After finding out that I passed my first year of University, I've started planning the move into my house for my second year! I thought I would share with those who are starting Uni the best things to do, things to avoid and how to make easy savings.
Firstly, when you make that move to halls, or if you're living at home, make yourself open. Don't be scared to go to speak to new people; because everyone is just as scared to make new friends as you are. If you are in halls put a wedge on your door so that people can come say hello, this is a great way to start the friendships with the people you will be living with for a whole year. On the first day of your course, speak to as many people as you can, smile at people and make yourself approachable. On the other hand, if you do put lots of effort into a friendship and it isn't returned, then don't put yourself out because university is a part of growing up and there is no point wasting your time and effort on somebody who won't return it. University is a busy time especially first year, put your time and effort into people who matter. Not getting on with your flatmates isn't the worst thing in the world. So many go my course mates don't get on with their flatmates but they still love university as much as i do.
Secondly, Don't be lazy. You may be tired and having your parents not pushing you to go into uni but GO IN. You'll get into the rhythm of not going in and you'll be so far behind you don't know how to get back on track. Being your own motivation is difficult but once you've done a week or two you'll be fine.
Thirdly, Don't be too scared to tell somebody if they are annoying you or if they've done something wrong. If somebody in your flat takes something of yours or uses your cutlery and doesn't wash it up TELL THEM. If somebody talks badly about your home town or says something tat causes you offence TELL THEM. You won't be around people who totally agree with you on everything but if you don't tell them what is annoying you then it will just carry on.
Thirdly, HAVE FUN. ENJOY YOURSELF. Don't pass up on opportunities to go out drinking, day trips and just hanging out with people. Even if it is completely out of your comfort zone, just do it because you will loose nothing from trying something. You may even love it and make new friends in the process.
Fourthly, know what you're getting in to. Know your course, be sure that it is 100% what you want to do because it is a lot of money and time to waste on something you're picking at random. I know so many people who have dropped out of university to either re-apply for courses starting this september or going into jobs, alongside the minimum £12,000 dept from a year wasted at university.
fifth, Shop around...find out where you can get the cheapest food, cheapest alcohol, cheapest essentials because it may be a few pennies or pounds cheaper but in the long run it'll help! Especially when you need change to do a wash.
Sixth, Do things for people. Obviously don't keep going out of your way for people but help people out because you never know when you are going to need help...they may just return the favour.
Seventh, BE HOME SICK. It's going to happen and holding back on it won't help. FaceTime will literally be your favourite phone feature! Calls just won't be enough being able to see your family and friends at home will make such an amazing difference. Be prepared for the 'what did you do today' every night on FaceTime. Cherish it. I did.
Eighth, Be prepared to LOVE the reduced to clear sections in supermarkets, don't be shocked when you start to memorise the prices of basic food and use the phrase 'But that's a whole weeks shop' when somebody asks you to do something over £20.
And finally, you'll without realising..become the person you never thought you could be. You might think you're independent or confident but that expands so much as you go through university. I am such a better person and happier just from one year of finding myself away from home.
Firstly, when you make that move to halls, or if you're living at home, make yourself open. Don't be scared to go to speak to new people; because everyone is just as scared to make new friends as you are. If you are in halls put a wedge on your door so that people can come say hello, this is a great way to start the friendships with the people you will be living with for a whole year. On the first day of your course, speak to as many people as you can, smile at people and make yourself approachable. On the other hand, if you do put lots of effort into a friendship and it isn't returned, then don't put yourself out because university is a part of growing up and there is no point wasting your time and effort on somebody who won't return it. University is a busy time especially first year, put your time and effort into people who matter. Not getting on with your flatmates isn't the worst thing in the world. So many go my course mates don't get on with their flatmates but they still love university as much as i do.
Secondly, Don't be lazy. You may be tired and having your parents not pushing you to go into uni but GO IN. You'll get into the rhythm of not going in and you'll be so far behind you don't know how to get back on track. Being your own motivation is difficult but once you've done a week or two you'll be fine.
Thirdly, Don't be too scared to tell somebody if they are annoying you or if they've done something wrong. If somebody in your flat takes something of yours or uses your cutlery and doesn't wash it up TELL THEM. If somebody talks badly about your home town or says something tat causes you offence TELL THEM. You won't be around people who totally agree with you on everything but if you don't tell them what is annoying you then it will just carry on.
Thirdly, HAVE FUN. ENJOY YOURSELF. Don't pass up on opportunities to go out drinking, day trips and just hanging out with people. Even if it is completely out of your comfort zone, just do it because you will loose nothing from trying something. You may even love it and make new friends in the process.
Fourthly, know what you're getting in to. Know your course, be sure that it is 100% what you want to do because it is a lot of money and time to waste on something you're picking at random. I know so many people who have dropped out of university to either re-apply for courses starting this september or going into jobs, alongside the minimum £12,000 dept from a year wasted at university.
fifth, Shop around...find out where you can get the cheapest food, cheapest alcohol, cheapest essentials because it may be a few pennies or pounds cheaper but in the long run it'll help! Especially when you need change to do a wash.
Sixth, Do things for people. Obviously don't keep going out of your way for people but help people out because you never know when you are going to need help...they may just return the favour.
Seventh, BE HOME SICK. It's going to happen and holding back on it won't help. FaceTime will literally be your favourite phone feature! Calls just won't be enough being able to see your family and friends at home will make such an amazing difference. Be prepared for the 'what did you do today' every night on FaceTime. Cherish it. I did.
Eighth, Be prepared to LOVE the reduced to clear sections in supermarkets, don't be shocked when you start to memorise the prices of basic food and use the phrase 'But that's a whole weeks shop' when somebody asks you to do something over £20.
And finally, you'll without realising..become the person you never thought you could be. You might think you're independent or confident but that expands so much as you go through university. I am such a better person and happier just from one year of finding myself away from home.