46 Life Saving University of Hertfordshire Tips For First Years
Starting university can be overwhelming for some people, and even more so if you don’t know what to look out for. Here are some life saving University of Hertfordshire tips, but most of these can be applied to any other university too!
1. Choose to live on campus for the first year
It’s one of the best experiences you will hopefully have, something that nearly all commuters regret not doing. You’ll also be able to meet others outside your course!
2. Try to be open and talk to everyone
Get to know your house/flatmates. If you didn’t already know this would make the life saving University of Hertfordshire tips, now you do!
3. You don’t want to end up being that one person who always stays in their room and doesn’t come out often. It’s a fresh new start, so make the most of it.
Freshers week! This is one of the best life saving University of Hertfordshire tips.
4. During the first week of university, there will be lots of fresher events available, so go to as many as you can
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions
It may feel embarrassing sometimes, walking around the campus with a map, or constantly having to check where you need to be, but don’t worry about any of that! During the first few weeks there are people located in different areas, ready to help with whatever you need. Spend time walking around both campuses to familiarise yourself and learn about the places you could come to often.
6. Join any society of your choice – can be more than one
Also, try joining a sports team, or just playing a sport every week.
7. Be social! Go to house parties, the forum or to other events
Get to know your tutors and course mates, even if you’re not going to be friends with everyone. Of course this is going to make the life saving University of Hertfordshire tips list.
8. Learn to cook at home and save money
Learn to drive.
9. Use the extra free time you finally have and learn something, like driving.
Don’t spend too much money on a night out.
10. Never take all your money. The best thing to do would be to take some cash out and leave your card behind.
11. Don’t clean up after your house/flatmates, make a rota for the chores.
12. Look for inexpensive places to shop
This includes your weekly grocery shopping, or any other essentials you may need to get.
13. Don’t take advantage of students with cars
If your friends have cars, getting a ride around Hatfield would be very convenient. Just don’t rely completely on your friend. This is an uncommon one of those life saving University of Hertfordshire tips.
14. Take an overdraft
Sometimes it helps to keep extra money in case of an emergency, but make sure it is only for emergencies!
15. Make a to-do list in terms of studying and assignments.
Don’t leave things until last minute.
16. Start from day one – keep on top of your work
Check how to submit assignments and post work. This is seriously one of the best life saving University of Hertfordshire tips.
17. Don’t eat out too much
It may be tempting to have McDonalds every other day, but too much can be unhealthy so keep a limit.
18. Make use of the resources being offered
Your course tutor will tell you about most of the resources offered to you, but always check StudyNet for help as well.
19. Don’t waste money on recommended reading – go to the library
20. Avoid retail therapy
21. It’s easy to take a few Paracetamols when you feel a headache, but too many can stop the desired effect. It’s best to avoid taking pills and instead only take it when you need it.
22. Don’t prioritise your part time job over university
It’s nice to earn some money from your job, but remember that your course comes first! Don’t skip lectures or workshops to cover a shift.
23. Learn to use the library catalogue
The LRC on both campuses are very big, so learning to use a catalogue can help you find the books you need quicker than spending time searching for it.
24. Sometimes doing an all-nighter is OK
The LRC has the best view of the sunset. Just make sure you have some caffeine with you to stay awake. This is one of those life saving University of Hertfordshire tips you need to remember. Don’t overwork yourself.
25. Seek help from tutors or email them if you have a question
26. Sign up for the medical centre on College Lane campus
You never know when you might need to go see a doctor during your time at the university.
27. Take care of your mental health
There’s a Student Wellbeing office on College Lane, where you can go in and book appointments to see an advisor or a counsellor.
28. Don’t base yourself at your own university
There are usually open events hosted at different university locations, but that never means you can’t go.
29. Look for work experience, summer placements or internships relating to your course to do during the holidays
30. Go to employment fairs and other important events by the university
Every other week different businesses come on campus to promote any vacancies or opportunities available for students. Even if you are in first year, it doesn’t hurt to get some information to decide what you might do later.
31. Keep fit
Sign up for the gym, or exercise at home. You could also go to active student events or start jogging with some friends.
32. Don’t spend your student loan all in one go
Separate the loan into your needs and wants, and keep track of how much you spend each week.
33. A person of faith can find out what facilities are available for them
The Key is a building available for prayers in College Lane. There are also some religious societies open to everyone.
34. Make connections on Facebook and become involved in groups
35. Don’t be afraid of responsibility
There are jobs open specifically for students like ambassador work, residential assistants, active students or student representatives. This is a life saving University of Hertfordshire tips.
36. Sexually active people can get a health check-up at the university and get free contraception pills
37. Familiarise yourself with opening and closing times on your campus
38. Call back home occasionally
39. Learn about the town your university is in and where everything outside uni is
40. Download apps or get point cards for food places as you might go there often, e.g. subway, costa, etc.
41. Learn how the buses in Hatfield work and how to get around places using them
42. Make use of the communal areas on campus
Students in College Lane have common rooms where they can watch movies on a big screen, play pool or table tennis. This area can also be used to study in groups or individually.
43. If you miss lectures, there are alternative options for some courses, but avoid missing too many
44. Be independent, do you
It is probably your first time living out on your own, so use this chance and do what you want to do. Don’t let others make your choices!
