21 August 2023

Top Tips for University Students

University can be a daunting thought so we share our top tips for those starting out

The moment when you get into university is a really exciting time, a whole new chapter of your life is beginning! However, we know it can feel a little overwhelming and nerve-wracking to leave home for potentially the first time and go to a place where you know relatively few people. Our team have asked our friends, children, nieces and nephews and created a list of top tips from all their advice, we hope this helps to relieve any nerves before you start:

1. Joining societies is a great way to make friends but be realistic about how many you have time for. If you join your subject society you could meet people on your course. You can then plan to walk to class together which makes turning up for your first lectures less intimidating.

2. Don’t panic if you don’t immediately do as well as you did in school. The uni way of writing is so different to school. It can take a while to adjust to the new academic style.

3. Hold off buying all your kitchen utensils before you go as otherwise your kitchen may end up with 6 sets of everything and half of it you won’t use. Just get the essentials (which should include a scrubbing brush) – they will have shops where your uni is!

4. Bring lots of bits from home to make your room feel cosy and comfortable.

5. Try not to worry if you don’t love your housemates. Just because you are sharing does not mean you have to be best friends. There are so many other people at uni that you will have the opportunity to get to know.

6. Everybody studies differently. Make use of the options to see what works best for you – it could be the library, a quiet zone, a group work area or your own bedroom.

7. If your lecturer provides slides in advance, read them! You can note down questions you might want to ask. It can be tempting to write everything down when you go to your first lectures but try to condense it as it can be hard to keep up.

8. Go out and explore your surroundings. Being at university is also about getting to know a new town or city.

9. Make a shopping list before you go to the supermarket. It can really help keep your food bills down.

10. Things can get a little hectic at first so try to take some time out for yourself to just relax. It can feel a little scary and you might think that everyone else is settling in much quicker than you but you will not be alone. If you are struggling, talk to someone - that could be a housemate, someone on your course or support offered by the university.

We hope you enjoy your time at university!