September has already arrived, where did the summer go? A blink of the eye and the best three month summer is over. I definitely had a pretty awesome summer, I won’t lie. For that reason i’m ready to get back to my studies and exotic London life…
It is also that time of year where all you sixth formers and college attenders are moving on to bigger, greater things? Firstly, I think I should congratulate you for having that drive and ambition to take your life that little bit further but let’s be honest, you’re all really just going for the crazy fun university life!
I can imagine that all the excitement of being able to choose what you have your dinner each day, no parents telling you to clean your room and the freedom to do as you please is getting you revved up to go but there is a little part of you that is desperately going to crave your homely comforts and parents cooking.
Friends
Freshers is the time to form your group of friends and gain friends for life, well that’s what they say anyway. Don’t be shy, everyone is the same boat as you – just be open to discussing your life a little and sharing a little bit of home with your new acquaintances. I am sure you all know this but friendships are a two way thing, so put some effort into organising get togethers or nights out and everything else will just fall into place. After all, making friends is probably the most important thing to do, as they are your new family.
Parties
Your first year will be full of parties, nights out and late nights – it is all part of the fun of being a fresher. Most universities don’t put any of your first year marks towards your final degree, but that does not mean you can skip lectures as you do need to pass the first year to progress to your second year. However, I didn’t say that you cannot turn up hungover to your lectures – although I wouldn’t recommend making it a regular thing, it is a painful experience especially if you’re having to sit through a three hour Biomolecules lecture at 10am on Tuesday. Go and experience all the student nights out, they will be some of the best nights out you will ever have!
Food
Carbs will become your best friend, whether you like it or not. I started on this trend, every lunch and dinner I had for the first few weeks was based around carbs – it was the easiest thing to cook whilst I settled into my new home. After a while, your eating routine will change – I turned into a health freak and a major gym goer so it will all work itself out. Just don’t live on takeaways, because your bank balance and body will hate you after a while.
Money
Budget, budget, budget! Although, I was lucky enough to not be in a position where I had to. Pay off your rent on time, so you know how much you have left to spend. Have a treat day, once a week where you can do/buy whatever you want. Try and steer away from your student overdraft at all costs, because you will have to pay it off and it will always leave you at a disadvantage. Once you start, it is a vicious cycle.
Uni Life
Joining societies is the best way to get know, make new friends and gain skills in sports and other activities that you never knew you were capable of doing. Keep on top of your deadlines, don’t listen or follow suit of the second and third years that write their essays the night before the due date – it’s not worth it. Taking notes and dictaphone recordings of lectures will become your best friend, it always helps when it comes to revision time.
Explore
Go out and see your new hometown/city, see what it has to offer. Spend your weekends out and about, read a book in a park, have lunch with your friends, go and see a theatre play or even have a weekend away to a nearby town or city.
If you are a fresher and have any questions about university life, I would be happy to answer them. Just pop me over an email to: freshandfearless@outlook.com
Most of all, have a freakin’ good year!!
Until next time…
