Student Advice
Juggling study, play and the every day
How to have fun, study hard and keep well
Going to university is one of the most exciting – and scary – times in your life. You have money in your pocket, loads of new friends to make, and a whole new city to explore most likely. So how will you juggle this crazy social life with your university work? Well, it’s all about balance. So to avoid going home after year one with your tail between your legs, it might be a good idea to prepare yourself with some sensible advice...
- Arrange nights out when you haven’t got a lecture first thing the next day
- Take turns to have movie nights with your house or hall mates
- When it’s time to knuckle down and study take yourself to the library
- Eat breakfast! It’s a small thing that makes a big difference, even if it’s just a banana on the walk to your lecture
- Make a realistic weekly budget before you leave and stick to it. That way you shouldn’t come out of university with too hefty a debt
- Getting a part-time job can be about more than the money. You will make a wider set of friends and it looks good on your CV when you go job hunting after university
- When you feel a bit frazzled from too much study or partying, take time out and visit someone away from college
- If you are struggling to manage life – seek confidential help from a university counsellor
What you’ll need for... studying
With the excitement that surrounds the madness that is Freshers’ Week, it’s easy to forget that the following week you will probably be starting lectures! You are going to university (mainly) to work and learn, so we have listed the most important items that you will need to achieve this.
What you’ll need for... Everyday
Boring though it may be (unless you’re a budding Jamie or Nigella), you need to eat, and so unless you plan on surviving solely on expensive and unhealthy visits to the nearest kebab shop, you’ll need some basic domestic kitchen appliances to prepare and cook food with. If you are living in a shared house you might need more domestic items than if you are in a hall of residence, perhaps some items to make it feel more like home. Don’t forget you need to sleep occasionally and hopefully you will remember to wash too!
What you’ll need for... Play
Try to take advantage of the chance to try something new – consider a new sport or join a society. Taking a bike might not only get to university quicker but it could also help you exercise and relax too. A night lounging on bean bags playing board games is a great idea, not only are you displaying your superior brain power to your new friends but it’s much cheaper than going out too. A game of Twister is an interesting way to get friendly with your new housemates if nothing else!.

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