How To Nail Your First Few Weeks At University

Beginning the start of a new university semester can be super exciting, but overwhelming at the same time. Follow these handy tips so you can ease through the first few weeks like a confident fourth-year student!

Check Your Mail Inbox Frequently

Be the diligent university student and make a habit of checking your mail and inbox frequently. Fill our every form you receive and answer all emails from your lecturer and tutor. Not only does it present you as a proactive student, but it also forms good relationships with your university peers.

Take Lecture Notes By Hand

It’s tempting to take notes on your laptop. However, having a working laptop with an internet connection leads to distractions like browsing ASOS for new shoes and chatting to your best friend on iMessenger. Avoid distractions by note-taking the old-fashioned way — via pen and paper. It’s proven that you retain more information if you write something down.

Attend Lectures In Person

Unless extenuating circumstances like an injury or a clashing tutorial prevent you from doing so, you should do your best and attend all lectures in person.

Meet New People

We know that starting university is daunting, and you’d much prefer hanging out with your besties from your school days. Give yourself the chance to meet the likeminded individuals that share the same degree as you. Expand your social circle and formulate new friendships! When you’re ready, you can reconnect with those old high school buddies.

Collect Your Password and ID for Computer Access

The worst feeling in the world is the disorganised chaos during the first week of uni. Go to your university’s admin building before the semester begins officially.

Double-check that you’re registered in ALL of you required classes, and you’ve been given working ID logins and passwords. No one wants to login into their online portal and discover they’re locked out completely!

Refrain From Drinking Caffeine After 4 pm

Don’t get into the vicious cycle of restless nights and sleep deprivation. Your unusual caffeine consumption can do a number on the stresses of uni. Without the fixed 9am-3:30 pm timetables of high school, it’s easy to go overboard with the caffeine intake. Ensure a good night’s sleep by limiting your caffeine to two cups maximum a day, and refrain from drinking coffee after 4 pm.

Find Out The Due Dates for Assessments Early

Get organised girl! Pencil in critical assessment due dates into your calendar so you can avoid the ‘late hand-ins’ on your university record.

Go To University Events

Yeah, some university events look and sound cheesy. But attending on-campus events is a great way to meet and connect with new people. Who knows, you may discover someone with similar interests and passions as you!

Avoid University Politics

University is first and foremost is a place for you to learn, and attain the higher level of education you seek. It’s admirable that you wish to be an active participant in student politics. However, don’t rush into university campaigns without fully understanding the party and their goals. Furthermore, being part of a university political group takes time and commitment. The last thing you want is getting behind in your studies.

Pay Attention To Notice Boards

Don’t ignore the notice boards in your department and hall of residence. They’re a repository of valuable information — knock out deals for textbooks, free events and seminars that benefit your degree, and even mini concerts!

Learn To Cook

We’re not talking about adding boiling water to a cup of instant noodles. We’re talking about easy bake pasta and yummy meals made of healthy ingredients, and designed to last for a few days. Make an effort to master a few recipes. Not only will you learn a new life skill, but cooking meals will prevent you from spending loads on café-bought brunches.

Join An Orientation Program

Registered as an international student? Orientation programs are beneficial for helping you to get settled when starting a semester overseas. During O-Week, push yourself to get involved in social events, activities and mini-seminars as much possible.

Get Ahead With Tutorial Readings

Received your university textbooks and online readings in advance? Manage your workload by getting an understanding of the material for the next few weeks — An excellent method to get ahead and ease into the start of a semester without a hitch!

Set Up A Student Budget

Set up a budget and stick to it! Work out an ideal budget and assess how much you want to spend on food, rent, textbooks and leisure activities. Be careful not to spend too much on socialising during the first week of university. Remember, there are many ways to have without breaking the bank!