1. Make the very most of first year. I know this seems like pretty simple advice, and you've probably heard it all before, but it really is one of the most valuable things I learnt. Sure, you'll have some hilariously brilliant nights out in second and third year, but nothing can beat the careless feeling of freshers. Trust me. Obviously you need to work and get the first year grounding, this is the only year you will have had in three years where your work counts towards nothing. It makes no bearing on your degree, so make the most of it. Experience all the clubs and bars and experience what your university and city/town has to offer. Make new friends, especially with your surrounding flats if you're in halls, because they may just become friends for life... and you need someone to live with in your second year. Be sensible... but also be a bit reckless. I have some regrets, but I'll always remember first year as one of the best years I've had. Go to the Fresher's fair, join societies, join the gym, get lost somewhere... enjoy your freedom!
Sorry not sorry for these photos guys...
2. Work hard in second year. Again, you've probably heard this before, but it honestly makes a huge difference in your final year, pressure and potentially, results wise. The jump from first year to second year is shocking, but work hard, and you'll come out smiling, and with some of the third year pressure lifted.
3. Spirits don't mix with anything. Something I learnt from a dangerous mix of vodka followed by 3/4 of a bottle of wine. The next day was a struggle... and that's an understatement.
4. Drink a glass of water before bed after a night out. You will love yourself the next day.
5. Coke settles your stomach. Seriously, Nina taught me this trick and it's the best thing I've learnt. You will feel a gazillion times better, I promise.
6. Things to bring. You've probably all got lists from your university/friends/family etc but there's a few things that I can guarantee you will be forever grateful for bringing. For me, these were a printer (the queues at library printers can be outrageous), a mirror when you move into a house (if your room doesn't have one) and weirdly, storage boxes. Makes packing a million times easier at the end, and they provide a handy place to store all your snacks away from the eager eyes of thieving housemates.
7. Don't leave your dissertation until the last minute. It just won't work.
8. Get a job. I'm not really one to talk, since I only had a very short term job in my first year, but if you're short of money, try working at the student shop or bar. From what I've heard, you'll make a tonne of new friends and it's only a short walk from where you live (supposedly). You'll appreciate all the money to spend on
9. Make sure you read the housing contract thoroughly and make sure everything you want is written in there. Do the same with your inventory. Again, sounds simple, but this is really important and will make so much difference if/when things go wrong in the house and when you move out. Similarly, make sure you inform your landlord immediately if anything breaks and goes wrong in the house. For example, one of the switches in our house broke, so that everytime we swtiched it on, it tripped the electricity and the house plunged into darkness. We told the landlord who sent his maintenance men round... who then rewired the house. Result!
10. Graduation. Last tip for the meantime. Take safety pins and kirby grips. Look up with your walk up the steps. Overall, enjoy the day. It's so much fun to see everyone for one last time, so just enjoy it.
There are loads more tips I could give you. Stay safe and never walk home alone. Visit your friends' universities. Get library books out early, they will disappear. These can be the best three years of your life and a chance to really embrace your independence so the best tip really is to just enjoy it.
Have you got any tips for future students? Comment below!
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