10 Tips from a Fourth Year to a Fresher
By Heather Roy
1. Don’t stress if you don’t find your lifelong friends in week one!
Before I started university it was drilled into me that the minute I arrived I’d find “my people”. Whilst this is true for some, it’s unlikely that you will find your soulmate in the first few days. Remove the pressure from yourself and trust that with time you will make true lifelong friends.
2. Sign up to societies
Most universities have a whole host of societies, from Basketball to Bake Off. Find what sounds fun to you and engage with it! Even if you don’t stick with the society for your four years of university, societies are a brilliant way to meet likeminded people.
3. Buy a planner
Guaranteed, not an exciting tip, but an important one. The first semester can be overwhelming as so much is so new. Writing down my deadlines and keeping track of them on paper was so helpful for me in making sure I didn’t miss any of my deadlines.
4. Get to know your lecturers and ask for help!
Whilst lecturers can seem intimidating as they stand and explain complicated theories to you, remember that they’re only people! It took me until my third year of university to start going to office hours, and my grades improved almost instantly. If you don’t understand something – ask! Getting to know faculty staff early on will stand you in great stead for the later years of your degree.
5. Join your course’s group chats
Almost all universities have freshers pages for incoming students to connect. Granted - the notifications are enough to make you consider dropping out, but make the most of the mute button, and join the chats anyway! They’re a great place to ask and answer questions about accommodation, coursework, and ‘freshers’ (first-year) events.
6. Don’t burn yourself out
The first year of university can be full-on and it’s important to remember that it is a huge lifestyle change. As a general rule, if you find yourself in the library at 3am shaking from the excessive caffeine, you should stop and sleep! (We’ve all been there). Remember that first year is about settling in, adapting and understanding a new way of learning. (Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to experience burn-out in third and fourth year!)
7. Make an effort with your flatmates/roomates
The first week living with a bunch of strangers is daunting but it is so worth pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and making a real effort with your flatmates. Be the person to sit in the kitchen and chat, or suggest a flat games night. In my experience, living in halls was a brilliant experience, and even in my final year I still remain friends with the group of people I lived with.
8. Prepare for the fire alarms
Another one related to university halls. The fire alarms will go off constantly. Prepare for it, accept it; it is inevitable. Oh, and buy a dressing gown, because they will absolutely go off just as you get in the shower. (Trust me, ask any student EVER).
9. Study abroad if you can
If studying abroad is an option for you then take it! Whilst the thought can be daunting, the opportunity to study abroad comes once in a lifetime and offers so many exciting experiences. I studied abroad in California and it was an incredible opportunity that I encourage everyone I meet to make the most of! (My friends will vouch for the fact that I never stop talking about it!)
10. Enjoy it!
University is undoubtedly a stressful time, but also an exciting one! It flies by and before you know you’ll be getting ready to graduate. Make the most of every opportunity and have fun! From a student with one semester left before graduation, I know that I’d do it all again in a heartbeat!