Managing your life can be tricky – and regardless of your age, leaving the security of your home for the very first time can be daunting. You will no longer have the safety net of family surrounding you anymore, and despite the fact we all claim to be independent, sometimes we’re simply not. It’s a fairly overwhelming experience to get free roam of your own life. Prepare your teen; the first few weeks of university will be a whirlwind with the three ‘P’s becoming a staple of your everyday life: Pasta, Pizza and Pot Noodles!
As you move away for university, freshers events fill your evenings and sleep will fill your days, but as much as the social aspect will contribute to an unbelievably quick first semester, the reason you’re there soon establishes itself — the dreaded education.
So, if you’re heading off this September to do a whole lot of growing up, we suggest looking at our definitive guide to student survival…
Getting Around
The used Ford Fiesta has established itself as a firm favourite amongst the student population, thanks to its low insurance costs and its positive relationship with parking. Most inner-city campuses tend to be okay for transport links, however if you’re living or studying on the out-skirts, taking a car with you might be the more economical option. Be sure to make sure all essentials such as a car tyre pump are packed in your boot however – better to be safe than sorry!
Washing
Please, parents – teach your kid how to do laundry!
Every time you take something from your drawer, adjust your habits so once you get changed, you put the dirty clothes into the wash basket. Red and white aren’t an advisable combination.
Likewise, if you don’t know how to use the washing machine, guessing can be a rash decision. If the instruction manual isn’t close by, call upon your good old friend, Google.
Don’t be afraid to stand out
It might be easier said than done but if you’re going to enjoy your experience you need to get involved. Put yourself out there, as Snow Patrol once sang, ‘This is your life, this is your time.’ Sign up for clubs, go along on course nights out and most importantly, try with your flat mates. It can be incredibly scary moving in with new people for the first time, but remember, they are in the exact same boat as you.
Obviously if you aren’t enjoying yourself then don’t hide it, and certainly speak to someone. Again, universities provide free counselling for students, but don’t give up until you’ve given it your best shot — nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Keeping on top of your finances
The congratulations cards you receive, or the twenty pounds your grandparents stuffed in your back pocket before you left won’t last forever. Possibly the hardest thing about the whole Uni experience is budgeting. Just like cleaning and washing, no one enjoys doing it, but it is a necessity.
Find out the different things you can do for free in your city, plan your trips home well in advance and don’t constantly buy takeaways. As much as salted chili chicken or a Texas BBQ pizza may be your favourite hangover cure, think of how many meals you could’ve made for the same price.
Cooking
Cooking on a meal by meal basis can often prove expensive and similarly wasteful. Freezing food is something you probably never did before, but at university it becomes an absolute lifesaver. Did you know you can freeze milk to prevent it from going off?
Meal planning is essential if you are to save both time and money. A packet of mince, a tin of chopped tomatoes, a few different vegetables and some spaghetti can be bought for £3, providing enough food for four meals. If you’re feeling adventurous however, why not grow your own veg?
Exercise
Virtually every university throughout the UK will provide training facilities. It may seem like a lot of money, especially when you’re scraping pennies together to buy a pint, however it’s a worthwhile investment.
Studies have shown that most students put on somewhere between one and two stone in the first year of university. The weight gain usually has been found to have links to drinking, stress and an unhealthy diet. University sports teams offer a great way of maintaining a level of fitness. The wide range of clubs means you’re almost guaranteed to find something you like. It’s not just football, hockey and rugby anymore!
University will be the best experience of your life and time will fly. Make the most of it and by following our simple plan you might be able to make things a whole lot easier!
