{"id":75087,"date":"2026-03-04T16:40:15","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T16:40:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.society19.com\/?p=75087"},"modified":"2026-03-04T16:40:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T16:40:15","slug":"20-tips-learned-first-year-student-essex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.society19.com\/uk\/20-tips-learned-first-year-student-essex\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Tips I Learned as a First Year Student At Essex"},"content":{"rendered":"

For some, university is the first time many will live away from family, do\u00a0their own washing, and their own cooking! Many people have never had to face being\u00a0solely independent, however, university will mark the beginning of this\u00a0process\u2026 from Kidulthood to Adulthood.\u00a0Keep reading for 20\u00a0tips for\u00a0first year students at Essex!<\/p>\n

1. Visit Employ-ability and Careers centre.<\/h3>\n

For anyone who goes to Essex University, we all know how important the centre is, which is located on Square 2 on the Colchester campus. You don\u2019t\u00a0have to know your exact career path, nor do you have to be in 3 rd year before\u00a0you visit them. The centre provides free\u00a0professional support, regarding\u00a0interview tips and C.V write-up, all to improve your employ-ability. So, by the\u00a0time you become an Essex graduate, employers are chasing you, instead of you\u00a0chasing them!<\/p>\n

2. Join Societies.<\/h3>\n

Visiting the Student Union website, there will be plenty of societies to\u00a0join! Many societies do not require you to have previous experience\/knowledge and are ready to take you on board as long as you remain a\u00a0dedicated member! from learning how to pole dance, to building\u00a0confidence with public speaking or even just finding sporting activities\u00a0such as Rugby or netball to burn away calories. Finding a society to join,\u00a0will enable you to socialise with people with similar interests to yourself,\u00a0keep active and also potentially leave a lasting legacy by creating your\u00a0own society!\u00a0With 7 convenes in the Societies Guild, you are bound to find something,\u00a0which tickles your fancy!<\/p>\n

\n
\n

\n<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

3. Use your peer mentors\/course reps.<\/h3>\n

Regardless of the course you study, there are peer mentors and course\u00a0representatives for everyone! These students are here to help you adjust to\u00a0the change in environment, address any concerns you may have, but also\u00a0communicate with your lecturers if you are unable to do so for whatever\u00a0reason! During Welcome week, your peer mentors should email you\u00a0introducing themselves, it would be useful to reply back to their message and\u00a0get to know them! Your course representatives, will also be in touch shortly so\u00a0look out for them!<\/p>\n

4. Set yourself a budget.<\/h3>\n

Any form of budget, whether weekly or monthly will be highly beneficial\u00a0and will have you saving \u00a3\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3! Lets say a monthly budget of x, this will\u00a0leave x amount to spend each day. This will allow you to spend more a\u00a0particular week, if you have managed to stick under budget, similarly will\u00a0enable you to spend less if you\u2019ve had far too little many blue lagoons at\u00a0the S.U bar!\u00a0Make sure you extend your budget just for Freshers week, as this\u00a0involves greasy food, alcohol, and some alcohol and more alcohol\u2026<\/p>\n

5. Open a student account with a bank.<\/h3>\n

Student accounts make it easier to manage your money, but also offer\u00a0benefits only people in higher education can enjoy.\u00a0Most students decide to take out an overdraft, if they are really\u00a0in\u00a0need, the bank allows you to spend more money than you have (at no\u00a0extra cost). The best banks to open student accounts with:<\/p>\n