Okay, so I'm now about seven months into my first year as a student, and there have been so many ups and downs that it's been unbelievable. However one thing that I know for sure, is that I have no regrets at all about coming to uni. It's been hard, but I've learnt so much so here are my tips on how to survive your first year.
1. Be friendly
Before coming to uni, I was one of the shyest people that you will ever meet. I'd had the same friendship group since I was about thirteen, and the thought of having to make a whole new one filled me with fear. I was worried I'd be spending the next three years alone, living for weekends and holidays so I could see my old ones again. However I soon learned that everyone was in the same boat. And so it was easy to make friends. Just make sure to smile, take a deep breath and remember your name :P
2. Be careful with money
Whist being at uni, I've been quite lucky in that I get quite a decent amount of a student loan, however I know that not everyone is so lucky. Therefore it's important to work out a weekly budget and to try and stick to it as best as you can. Why not try shopping at Poundland instead of Tesco? Or try having budget nights out, where you pre drink in someone's flat meaning you barely have to spend any money on drinks whilst you're out. Instead of catching taxis on a night out, walk! Or if your accommodation is a long way from the clubs, try saving money by obtaining a travel pass.
3. Choose your accommodation carefully
Before going to university, I quickly decided that I wanted to live in full board accommodation as it would mean saving money on food due to obtaining three meals a day as part of my rent. However, I soon found out that the canteen food was horrible, and something about standing there everyday with your meal card and tray in hand, had you feel like you were about to have a school dinner. Seven months down the line, and I'm buying my own food, and living off things that you can either microwave or make using hot water, due to my accommodation not being equipped with proper kitchen facilities. So make sure to be careful when choosing your accommodation and knowing properly what you are in for!
4. Try new things
As previously mentioned, I am an extremely shy individual. However coming t o uni has made me want to branch out more and try new things. For example, despite never being particularly good at sports, I joined the badminton society. This has led to me making friends with people across campus that I wouldn't have otherwise, and means that I keep fit too. Societies also have a great social calender, for example, every Wednesday is society night meaning all the societies go out around town, dressed in themes for a night of fun and chaos.
5. Watch what you eat
It's so easy to get to uni and to ignore everything your mum ever told you about healthy eating, however getting home at Christmas after three months and having all of your family tactfully mentioning that you've put on weight is a horrible feeling. The occasional takeaway after a night out is great, but when you've been to your local takeaway so many times, that they know your order, it's time to worry. I also found that I put on weight after living off ready meals. They're also a drain on your wallet, and they're not the most filling meals either.
