This time
last year I was eagerly awaiting replies from the universities I’d applied for.
Even before I knew where I’d be going I was nervous about whether or not I’d
like it. I had friends who were already at university but I'd never really asked them
what to expect or any tips they had. When I was set the task of creating a
blog, I wasn't sure what to write about. However, I figured it would be the
perfect opportunity to give future ‘freshers’ a bit of advice before they start!
Attend open
days/applicant days for your university and course
Every university has open days! Going along to these even after you've applied will allow you to get a feel for the campus and for the people there. You’ll be able to interact with the tutors and also those who are in the same position as you. Talking and asking questions will (hopefully) rid you of any worries you may have.
For my journalism course at Lincoln we had applicant days where we were set tasks individually and in groups. In-between completing those and having our interviews we were able to talk to each other and to current students who were fantastic with answering any questions we had! Staying in touch with the other applicants is a great way to form a friendship with those you may be spending the next 3 or 4 years with! As it turns out, one of the girls I became friends with, Becky, also chose to come to Lincoln so I had a friend before I had even started!
Every university has open days! Going along to these even after you've applied will allow you to get a feel for the campus and for the people there. You’ll be able to interact with the tutors and also those who are in the same position as you. Talking and asking questions will (hopefully) rid you of any worries you may have.
For my journalism course at Lincoln we had applicant days where we were set tasks individually and in groups. In-between completing those and having our interviews we were able to talk to each other and to current students who were fantastic with answering any questions we had! Staying in touch with the other applicants is a great way to form a friendship with those you may be spending the next 3 or 4 years with! As it turns out, one of the girls I became friends with, Becky, also chose to come to Lincoln so I had a friend before I had even started!
Keep an eye
on social media
Our generation more or less revolves around social media – wouldn't you agree? Most universities will have a Facebook or Twitter account where you can keep up to date with campus news. Some even have groups or accounts for each course. Keeping an eye out for these platforms is good idea because it’s another great way to interact with other students.
I remember in the weeks leading up to starting university, students would write on my university’s official page saying what accommodation they were in and what course they were doing. It got everyone talking which makes move-in day and welcome talks a lot less daunting!
Our generation more or less revolves around social media – wouldn't you agree? Most universities will have a Facebook or Twitter account where you can keep up to date with campus news. Some even have groups or accounts for each course. Keeping an eye out for these platforms is good idea because it’s another great way to interact with other students.
I remember in the weeks leading up to starting university, students would write on my university’s official page saying what accommodation they were in and what course they were doing. It got everyone talking which makes move-in day and welcome talks a lot less daunting!
Put yourself
out there – be sociable!
When you move into halls, introduce yourself to your flat mates! You’re going to be living with them for at least the next year so make a good impression! I advise to prop your door open instead of shying away. Another good ice-breaker is writing your name and course or interests on your bedroom door – it gives your flatmates something to talk to you about!
When you’re all unpacked, introduce yourself to the other flats in your block. The flat opposite mine invited us over on the first night to get to know each other – now one of them is my best friend! Don’t be worried about meeting new people – everyone is in the same boat. They just want to settle in and make friends so just be brave!
When you move into halls, introduce yourself to your flat mates! You’re going to be living with them for at least the next year so make a good impression! I advise to prop your door open instead of shying away. Another good ice-breaker is writing your name and course or interests on your bedroom door – it gives your flatmates something to talk to you about!
When you’re all unpacked, introduce yourself to the other flats in your block. The flat opposite mine invited us over on the first night to get to know each other – now one of them is my best friend! Don’t be worried about meeting new people – everyone is in the same boat. They just want to settle in and make friends so just be brave!
Be tidy and organised
Nobody likes a messy flat mate! Make sure you keep your mess to a minimum in communal areas such as the kitchen. You should probably keep your room tidy too in case you have guests!
Organisation is key at university – you’ll have lots of assignments to complete so keep your lecture notes all together for when you need them (trust me on this one).
Punctuality is also very important. You went there to get a degree, so actually go to lectures! Getting into the ‘I can’t be bothered’ frame of mind won’t be doing you any favours when you've got exams to take and assignments to write! Plus you’re paying £9000 so don’t let it be a waste of your money.
Nobody likes a messy flat mate! Make sure you keep your mess to a minimum in communal areas such as the kitchen. You should probably keep your room tidy too in case you have guests!
Organisation is key at university – you’ll have lots of assignments to complete so keep your lecture notes all together for when you need them (trust me on this one).
Punctuality is also very important. You went there to get a degree, so actually go to lectures! Getting into the ‘I can’t be bothered’ frame of mind won’t be doing you any favours when you've got exams to take and assignments to write! Plus you’re paying £9000 so don’t let it be a waste of your money.
Finally –
have fun!
As much as university is hard work, it’s worth it. You get to meet so many incredible people and study something you’re passionate about. I've only been here for a matter of months but I've already made some friends I know I’ll have for a long time. Relax and enjoy the experience - people aren't lying when they say that your university years will be the best years of your life!
As much as university is hard work, it’s worth it. You get to meet so many incredible people and study something you’re passionate about. I've only been here for a matter of months but I've already made some friends I know I’ll have for a long time. Relax and enjoy the experience - people aren't lying when they say that your university years will be the best years of your life!
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