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Underrated advice for uni students

Whats some advice that you would give to new uni students that arent emphasised enough or talked about enough?
Original post by Anonymous
Whats some advice that you would give to new uni students that arent emphasised enough or talked about enough?


Learn how to cook and to budget :smile:
Reply 2
Join a society that meets over the weekend.
Reply 3
Original post by Anonymous
Whats some advice that you would give to new uni students that arent emphasised enough or talked about enough?


Going to university is a huge step, dont ever feel afraid, scared or shame for struggling. It will happen to most people at some point.

Reach out to your uni supports as soon as you think you need help. Being proactive and seeking help if you need it, is a proper adult lesson that will really help you later on in life. Dont wait on the chance you will bounce back by yourself, you most likely will but there is no harm in having a backup.

Greg
(edited 6 months ago)
Reply 4
Original post by greg tony
Going to university is a huge step, dont ever feel afraid, scared or shame for struggling. It will happen to most people at some point.

Reach out to your uni supports as soon as you think you need help. Being proactive and seeking help if you need it, is a proper adult lesson that will really help you later on in life. Dont wait on the chance you will bounce back by yourself, you most likely will but there is no harm in having a backup.

Greg


Also tell your parents if you are feeling down or homesick.They would much rather know than have you struggling alone.Also it does happen to most at some point.
Hi there,

Firstly, be prepared for the independence. University is big step up in many ways from school/college and it can throw people off sometimes how different it feels. You will be entirely responsible for getting your work done, or attending your lectures as no one will be taking attendance like at school so its good to practise self-discipline to make sure you are getting the most out of your education.

Additionally, I would recommend learning to cook some big budget meals. Cooking in bulk can both save time and money and I think every uni student benefits from this.

Lastly, join a society. Try new things when you get there and find your people, societies are brilliant ways to find a hobby, take a break and meet lots of new people.

Good luck,
- Sophie (uni of Bath)
Hello,

University is one of the most exciting times in your life. It is a great time to learn new skills and experience a wide variety of settings.

Some underrated advice would be to "seek discomfort" ! Hang out with different groups of people, people who you don't really hang out with. The more you meet different people, the more you will learn about the world and the different cultures.

Try to learn a language! Some universities offer evening language classes. In UCLan, we have the worldwise centre https://www.uclan.ac.uk/schools/psychology-humanities/worldwise which offers different langauges at certificate level. It is also a great opportunity to meet different people.

Hope that helps,
Haya - MBBS V
Reply 7
Learn how to properly use an index.
Reply 8
Aside from uni accommodation, some towns also have 'private student accommodation'. Many of them are terrific value for money in some cases much better than uni accommodation for a similar price.


Choose your universities and courses carefully! don't assume that if you get into university you will transfer on to what you really want.It depends
1. Have you met the A'level requirements? 2) Are there any spaces on the course you wish to transfer to?


If you are doing a course with an industrial placement yr:

1. The university does not find the placement for you, the student has to find it themself.

2. If you are going to do a placement year then make sure you have joined societies basically 'pad' your CV from yr 1 because placements are very competitive AND employers want to know you are on track for a 2.1, so you must ace your first year.

No university on the planet hands you a job contract upon graduation no matter how highly ranked neither does any employer just glance at the name of your university and give you a job.
Whilst you are uni, get all the work experience you can! of course, a good university plus work experience is a terrific combination.

3. Be active in your societies. it's not enough to just be a 'member', get an office.
Original post by Anonymous
Whats some advice that you would give to new uni students that arent emphasised enough or talked about enough?


Hi!


I'd suggest that you step out of your comfort zone and strike up a conversation with lots of different people. Form multiple study groups, even if you find that you study better alone, you will have more resources available and it is always helpful, never harmful. No matter how difficult it is to get up to your 9AM lectures or seminars, go to them. Don't be afraid to be proactive or to ask questions to your lecturers.

University tests your capability on how well you can be on your own. Managing your time correctly, while keeping that healthy balance of time for yourself and for work is a healthy habit to adopt. But when things get overwhelming, which undoubtedly they might, please seek help. Approach your campus student resources section and seek any form of help.

