If you headed off to university this year, you’ll be getting stuck into your first week of lectures, learning curves, and probably a few parties too!
University can be one of the best experiences of your life, but it can also be overwhelming. Especially in your first year when you’re finding your feet and balancing studying with becoming your own person outside the family home.
Below we’ve collated our top survival tips for any first years to help you make the most of this time while reassuring you – the chaos is normal!
11 Survival Tips For First-Year Uni Students
1.Create a success routine.
Once you have your study timetable, set up a routine for your week. You don’t always have to stick to this, but having one will definitely help you get more structure and value out of your time.
Don’t just focus on lectures and study either (but plot those in first!) – you can also add clubs, social time and study breaks so your routine feels authentic and ticks all the right boxes.
2. Stay on top of your finances.
For many first-year students, this might be the first time you’ve been financially responsible for yourself. It’s important to create sensible spending habits from the outset so you can manage your money properly.
Many resources are available online, and it’s a good idea to sit down with a parent, family member or even a friend you know who is good with money to get their advice.
Check out the Explore Careers Money Management series on the blog for more savvy advice!
3. Check out some societies – or create your own.
Making new friends at uni can be hard, and societies are a great way to meet new people who love the same things as you.
Most universities have societies from different team sports to reading clubs, movie clubs, gaming, hiking, and more. If you can’t find a society you like, there’s no reason you can’t set one up – chat with your student support team to learn more.
4. It’s okay – and normal – to miss home.
You’ll go through many changes at uni, and we know you’ll keep hearing these are “the best days of your life”, which might leave you wondering, why do I feel so homesick then?
Feeling homesick is normal; it might be a bit off if you didn’t miss the comfort and security of your life before university! Change can be both exciting and scary.
If you feel homesick, reach out to your family and friends so they can support and reassure you as you work through this big life transition.
5. Early lecture = early night.
Not to sound like mum and dad here, but if you have early morning lectures, get an early night, so you can be up fresh and ready to absorb all that knowledge!
Remember, you’re paying for this education – do you want to sleep through it?!
6. Make use of your student discount.
As a student, you’re entitled to discounts on everything from meals out to cinema tickets, clothing, new specs, stationery and books.
Discounts can be between 5-30% off – sometimes more if a retailer has a special offer. It’s definitely worth making sure you ask and reap those benefits.
7. Plan your units.
It’s worth thinking ahead and planning what units you want to enrol in each semester – at least for the first year and the first half of your second year.
Make a note of the units you’re interested in and when you need to enrol in them by – set reminders and familiarise yourself with the process.
Trust us. You will thank yourself later when the rush of a new semester hits and you’re not sure what you want to do or how to enrol!
8. Look into scholarships and bursaries.
Universities often have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and financial support available to students – and they’re not just for students experiencing hardship.
Scholarships could help you study abroad, travel during your breaks to take part in internships, purchase new study equipment and cover everyday expenses.
It’s well worth seeing what’s available through your university and what you might be eligible for.
9. Consider a semester abroad.
Speaking of scholarships to study abroad, consider whether this is something you want to experience.
Spending a semester abroad with a partner university is a great way to travel and experience a new country and culture, and it can also look great on your resume.
These experiences often give you lots to speak about at interviews for grad programs or jobs – plus, travel is never not a personally enriching experience!
10. Speak out if it gets too much.
As we touched on, your first year at university can be overwhelming. It’s not uncommon to wonder whether you’ve made the right decision and whether this is something you really want to do.
If you think this way or your mental health suffers due to this challenging transition, please look after yourself and speak out. Universities have supportive counselling services available that can support you and help you secure your next positive steps.
11. It’s never too early to think about your career!
Wouldn’t be a Explore Careers blog if we didn’t through this one in there somewhere!
It is never too early to start thinking about ways you might be able to support your future career. Whether it’s through volunteering, work experience, internships or doing some job shadowing.
Consider getting a headstart on these activities – future you will definitely thank you for it!
And Lastly,
Have fun! Your first year will be filled with new experiences – try not to take it all too seriously, and remember to enjoy it!
Ask questions, meet new people, take baby steps out of your comfort zone and start exploring who you want to be in this new place.
This is just the beginning of a long adventure into your future career – there’s no race to the finish line, so remember to slow down and savour the good times when they happen.
We’ll be right here when you’re ready to supercharge things.
