Tuesday 10-10-2017 - 17:32

Moving out, making friends and juggling your studies are just some of the things on your mind as a new student. We asked some of our returners to share the things they’ve learnt along the way to make things a little easier.

 

Studying

• Don't be afraid to complain about lectures to your tutors. If you're unhappy with something, it’s your responsibility to speak up and change it.
• One grade is just that, one grade - it’s not going to determine your fate and mess up your whole degree.
• If there is an opportunity for a one-to-one with your tutor about an assignment, make the most of it - they’re the ones marking your work!

 

Making friends

• It doesn't matter if you don't make friends straight away - sometimes it takes a little bit longer to find people you have things in common with and that's fine. 

• Don’t be afraid to socialise with all year groups, they have all been through the same things you have so they will be understanding and can help.
• If you don't enjoy clubs or drinking, there will be other people around you who feel the same; just be yourself.

 

Budgeting

• Some courses require you to pay for materials, printing and equipment. It’s worth checking out if yours does beforehand.

• Food shopping can be expensive, it's better to meal plan and prep to save you spending money you don't have.
• Being in your overdraft isn’t the end of the world, just try not to use it if you don’t really need to.

 

Time Management

• Planning how to balance your time is important to make sure that you are doing the best you can on your course.

• Always revise your past lectures as you go along, it really helps once exam season comes around.
• Don't get too stressed about deadlines. Everybody has the same amount of time so work hard and you will be fine! 

 

Learning Resources

• You can use the facilities on all three campuses, I didn’t know that when I first started. 
• The library is accessible all day, every day – take advantage of it!
• I wish I knew that I could meet up with my lecturers privately to help me when I had a problem or didn’t understand something.

 

Wellbeing

• Moving away from your family and friends does get easier. Even though at the time you may feel extremely home sick, it gets better.
• Freshers’ Flu is very real and it’s so much worse than a cold!
• Don't over stress. From mental health to housing, the support you get from uni is amazing and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for it!

 

Societies

• Being part of a society is so valuable! The friends you make outside of your course and the fun that comes with it will make up a massive part of your university experience.
• It’s never too late to join one, you can join at any point during the year.
• It’s hard to keep fit during university, joining a society of sports club is a great way to stay in shape as well as enjoy yourself!

 

Other

• I brought two carloads of things with me when I moved in in my first year and didn't use half of it. Pack light.

• Take your time looking at student houses and definitely don't sign up to one if you've never seen it before.
• If you buy ice cream, hide it in the back of the freezer. I learnt that one the hard way!

 

 

If you’re looking for advice on one of the above or on any other aspect of your university experience, don’t forget that our Information and Advice Service is here to support you. Find out more at trentstudents.org/advice.