For many students, moving away to university for the first time can be
a scary yet exciting experience. Meeting new people, living in different
surroundings and being away from all your friends and family sounds extremely
daunting- right? Here at Tutor Doctor we want to help you be as prepared
as possible and enjoy your first semester at Uni. That’s why we’ve
come up with a list of 10 important things to remember before you go.
1.Everyone is in the same boat as you
One of the most daunting things any new university student has to face
when moving somewhere completely new is meeting new people. It can be
scary not knowing anybody, but a great thing to remember is that everyone
is in the same situation as you. Everyone is looking to make friends,
so it’s important to keep an open mind and be friendly to everyone.
2. Buy all the essentials before you go
Make sure you have bought all the essentials before you go. We’re
talking kitchen equipment, stationary, duvets, towels and groceries. No
one wants to arrive in a scary new place and have to trundle to the shops
to buy cutlery and toilet roll. Being prepared means that as soon as you
arrive you will have lots more free time to go and meet new people and
explore your new surroundings.
Check out this easy to follow
checklist of all the things you will need.
3. Take care of yourself
Ever heard of Fresher’s flu? With loads of new people, a new environment
and a demanding social life means that your immune system is more susceptible
to getting ill. Remember to fuel yourself with lots of Vitamin C or even
take a daily multi-vitamin tablet. Also, make sure you sign up to a doctor
as soon as possible. The last thing you will want to do if you feel unwell
is try to find a good doctor’s surgery to sign up to. Use the
NHS website to locate your nearest surgery.
4. Join a university club or society
Joining a university club or society is not only a great way to meet new
people; you can also gain many new skills and broaden your interests.
Sign up to as many that sound exciting to you but remember that you need
to be realistic with the amount of free time that you will have.
5. Have a look at your reading list
It’s always handy to have a browse at the sort of books you’re
expected to read. However, remember that it’s not essential that
you buy every single one, as most of them will be available at the university
library. As you start attending lectures you will also be able to ask
your tutor which books are worth investing in.
6. Learn to budget
Learning to budget is one thing many new university students forget to
do. It’s all so tempting to blow your student loan on shopping,
food and going out- but no one wants to be living on baked beans on toast
at the end of your first term. Try learning to budget by setting yourself
a cash limit each week and sticking to it. Another great tip is to avoid
using your debit card, as it’s much easier to loose track of spending this way.
7. It will be strange
at first living with strangers
Moving into halls or a shared house can be very overwhelming, especially
when it’s with people you don’t know. However, you will be
surprised at how quickly you adapt to your new environment and living
with people you barely know. What’s more- you will most likely really
enjoy having company 24/7 and your flatmates will become your closest friends.
8. It’s very different compared to school/college
If you have just spent the past 2 years studying A-Levels, adapting to
university learning methods can be extremely difficult. There is an emphasis
on self-learning and many homework assignments will depend on you going
out and conducting your own individual research. Lectures instead of lessons
are also another change to get used to. Lectures are often an hour or
two long and it is your responsibility to take notes for your future reference.
9. You
will have to work hard
Moving away to university is a great chance for you to have a thriving
social life. However, as you settle in and start going to lectures it’s
important to keep a good social and work balance. University is hard work
and requires a huge amount of independent, self-motivated study. The more
work you put in, the greater results you get back.
10. Enjoy every second
Finally, our most important piece of advice is to enjoy your time at university.
Embrace all the challenges and obstacles that you will face. Work hard.
Be friendly. Make the most of every single opportunity that you are given.
Remember you will grow up so much, learn so many new things about yourself
and others, and most likely meet some life-long friends. Before you know
it you will be graduating, wondering where those amazing 3 years went.
