Here’s Everything A First Year University Student Needs To Be Prepared For

Some tips every first year university student needs to know!

You probably think you’ve got a good idea of what to expect when you start as a first year university student. Some of your expectations may be right, (you are going to be getting drunk a lot) but nothing is ever how you expect it to be and there will be some things that will surprise you. Starting uni is new and exciting, but you’re going to be feeling some things you probably won’t have expected to feel. So, here is a list of everything you need to be prepared for, the good and the bad.

You’re going to be drinking a lot

Now this is something that you knew would happen, as you probably already have all the freshers events you want to go to booked. But this is probably going to be the most amount of drinking you’ll do in such a small amount of time, so prepare yourself with your favourite hangover treats, ready for when the weeks worth of drinking takes its toll.

You’ll be broke quicker than you think

With your student loan coming into your account, you’ll probably think you’ll have lots of spare cash to spend on whatever you want. You’re wrong, you won’t. After your rent, bills (if they’re not included), food shops and nights out come out of your bank account, there won’t be much left. AS a first year university student, be prepared and learn to manage your money so that you’re not desperately waiting for your next loan instalment!

You’ll get homesick

You might be really excited to move out of your family home and have your own space, which you should be. As a first year university student, you might not even think about the fact that you’re going to be leaving home properly for the first time ever, and that you may get homesick. If you do, that’s completely normal! Everyone experiences it when they first move away, but you won’t feel it for long. Once you’re settled you’ll be wondering why you were homesick in the first place!

You’re not going to meet your best friend straight away

As I’m sure you’ll be aware of, you’re going to be meeting so many new people within your first couple of weeks at uni. Everyone is trying to do the same thing, and meet people that they can be friends with, but it’s ok if you feel like you haven’t found your bff straight away. While it might be a little lonely, give it time and you’ll find your group that you’re meant to hang with!

Student accommodation can be pretty shocking

As exciting as moving into your own place is, don’t expect to be moving into a palace. Things will probably break, you’ll most likely have some mould and you’ll be cold pretty much all the time, but that’s the compromise of living in your own place!

You need to know how to cook

You won’t be able to afford to get a take away every night, so you’re going to have to expand your culinary talents. Be prepared and learn to cook before you start as a first year university student.

University can be challenging

Intellectually, it’s a big step up from college, so don’t be surprised if you’re struggling to keep up with the educational aspect. But if you didn’t find it challenging that would make it too easy! You’re going to have moments when you just want to curl into a ball and cry, but stick at it, as your final grades will be worth the stress.

How To Cope With Stress During The Exams Period When Things Get Hard

The library will become a new social hub

As soon as coursework and exam season start, you’re going to be spending all your time in the library. While you are there to work, you’re probably going to be there with your mates, cause you’re all in the same boat. It will turn into your new social hotspot, as nights out turn into nights at the library.

Expect to drink lots of coffee

When you spend your life at the library, moments of joy will come from having breaks in the SU café. So expect to be spending all your money during exam season on coffee, and to have the caffeine shakes all the time.

Your expectations won’t even do it justice

It might seem like there have been some negative points in this article, but it’s only to be realistic about what you should expect. But, remember that it’s going to be completely different, but better, than what you expected uni to be, and enjoy your first year as a university student!