Enjoy it while it lasts, it'll pass by so quick.

Danish
BCU Student Rep
Original post by Anonymous
Whats some advice that you would give to new uni students that arent emphasised enough or talked about enough?

Develop Critical Thinking: University is about questioning, analyzing, and forming your own opinions. Emphasize critical thinking in your studies.

Network and Connect: Build relationships with peers, professors, and professionals. Networking opens doors to opportunities.

Embrace Failure: Mistakes are part of learning. Don't fear failure; use it as a chance to grow and improve.

Take Care of Mental Health: Mental well-being is as crucial as physical health. Seek support if you're feeling overwhelmed.

Explore Interests: University is a time to explore diverse subjects and hobbies. Don't limit yourself to your major.

Budget Wisely: Learn basic financial management. Budget your money to avoid unnecessary stress.

Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. University can be tough; give yourself credit for your efforts.

Stay Curious: Cultivate a curious mindset. Ask questions, seek answers, and engage in lifelong learning.

Best of Luck!
Fatima
LSBU Ambassador
Original post by Anonymous
Whats some advice that you would give to new uni students that arent emphasised enough or talked about enough?


Hello there,

Congratulations on starting your university career! It's a wonderful moment, and I'm delighted to give some tips that, while not always emphasized, can make a huge impact in your experience. As a second-year student who has experienced the ups and downs of university life, I'd like to provide a few pointers. While this is frequently mentioned, its significance cannot be overstated. Your best friend is time management. To keep organized and make the most of your time, use tools such as planners or apps. It will assist you in balancing your homework, social life, and self-care.

University can be overwhelming at times, so make sure you have a support system in place. When necessary, seek the assistance of friends, instructors, academic advisors, and counseling services. You are not on this trip alone, and there are those who want to see you succeed.
Don't be frightened to venture out! It is not solely about your major. Join clubs, go to events, and take elective courses that interest you. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, find new interests, and widen your horizons.

If you have any doubts, don't be afraid to ask questions. Professors are there to assist you, and receiving input can help you improve your understanding and performance in class. While academics are vital, practical experience gained via internships or part-time jobs is priceless. It can help you apply what you've learned and give you a taste of what life is like in the real world.
Your health is critical. Do not ignore self-care, and if you ever feel overwhelmed or worried, get help. Make use of the counseling services available at many colleges.

Money management can literally save your life. Make and stick to a budget. You'll be surprised at how far a well-managed budget can go. It's okay to make mistakes from time to time. Failure is a necessary part of the learning process. Learn from your mistakes and use them to propel you forward.

Maintain contact with family and friends. Regular catch-ups might bring reassurance and help you rejuvenate. Last but not least, have some fun! University is more than simply studying; it is a time for personal development, adventure, and creating memories that you will love.

Remember that university is about the journey, not the goal. Accept it, learn from it, and appreciate every moment of it. Please contact me if you have any further queries or require advice. This is a team effort!

Best wishes for a fantastic university experience.

I hope this is helpful.
Kind regards,
Mrunali Kalbhor,
University of Sunderland Student ambassador
Original post by Anonymous
Whats some advice that you would give to new uni students that arent emphasised enough or talked about enough?


Hi,

Starting university is a huge milestone in a person's life but some advice I would give someone starting a university would be
-Learn to budget and stick to your budget. University and living alone can be quite expensive so ensuring you have a budget and sticking to it ensures that you will have enough money to see yourself through the course
-Batch cook if possible. I love to batch cook, especially if you are on a course that has placement blocks such as nursing or healthcare, as it allows you to have good, healthy, filling meals that you may not have had time to make otherwise.
-Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Go to that event or say hello to the person who smiled at you in the corridor! These little steps will allow you to make friends and make the most out of your time at university.
-Don't leave everything to the last minute. If you've got an assignment or an exam to study for, try not to leave it to the last minute to prepare for it as this will only lead to unnecessary stress which could have been avoided. Make yourself a study plan/timetable and try to stick to it to allow yourself the best chance at excelling in your course.

I hope these tips help you make the most of your new university experience!

