Now I know what you’re thinking. What about the rest of university? Well, making it through Fresher's week and getting settled in, makes the rest of the year a whole lot easier.
1. Don’t be afraid to make Friends.
Yes, the sound of making friends can be very daunting (especially if you’re an anxiety freak like me) however, every student in the same boat. Being afraid to approach someone can only limit you. Having friends at university can be an advantage as they can give opinions and help with projects. They will comfort you when you’re home sick, and make everything that little bit easier.
2. Make your room a home.
Being at University can make you a little homesick, especially if it’s your first time away from home. Try to decorate your room with photos of loved ones, ornaments from home, and some artificial flowers – because let’s face it, who has the time to water flowers at Uni? The more your bedroom feels like home, the more comfort you’ll feel. Sometimes you need a little place to escape, so having a homely room will help in this area.
3. Socialize.
If you’re a shy person and like to keep yourself to yourself that’s perfectly fine. Although, I do recommend that you do try to socialize, even if it’s only for a little. Socializing could boost your confidence and allow you to communicate with a variety of people about topics you never thought you would have. I’m not saying you have to force yourself to every fresher’s event, however on those nights you feel lonely, try and gather up your flat mates to hang out in the kitchen. Nothing is worse than feeling alone.
4. Check in with the rents.
You must be feeling all kinds of emotions right? Well just imagine what your parents are going through. Their little baby heading off into the big wide world all by themselves. Yes parents can be annoying, and sometimes they just don’t ‘get it’… but they do love you. Just give them a phone call once and a while to let them know how you’re getting on. Even if it's just a quick text so they know you’re still alive, that’s all.
5. Keep an eye on your money.
With there being so many events in the first month of Uni, It can be easy to splash all your cash at once. The best tip I have for you is to set up a savings account. It shouldn’t take too long to set up, and it does you the world of favours. Transferring your student loan into your current account when you need it, swill save you from spending all of your money on those premium vodka’s and late night kebabs.
6. Don’t stress.
It’s your first month, you’re here to have fun! Don’t stress out just yet. You shouldn’t be given that much work to do, maybe a couple of books to read, and even then there’s no need to stress out. Focus on having a good time and leave all the worrying for later. Don’t let Fresher’s week fly by without enjoying it first.
7. Invest in pasta.
Ok it’s true. After a few weeks pasta can be a little boring, and in time you will eventually need some cooking lessons from mum. However, in the first month, pasta is fine. It’s easy to make, does the job before a night out, and us impatient students don’t have to wait very long before it’s ready.
8. Be true to who you are.
I know it sounds cheesy, but starting a course in a new town, city or even a country can be the perfect time for a fresh start. An opportunity to invent a new you. However, it could also lead you into pretending to be someone you’re not. It can be easy to fall into a web of lies just to impress someone new. As silly as it sounds try to remember who you are. Just be yourself, and people will like you for being you.
9. Don’t forget your friends back home.
It can be easy for the friends you have back home to feel ‘left out’ when you go to Uni. Especially with the endless Snapchat stories of you and your new flat-mates having the time of your lives. Arrange to meet up with them the next time you’re home, skype them when you’ve got a spare sec. Just remember to give them a little attention now and then so they know you haven’t forgotten them.
10. Health and hygiene.
Ever heard of the cliché that a student is lazy? Of course you have, it’s true. Most of the time you can’t be bothered to tidy up after yourself, or even cook yourself a proper meal, and why should you when you don’t have mum and dad nagging you? But if they’re not there to look after you – make sure you look after yourself. One thing I can warn you about is fresher’s flu’. Just think, there’s thousands of you students coming from all different parts of the world sharing the same shot glasses, the same bathrooms and living in the same space. You’re bound to get sick. Wash your hands plenty. Stock up on lem-sip, paracetamol and ibuprofen. Don’t forget to take your medication (If you have any) and eat your fruit and veg once in a while!
11. Make a good first impression with your lecturers.
Lecturers aren’t going to be your best-friends, although they are going to be teaching you for the next ten months; so it’s probably best that you get on good terms with them. Being polite doesn’t cost anything, and I’m sure they’ll prefer to help a pleasant and punctual student rather than a student that quite frankly doesn’t give a shit.
12. Sleep.
Believe me when I say this one isn’t as easy as it sounds. Whether or not you’ve had a late night out with your friends or decided to stay in, sleeping won’t be that easy. The corridors of your flat will become alive at night, the windows do not have double glazing, and if you want to experience student events, that probably won’t help either. Power naps will become your savior. Eventually in time your body-clock will sort itself out, in the meantime, catch a few blinks whenever you can; so you don’t look like a walking zombie on campus.
13. Enjoy yourself.
