How To Make The Most Out Of Your First Year At University
Starting university is such an exciting time filled with lots of new opportunities and people to meet. However, it can also feel overwhelming at times, with lots to wrap your head around. This article explores how to make the most of it all, so you can deal with everything you’re faced with effectively and don’t miss out on anything.
Use your time wisely
University timetables are notorious for the lack of contact hours, with some courses only including around 12 hours of contact time and the rest of the week seemingly ‘free’. While it's likely that you have lots of spare time on your hands, you shouldn’t take that to mean there’s nothing to do. Don’t waste it!
As tempting as it is to sleep in, try not to do this every day. Instead, make a schedule with a study routine for yourself. Head to the library or wherever you work well and get your teeth stuck into your course. There will still be plenty of time to see your new friends and have fun around studying — just with some routine in place.
Apart from studying and socialising, make sure you also schedule some downtime in order to relax. Starting university can be exhausting and you will need the rest, trust us!
If you've made a schedule and realise you still have some time to fill, why not think about an internship one day a week, a paid job or even a volunteering role with a charity? There are plenty of ways to build up experience while at university, and this will look great on your CV when you do finally head out into the world of work in a few years.
Get to know your campus and where you’re going
This might sound like an obvious one, but it's so important to be aware of which facilities are available to you and where they are! You'd be surprised how many students still don't know where their university library or doctor surgery is by the end of their first year.
Find a map of your university and get to know what buildings you will be using and where important facilities are, like the library and the local cafes with free wifi. If you're a student in London and are looking for non-university locations to study in, we've covered the best places to study in our guide here. You should also speak to second and third years, tutors and housemates, and remember to ask lots of questions about their local haunts.
Stick to a budget
If you're living away from home for the first time, it might mean that this is the first time you've ever had to budget for yourself, but you don't need to be scared by this! While many students find it overwhelming and decide not to stick to it to start with, budgeting is your friend and will ultimately stop you from blowing your student loan within the first term. You can check out our article on looking after your expenses as a student for tips on how to budget and make the most of your money.
Protect and boost your physical and mental health
This may be your first time looking after yourself, but you should try to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle despite the significant life change. This means you still need to be working on getting enough good quality sleep — and remember, sleep quality is affected by drinking alcohol and stress, so it requires discipline to get enough sleep at university.
You should eat a healthy and balanced diet (as tempting and easy as it is to live off frozen nuggets and pasta). There are plenty of exciting food choices on a student budget.
Maintaining an exercise routine is also key to mental and physical wellbeing. The good news is that many gyms close to university campuses offer student discounts, plus there are local activities, clubs and university societies that are always happy to see new faces.
Remember that looking after your health includes your mental health too. Whether this means leaning on your personal support system of family and friends, taking time out for yourself, reaching out to your university councillors or doctors, or simply saying no to social plans — all of this is ok! It's important to recognise how you are feeling mentally and do what feels right for you in order to look after yourself.
Join clubs and societies
Fancy trying something you've never tried before? The best way to find yourself a new hobby is to try out a bunch of things you've never done before. Want to prove how sophisticated you’ve become when you next go home? Join a culture or wine society. Keen to get involved at the university allotment? Join the gardening club! Ready for a good argument? Get involved with the debate team. Feeling brave enough for the icy kiss of Britain’s oceans? Join the surf society.
There are all sorts of clubs and societies available, and the beauty is that you can always start up your own if your desired activity isn't already in full swing at your chosen university!
Explore beyond campus
Get to know your new area. If you've moved somewhere new it’s easy to start feeling homesick or bored. At times like this it’s important to explore what’s on your doorstep. Cities like London have so much to offer, meaning there’s never a dull moment. There is a lot to scope out — from culture to shopping to green spaces — so head out with your new pals and embrace your new home.
If you are looking for some downtime amongst nature, make sure you read our guide to the best green spaces in London.
Make use of the available resources
As a student, there are many free resources available to help you get the best out of your degree, so make sure you use them. Ask your university’s student support team if you're not already sure what's available.
Also, don't be afraid to ask those on your course for help. Your tutors want you to succeed, so make sure you reach out to them if you need some extra help or want to know what resources are available specifically to students on your course.
Have fun!
Most importantly, have fun. This is such an exciting time in your life! So, don't forget to lap up every opportunity and live your university experience to the fullest. Make good decisions, stay safe and enjoy your time there.
All of the above points will help you make the most out of your first year at university. Make sure you take every opportunity as it comes, take care in looking after yourself and remember to study hard too. We wish you all the best in your university experience!