Mary
London South Bank University Student Rep (3rd-year Children's Nursing)
Original post by Anonymous
Whats some advice that you would give to new uni students that arent emphasised enough or talked about enough?


My go to advice would be, if you want an easy way to get a one-up on your classmates, to get good sleep. Like a nice, cozy, sleep schedule where you just go to bed and shut off. For like ~8 hours.

Extra points for good time management, aka balancing studying, eating, entertainment (aka tiktok), and rest (also work if need be).

At the end of the day though, University isn't about the boring adult life - it's also more crucially about having friends, having fun, enjoying yourself whilst you're still young! So just appreciate every day as it comes, and find something nice to admire each day - I promise you there's always something! :smile:

Warm regards,

David :smile:
University of Kent Representative
Reply 14
Keep on top of your work, try to keep a good schedule
Original post by Anonymous
Whats some advice that you would give to new uni students that arent emphasised enough or talked about enough?

Hi!

I would say to learn how you best work. Even after A-levels a lot of people (like myself) still aren't sure what revision style works for them or how to stick to deadlines. Don't feel like you should've figure all of that out by now, most people haven't. 1st year is a good time to experiment with this and find what works for you so when you go into later years you are dialed in and ready.

For me if you can get ahead with your first coursework (if you do coursework) and then stick to that it really helps. I also now live and breathe flashcards.

I hope this helps and for anyone heading to university soon enjoy!!! It's going to be amazing!

- Jessica
2nd year, Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
Original post by Anonymous
Whats some advice that you would give to new uni students that arent emphasised enough or talked about enough?

Hi there,

My underrated university advice would be be prepared to spend some time on your own. Before I moved to university, I imagined that I would be busy all the time, going on nights out, going out for food or just spending time with people. However, in reality everybody has different commitments, whether that be university work, going to their job or going home to see family. As much as this differs for everybody, it's normal to spend time sometimes on your own, especially during the day if you don't have lectures. I would say try to go to all your lectures and seminars as it's a chance to socialise and I always find I feel rubbish if I haven't been outside yet in a day or haven't spoken to anyone.

Also don't worry if it seems like everyone else is having fun except for you. Chances are they aren't having as much fun as it seems like they are on social media, so just focus on you and don't compare your experience to anybody else's.

Try and have a budget before you go- it's so easy to spend all your money in freshers week but you will be quite stuck afterwards if you do this! It's so easy to get caught up in your new environment at first so setting a budget before you go is a good idea.

Good luck at university,
Lucy- Sheffield Hallam student ambassador.
Original post by Anonymous #1
Whats some advice that you would give to new uni students that arent emphasised enough or talked about enough?

Hi Anon,

Such a great question! There's loads of information out there that can help us prepare for starting university, but with so many changes, students are still often taken by surprise.

Don't forget the basics - this may seem silly, but they often get overlooked! Remember to sleep enough, eat well, and maintain basic hygiene. This really sets the tone for how you feel about yourself, and how you will interact with others.

Step out of your comfort zone - this is talked about quite a bit, but I think it is important to reiterate. Try something new, talk to people you've never met before, get a job, go somewhere new - just put yourself out there! University is a fantastic place to try new things and meet new people, and while it can be daunting, they make it pretty easy to find things to do.

Remember why you're there - you are in university. Not your lecturer, not your parents, and not anyone else. Remember why you are there in the first place and prioritize your studies. Attend classes, talk to your lecturers and classmates, and turn assignments in on time. Deferring every assignment will not help you, but will only make you more stressed and set you up for failure!

Be comfortable in yourself, and don't be disappointed if things don't meet your expectations - it seems to be really common for people to raise their expectations about what university is like, such as loads of partying, plenty of friends and less work, and then get let down when they get there. I think it's important to be comfortable in spending time with yourself, accepting that there will be hard work, be realistic about your social life alongside your studies, and be okay with the fact that you might not find your friends straight away.

University is different for everyone, but overall, I think it is important to have realistic expectations, work hard, take care of yourself, and enjoy your time there!

Best of luck,
Isabella 🙂

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