work your charm.
2. Use Condoms
Yeah, yeah it’s gonna start sounding like I’m nagging but this one’s important; always carry a condom and, when the chance arises, always wear/make him wear a condom!
You’re going to go to a lot of parties, you’re going to meet a lot of new people, you’re going to get very very drunk and, at some point, you might get yourself some teenage, or otherwise, kicks.
That’s great, and if you do get some, good for you, but if you don’t use protection you could end up with all sorts – you never know if someone is carrying an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection), which can cause you a lot of scary damage and ruin your life.
3. Get Room Insurance
Think about it, what sort of stuff do you take with you to uni – laptops, mobile phones and a load of other expensive gadgetry – what would happen it just disappeared? Student halls are very prone to thefts; a common trick of thieves is to set off the fire alarm and whilst everyone’s waiting outside, they empty peoples rooms and kitchens.
So if you’ve got expensive gear, get it covered! Most student accommodation should come with insurance – check whether you have it and it includes contents. Some companies have branches in many student unions across the UK but it is worthwhile shopping around – try your bank.
Also, a side point, remember to keep your room and kitchen locked if unattended.
4. Eat Well
For many university is first time, probably, that you’ve had to budget and cook for yourself and, with all the hectic parting and occasional study, you can easily forget about eating healthily.
Remember, you need to have at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day. It doesn’t have to be fresh for it to count – you can eat the canned, frozen or dried varieties too. Even pulses and beans count – baked beans too!
There is no excuse to not eat your 5 a day, even on the tightest of budgets. In terms of what counts a portion here’s a rough guide; 1 piece of fruit counts – apple orange, smaller fruits you may need more than 1.
For cooked or frozen veg, 80 grams or three heaped tablespoons is a portion, same goes with beans and pulses. Juice also counts – you’ll need 250mm (just under half a pint) for a portion, however only one counts as one of your five portions, even if you have more.
Another great way to ensure your party weary body gets what it needs is to eat superfoods and buy yourself a smoothie maker or blender when your student loan comes in and make your own, not so Innocent, smoothies. And no, potatoes don’t count.
To be safe, it is wise to start thinking about taking extra vitamins, though this should not replace a healthy diet.
Also have a look at our Student Recipes section to get great food recipes.
5. Go Make Friends
Whether you’ve moved into student halls or a private house share with other students, the first thing you should do is make friends with them. Knock on their doors and introduce yourself – You could arrange to go to fresher’s week events, go explore the city, go check out the student union or just hang out.
You will feel much more confident about going out in your new city or meeting other new people if you have a group of new friends. Don’t be shy when approaching your new flat mates – they are in the same situation as you and should be glad to meet someone new.
If you don’t like your flatmates ask at your uni/accommodation provider if you can change.
6. Go to Fresher’s Week
Your uni will organise a fresher’s week which includes a variety of events at the student union, a fresher’s faire featuring where your universities societies will be recruiting new members and there will also be a fresher’s ball. All of these are excellent ways to pick up some new friends.
Check out all of the societies, they’re a great way to meet people with similar interests and can range from culture specific groups i.e. Afro-Caribbean Culture society to sports, religion and music groups. If you can’t finds something you are interested – why not start one yourself?
7. Watch Your Wallet
And your bank account. So you’ve moved away from home, are meeting new people and have a fortune in your bank, it sounds like party time! But be careful, your student loan is supposed to cover the boring things like rent and food and will soon runs out. Ensure you watch your spending by drawing up a budget and learning how to look after your money. View more tips how student can save money.
8. Don’t Start Smoking
Yeah, you’ve just started uni and it may be the first time you are away from home and you may find your new found freedom a bit strange – remember, especially if you’ve never smoked in your life that it is a silly idea and that one causal cigarette to look cool or fit in is where the addiction starts and it is painful to quit, trust me!
9. Go to the Student Union
Self explanatory really. Oh, and you’ll meet some cool new people.
10. Remember You’re There to Study
Yeah, that’s the main reason you came to uni in the first place but you can get distracted by this when faced with lots of parties and fun.
Make sure, after fresher’s week, you have your lecture timetable, you have the reading material, you know where and when you are supposed to be and you know when your deadlines are.
View tips on how to stay focused when studying, get a big year planner and mark all important dates, times and stick it up above your desk. Don’t be blasé about this aspect of student life; you are paying for it after all.
I hope that by following these tips you can enjoy a smooth transition into university life, and make it the best time possible.