What to expect in your first year of university
Starting university is a big change, but also a time of new beginnings, here's a look at what to expect in your first year.
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Heading off to university will be a pivotal chapter in your life. A time of newfound independence, growth and, transformation. Your first year of university is an adventure, filled with new experiences, academic challenges, and the chance to forge lasting friendships.
It's natural to feel a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Our advice can help you approach your first year with an open mind and a sense of adventure.
It is a common misconception that there is very little work to do in the first year. The first year isn’t all about fresher's week, partying, and making friends, you must stay on top of your studies.
The academic workload in university may come as a shock as it will be more than in school or college. Lectures are less structured, and there's a greater emphasis on independent learning, research, and critical thinking. This can be a daunting shift for some students, but it also presents an opportunity to develop valuable skills and become a more self-motivated learner.
You may also feel that if lecture slides are available online there is no need to go to every lecture. However, reading the slides or notes from friends is not the same as attending in person. In fact, it can cause problems when it comes to completing assignments. Although you have gone to university to have fun and enjoy new experiences remember that the main reason is to complete your degree so be prepared for the heavier workload.
Join societies or clubs
Your university freshers’ fairs will introduce you to all the societies and sports clubs that are available to you. More than half of all freshers will join a club in their first week but how many of them will stick at it? There will be hundreds of clubs and societies at the university for you to choose from, catering to a wide range of interests. Joining a club or society is a great way to meet people who share your interests and make new friends.
Go to social events
University is a great place to meet people and make new friends. There are many opportunities to get involved in societies, clubs, sports teams, and student organisations. It's also a good time to experiment with different social groups and find people who share your interests.
Everyone is new, don't be afraid to strike up conversations
Don't be afraid to strike up conversations with people you meet in your classes, clubs, or accommodation. You might be surprised at how much you have in common. You’re both starting out on a new chapter and could offer each other support and advice.
Moving into university accommodation is an exciting time, but the independence and being away from home can also be a bit daunting. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your new home:
Independent living
For many, starting university means moving away from home and into student accommodation. Perhaps it’ll be the first time you’ll have to fend for yourself without family or friends to guide you. Here are a few tips to develop skills that will help you to settle in:
- Learn how to cook: This is a great way to save money and eat healthily. There are many resources available to help you learn how to cook, such as cookbooks, online tutorials, and cooking classes. This is a valuable life skill which will help your confidence and could help you make new friends by cooking for fellow students or offering them cooking tips.
- Take care of yourself: Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and exercising both your body and mind regularly. University can be a stressful time, so it's important to take care of your physical and mental health.
- Take care of your home: You'll be responsible for cleaning and maintaining your living space, so it's important to develop good habits. Set aside time each week to clean your flat, and make sure to do laundry regularly. You’ll feel better in yourself and get on better with flat mates if you keep a clean-living space and don’t end up in cliched university squalor. You should also report any maintenance issues to your landlord or resident advisor promptly.
- Seek support from student services: Many universities have student services offices that can provide you with support and guidance on a variety of issues, including housing, finances, and mental health.
Feeling homesick
Feeling homesick at university is a common experience, especially for first-year students. It is estimated that up to 60% of students will experience homesickness at some point during their time at university. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as missing friends and family, feeling isolated, or feeling overwhelmed by the academic workload.
While feeling a little homesick is completely normal, it could help to talk to someone about how you're feeling. Talking to a friend, family member, counsellor, or a lecturer may help you to feel better and get some perspective on your situation.
Joining clubs, and societies is great way to meet new people and make friends, which can help to reduce your feelings of loneliness.
If you’re really struggling and don’t feel that you’re making as many new friends as you’d hoped, stay in contact with home. It can help to regularly call, text, or video chat with friends and family back home. This will help you to feel connected to your support system.
Remember that homesickness is temporary. Most students feel better after a few weeks or months as they adjust to their new environment.
Bring some home comforts with you. This could include photos of friends and family, your favourite blanket, or a pillowcase from your bed.
It may be very tempting to go on a spending spree when your student loan hits your account, and you feel like a millionaire. But it is recommended to create a budget and track your spending. Although this may sound boring, you’ll be relieved when later in the year you can still afford some decent food and a night out instead of staying in eating instant noodles for dinner.
It is important to know how much money you have coming in and going out. Create a budget that outlines your income sources and your expenses. This will help you to track your spending and make sure that you are not overspending. There are a few budgeting apps and websites that can help you with this.
There are several ways to cut back on your expenses, such as cooking at home instead of eating out, using public transportation instead of taxis, and buying second-hand textbooks. You can also look for student discounts on a variety of goods and services.
If you can, consider getting a part-time job to help you earn extra money. This can be a great way to cover your expenses and avoid spending all your loan too quickly.
If you are struggling with your finances, you can also talk to your university's financial aid office for advice and support.
Organise your time
University is a lot of work, so it's important to get organised and set goals for yourself. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Create a schedule for yourself that includes time for classes, extracurricular activities, personal time and studying. Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. And make sure to set realistic goals for yourself that you can achieve.
Attend all your lectures and tutorials
It's important to attend all your classes and take part actively. This will help you understand the material and learn from your professors and classmates. Ask questions if you don't understand something. And don't be afraid to participate in discussions.
Develop good study habits
University-level study requires more independent work than school. You'll need to develop good study habits to succeed. Find a quiet place where you can study without distractions. Set aside dedicated study time each day. And use effective study techniques, such as summarising key points, creating flashcards, and completing practice papers.
Ask for help when you need it
If you're struggling with anything, don't be afraid to ask for help. There will be many people at the university who want to support you, including your professors, advisors, and classmates.
Take care of yourself
It takes time to adjust to university life. Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed right away. Just keep working hard and you'll eventually reach your goals.
Remember, success in university is not just about getting good grades. It's also about learning new things, meeting new people, and having new experiences. So, make the most of your time at university and try to enjoy it.