So exam season is officially over!
And you may (or may not) be ready for the summer ahead, whether you’re going to jet off to some exotic location or chill and watch Netflix in your bed for the whole summer (I’m not judging), and then you start first year at the start of September. A fantastic experience. As I’ve just finished my first year I have a few handy tips to ensure you have a smooth transition into the student life.
TIP 1# BE SOCIAL
Maintaining a healthy social life at University is also very important. Joining a society is a great way to meet other students that you share a passion with, besides meeting new people you can try something new and also something additional to add on your CV. At Northumbria you are literally spoilt with choices to pick for, honestly I wanted to join at least 5. There will also be plenty of events or trips throughout your course for you to attend to, my advice is for you to check them out.
TIP 2# LEARN TO BUDGET
Since you’re going to become independent while in University, you have to learn how to budget and spend wisely. It may feel a little bit hard at first but I promise you will learn how to tame those impulse purchases by taking note of your expenses. It’s easier to track your money weekly, this way you don’t blow all your money in the first few months and then you’re stuck eating noodles for the rest of semester.
You can also have the pleasure to bask in the perks of being a student with discounts and offers all year around.
TIP 3# GET TO KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS
If you’re moving to Newcastle from another city or even another country it might seem a bit overwhelming at first getting used to everything but if you actually go out and explore you’ll come to fall in love in with ‘geordie’ City’. At the start me and my flatmate used to go out for walks in the evenings and that definitely helped me a lot in how to get to places. So if you’re feeling a little homesick, I strongly recommend going out for some fresh air will be a good remedy or asking your new flatmates if they would want to go for a walk around campus can be an ice-breaker.
TIP 4# STAY ON TOP OF UNI WORK
You’ll hear people say that first year doesn’t count towards your final degree however this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try your best during your first year. If you don’t stay on top and neglect your coursework then it’ll become very hard to keep up in seminars or in lectures -second year will be tougher- so let first year be a smooth transition. Just try your best to make it to as many morning lectures as much as the afternoon ones!
TIP 5# MAKE THE MOST OF IT
First year goes extremely fast. One minute it will feel like you just moved into halls or attended your first lecture. Someday in our futures university will be a significant memory to look back on, you may make a few mistakes and you’ll learn but you should most definitely enjoy your degree and time at University!
With these few tips I wish everyone the best after their summer holidays!
