University is a defining experience for young people, offering a first glimpse at independent life as well as an enriching programme of study to set you up for adult life in the field of your choice. Amazing as that experience can be, it can also be a stressful one for the uninitiated; managing your budget, your home and studies independently is no mean feat. But going into university with a few tricks up your sleeve can help you settle in, and give you a head-start on an otherwise formative period of your life.
Learn How to Budget
Budgeting is a crucial part of the student experience; student finance can only stretch so far when it comes to academic resources, accommodation, utilities and nightlife. As such, keeping track of your spending and making shrewd decisions can give you a head-start on your overdraft limit. In moments of short-term insolvency, a quick online student loan can plug the gap until your next student loan payment; part-time work could also be a good idea to bolster your income, but you should ensure you can cope alongside your course workload before you apply.
Make a Cleaning Rota
For many, halls of residence represent the first time living apart from parents. As such, it can be hard to get into the groove of living with other students, and the compulsion to let loose with regard to cleaning and upkeep can be strong. But, free as you may feel from the yoke of household chores, having a dirty halls can affect not only your studies but also your overall mood. Setting up a cleaning rota with your flatmates at the start of the year is a great way to introduce order into what could be an otherwise chaotic environment.
Ask Questions
With all this talk of surviving on your own, we’ve nearly forgotten about the important bit – your studies. University can be an incredibly daunting academic experience from the outside, but nothing could be further from the truth. Faculty staff whichever the department are more than happy to help, and your lecturers and tutors have regular open office hours you can use to speak to them about anything, from course questions to study concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; after all, it’s your course to learn!
Keep Yourself Healthy
Between a brand-new living situation and a completely unique learning experience, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits out of convenience, or a lack of structure. Take-aways and ready meals can quickly become the norm, and heavy workloads can often inspire unhealthy sleeping schedules – though university nightlife could also have something to do with it. These practices can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health, though – and taking some small steps to stay healthy can make all the difference. Learning to cook basic meals and creating a regular meal plan will ensure you get the right nutrition and don’t miss meals in the process, and can also save you money; setting a sleeping schedule can keep you rested, alert and ready to work.