Five Things Every Fresher Should Know Before Starting University
Your first term at university is all about finding your feet. It’s a big life change - you’re moving to a new city, often without friends from home. For the first time in your adult life, you have a completely fresh start. Let’s help you start your undergraduate life on the right foot! Here are HYBR’s top five tips for anyone starting university.
Budget, budget, budget...
For many, your first year at university is the first time you’ve been entirely financially independent. There’s nothing quite like receiving your first student loan! It can be tempting to spend it all straight away - but remember, this money has to last all term!
Set up a budget - take into account your regular outgoings (e.g. rent, food shopping, your phone bill), and be sure to set aside enough money to pay for them. You want to make sure you can afford all the fun events Freshers has to offer too.
Once you’ve settled at university, getting a part-time job is a great way to earn a little extra cash. Until then, be sure to keep an eye out for deals and offers when shopping - and take advantage of student discounts. If you’re worried about your finances at all, you may be eligible for a bursary. Get in contact with your university’s student services.
For some student financial hacks, click here!
It’s okay to feel homesick!
It’s completely normal to miss your life back home. You’re going through a big life change! To help manage homesickness, bring photos of your loved ones for your dorm walls and be sure to ring them whenever you’re feeling lonely. Do your best to spend time with your flatmates and course friends - the more new people you meet, the more settled you’ll feel. Everyone is in the same boat and eager to make friends.
It’s never too early to think ahead…
Your first year is less intense than your second and third years at university. But if you’d like to get ahead of the game, be sure to attend all your lectures and make decent notes. Keep your work and reading in an organised folder, ready for when exam season comes around. Revise throughout the year and complete your assessments on time, and you’ll be sure to pass with flying colours.
Try new things!
It may be tempting to hide in your dorm at times - first year can be a little intimidating. Do your best to push your boundaries and get out of your comfort zone - after all, that’s where the best memories are made! Join a society, start a new hobby or make plans with new friends. There’s an abundance of new things to try outside of the classroom!
Enjoy it!
Your first year is designed with your comfort and experience in mind. It’s less academically intense so that you can properly find your feet at university. Make the most of your free time - you’ll have a lot of it. When you’re not studying, explore your local city and make some memories! First-year truly is the time to settle into your new student life and most importantly… enjoy yourself!
Those are HYBR’s top five things that every fresher should know! For more advice on how to make friends at university, click here.
