Tips for surviving your first year at university Starting university can be daunting, but there’s no need to worry. Our top tips for surviving your first year at university will help you make the most of your new adventure. From budgeting to making friends, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your university adventure today!
1. Attend your class every day
Whether your classes are traditional, online, or hybrid, showing up on time is still essential to get the most out of the courses. Professors can explain concepts better than your textbook. They may add some comments that are not in your textbook and ask questions about them in the final exam. So, it is very important to take notes to understand the topics so that you can study them on your own. Make sure you wear a face mask if you have to lecture offline, wash your hands regularly, and maintain a 6-foot distance from others.
2. Balance your life
Time management is an important factor in maintaining a healthy study-life balance. Always try to finish your assignments early and don’t procrastinate. A recent study shows that procrastination can lead to stress-related health problems like headaches, colds, and the flu. Order tasks based on their importance, minimize distractions, and set a timeline to get your work done. You may want to apply the POSEC method, which stands for: Prioritize, Organize, Streamline, Economize and Contribute.
3. Develop your communication skills
Communicating with peers, professors, university staff, and advisors helps you understand your course and department policies. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. If you encounter any problems, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Some universities offer communication skills courses to their students. If you feel that you are not good at communicating with others, whether written or verbal, why not register? Learning how to communicate with the people around you at university will help you communicate with your peers and managers after graduation.
4. Declare your major/minor correctly
It is important to follow your main subject of interest. Many universities don’t let you announce what major you’re going to choose until after you’ve finished your first year. Research possible majors and read more about courses that interest you from your university’s website. When it comes to choosing, don’t choose courses that you think are the most popular or common. Instead, choose courses that interest you because you will be surprised how well you do in these courses and how well you apply the information in your real life.
5. Work on your reading skills
University work can sometimes be a bit overwhelming and you may not have enough time to get everything done. This is why speed reading is a nifty technique for students! You obviously don’t expect to speed read your way through a novel or a thick research paper, but for short articles and lesson plans, this skill will definitely come in handy!
6. Ask for help when needed
You are starting a new chapter in your life and educational journey and it is okay to struggle a little during the process. Asking for help is never wrong nor does it show weakness. If you have problems with your coursework or lectures, don’t hesitate to ask teachers for help. And if you encounter any obstacles while settling in, campus counselors and advisors are here for a reason! If you’re in a new country or city for university, you can consult with locals and ask for help and guidance in navigating life there.
7. Create and follow a budget
Throughout the year, you will spend money on food, books and transport tickets. To avoid running out of money, set a budget and get an online job as a freelancer to increase your income. To set a budget, calculate your income and set yourself a certain amount each month, add the first month’s amount to a credit card, and use your credit card to pay for what you need. You can track what you’ve spent using a mobile app linked to your credit card to stay within your budget. At the end of the first month, keep another amount. Don’t overuse your credit card or you’ll end up borrowing money.
8. Use student discounts
A wonderful and often overlooked benefit of being a student is the student discount! Your university ID card can give you access to an array of discounts on a range of products and services. As part of following your budget and saving money, learn about student discounts
9. Make new friends
University is not just for studying. You can make lifelong friendships at university. Socializing with your new colleagues is important, but give yourself time before deciding who your new best friend will be. Hang out with different groups and get to know as many colleagues as possible. You will then be able to identify colleagues who share your same interests and live a similar lifestyle.
10. Join a student club or organization
A great way to meet people on campus and settle in easily is to join a student club or organization! These clubs usually allow you to fill your time with something other than coursework, as well as make visiting campus a fun experience and allow you to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds who share your interests.
11. Explore the city you’re in
If you attend university in a completely different city or country, this will be a great opportunity for you to get to know a new place and a whole new culture! Make time to go on city tours and walk around where you live. Take advantage of your free time and discover the hidden places where you are Educate yourself outside of university and have the best time in a new city!
12. Get enough sleep at night
A good night’s sleep plays an important role in your physical health. There’s no doubt that staying up late is fun, but your brain needs rest to function properly. If you regularly stay up late, you won’t be able to study well and produce high-quality work. Try to sleep 7 to 8 hours a night to refresh your mind and avoid health problems.
13. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
To study well and be able to achieve your goals, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle. Drinking water is essential as it improves your memory and mood and keeps you energized. Eating a healthy diet is also very important. You should eat three meals a day with carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fruits and vegetables. These will affect the way you perform during the day and keep your energy levels high. Additionally, going to the gym, exercising, walking, running and biking are all very important to keep you fit. They also help you relax and relieve stress.
14. Keep a clean place
Keeping a clean space is important. In most cases, this will be your first time away from home, so you’ll need to learn how to keep your space clean, tidy and organized. Excluding the area where you live/study is essential for a healthy and beneficial study environment. Being involved in work will keep your mind sharp and busy, so learn how to cook, clean and use the washing machine.
15. Plan for your future
Your future is wide open, and the sky is the limit. Planning for your future helps you achieve your goals. Gathering information from reliable sources such as the university website or its advisors and consultants helps you learn more about your university and your area of expertise. This accurate information helps you set your future goals and empowers you to do your best to achieve what you dream of.
Finally, always remind yourself why you are in university, to get a bachelor’s degree, get a certificate, secure a good job, improve your skills or become more knowledgeable about a certain field. Throughout university, give yourself some time to play games, explore new places, or eat out with your new friends. However, don’t put off your assignments and waste your time. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Sleep well, eat healthy and stay fit. Make your years studying abroad as productive as possible!