FRESHERS WEEK AND BEYOND...

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The first week/month of university is usually the most memorable, as you are embarking on a brand new journey and essentially, a brand new chapter of your life! Here are some of my top tips to help you get through 3 of the tasks you may face in your first term at university: 

- Moving In

- Making the Most of Freshers Week

- Lectures, Seminars and Assignments. 

1. MOVE IN DAY

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From my own experience, move in day was both a fun and stressful experience because: I didn't want to leave anything behind, I was excited to be living in a new environment and I was curious to see what it would be like living with strangers and sharing communal spaces like the kitchen.

Some tips that helped me were:

1. Pack in advance. Leaving things till the last minute means you are more likely to forget something and leave things behind!

2. Make sure you know where you are going! Some university campuses are hugeeee so make sure you find the entrance nearest to your specific halls of residence, so you don't end up lugging suitcases from one end of campus to the other!

3. Keep important documents such as ID and your accommodation and enrolment confirmation at hand so it will make moving in quick and easy

4. Secure your space! Particularly with communal areas like the kitchen it is important to ensure you secure fridge, freezer and cupboard space but also be considerate of your other flatmates.
Top tip: to prevent food theft and potential arguments, always lock your cupboards when they are not in use (but dont loose the key! lol) 

5. Be open, be confident, be friendly! Talk to your flatmates. Though this can be nerve racking, remember you are going to be living with them for an entire school year. The earlier you communicate, the earlier you can find common interests and also set ground rules and/or rotas for your flat if necessary. Particularly if you're living in a flat with other freshers thats all the more reason to talk! You are all in the same boat and can learn together, and you all come from a unique background. (use those differences as conversation starters and you will be amazed what you will learn plus, you may end up living with someone who does the same course as you!) University is such a diverse place that you may find you're living with someone who has just arrived from another country and was brought up on the other side of the world in a different climate and culture! This provides you potential to learn a new dish or two and make new connections! 

2. FRESHERS WEEK

This is definitely one of the most exciting weeks of university particularly for a Fresher as this essentially gives you a sneak preview of the infamous 'university life'. Every club and society is putting their best foot forward either through live events, showcases or simply an amazing stand at Freshers Fair; all in the hope of getting you to join them.

My top tips for Freshers Week are:

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1. As early as possible make sure you complete all online and physical enrolment/registration procedures and connect all your devices to the university Wifi.

2. Make a budget plan. This is the best time to start planning your expenditure for the term, ensuring that you set aside money to pay off your accommodation fees for the term and also money for books and essentials such as weekly food. You may also want to consider making a meal plan.

3. Get a timetable of the week and Choose Your Events. Find out from flatmates or student mentors where you can get one so that you are aware in advance of all the events taking place and can plan and select the ones you would like to attend. Keep up to date with events throughout the year so you can make the most of it.

4. Keep a university map on Standby. This will make navigating around to check out all the facilities so much easier, especially if your campus is huge and you need to know where your lecture buildings are.

5. Learn where all the essential spots are. This will usually include one on-site food shop, the library,  lecture halls, sports/gym facilities, medical centre, finance/cash office, your halls of residence.

6. Go to Freshers Fayre.  If you want to find out what extra curricular facilities, clubs, qualifications, etc are available then this is the absolute best place to go! All societies, from pottery to Afro-Carribbean to dance will all be there, to promote and inform you of what they do and encourage you to sign up and join them. There are all types of societies from academic, to sports, to cultural, to religious to creative arts so you're bound to find something you'll enjoy. Attending society events is also a great way to make friends as you've all chosen to be there due to a common interest! Throughout the year you will begin to realise which societies/clubs you would like to stick with or not- and who knows, you may end up creating your very own! In addition, Local businesses and restaurants usually stop by too, to inform you of their existence (e.g. Dominos Pizza, Nandos, Taxi companies) and provide you loads of freebies, vouchers and incentives for you to use their services! 

3. PREPARING FOR LECTURES, SEMINARS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Once the excitement from Freshers Week has worn off, its time to remember why you came to university in the first place- to get a degree!

1. Know where you are going. To avoid being late to your very first lecture, make sure you know exactly where you are going in advance and are familiar with how to get there.

2. Have your resources ready. Be it a pen and pad, laptop or dictaphone, take whatever you need with you to ensure you get the most out of your lectures.

3. Do the essential readings. Doing these prior to each lecture will ensure you have a deeper understanding of the topic. Doing the readings for seminars will not only ensure you actually have something to say during them, but will also make them much more interesting and informative for you as you can both share and receive ideas. 

4. Plan Ahead. The earlier you start your assignments the more time you can spend perfecting them. Particularly if you get multiple assignments at one time, planning ahead will enable to spread your time effectively and allow you to do your best in every area of study. 

5. Time Management. For university this is absolutely essential! University exams and assignments simply aren't something you can just wing and expect to do really well. They require proper effort and attention which requires time. Particularly if you have a job or extra curricular activity or simply just want to have a social life, effective time management and prioritising the right things will make all of that possible. Remember late work gets capped!

6. Use all the resources around you! As much as the internet is great lets not forget to use the library too! and don't be afraid to book an appointment with your lecturer or personal tutor if you need additional help. If you don't ask, you don't learn and you stay stuck!

7. Find a good study group. This may not work for everyone, but for some having a study group or friends who also do your course can be great. You can share ideas and you will each have someone you are accountable to to make sure you complete your work on time!

All these skills will teach you how to be independent and will help strengthen your character and prepare you for when you enter the real world

Hope you found this helpful and enjoy your first term at university! x

Izzy =]