How to make the most of uni life

Hi, i wld like to maximise my time at uni (not necessarily academically, but also socially, etc.) wondering if any uni students have regrets or things they wish they did while they were in uni?

Reply 1

IAmSimonCowell

Look after yourself
Make friends
Ask for help
Create a budget
Effective time management
Attend your lectures
Consider a part-time job
Enjoy freshers' week
Get involved
Go abroad
Join a club or society
Join a student club or organisation
Plan out your deadlines
Set realistic goals
PQRST
Talk to your lecturers
Be yourself
Embrace learning
Explore the local area
Find a routine
Gap years and studying abroad
Get Reading

Reply 2

Scienceisgood

Original post

by ameliawarwicker

“Go abroad” and “Create a budget” doesn’t necessarily go hand in hand…

Reply 3

TopBun

great list :smile:

couple of don'ts from me:

don't be scared to change friends or friend groups (or to stop things if they arent what you hoped / expected)

don't commit to accommodation or who you share with too early (lots of folks feel pressure to agree by Christmas in year 1 what they will be doing in year 2)

Reply 4

UEA Rep Daniel

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, i wld like to maximise my time at uni (not necessarily academically, but also socially, etc.) wondering if any uni students have regrets or things they wish they did while they were in uni?

Hi there,

University life is all about balance—make time for academics, but don’t miss out on the social and personal experiences that make it special. Join societies, explore your campus and city (like Norwich if you’re at UEA), and build connections with peers and lecturers. Say yes to new opportunities and adventures, but also prioritise self-care and use support services when needed. Whether it’s trying something new or just enjoying the small moments, embrace the journey—it’ll be over before you know it!

Best of luck and let me know if there is anyway I could help!
Daniel
PhD Biology

Reply 5

Hull Rep Callum

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, i wld like to maximise my time at uni (not necessarily academically, but also socially, etc.) wondering if any uni students have regrets or things they wish they did while they were in uni?

Hi! Time flies by at university and being sociable/making memories is just as important as selecting a course that is right for you and your future! You'll find many universities have plenty of opportunities to grow socially and make friends - we'd recommend taking a look at a university's Student Union, specifically their societies. There's plenty to unpack and you can guarantee there'll be someone interested in the same things that you are 😀. Living on campus can also be a good way to meet like-minded people and be sociable. Cheers! 🥳

Reply 6

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, i wld like to maximise my time at uni (not necessarily academically, but also socially, etc.) wondering if any uni students have regrets or things they wish they did while they were in uni?

Hi there,

I'm currently in my fourth year of study for my masters mechanical engineering degree so I know a fair amount about trying to balance their work life schedule. I would say that you definitely need to go out and do things whether that's with friends, whether that's something that you enjoy, whether it's just taking some time to go and do something by yourself because no one wants to go and do it with you, just make sure you're making time to go and do things you like or university is going to definitely feel like something that's forced upon you like a chore.

And don't worry if you’re not fast friends with your flatmates straight away or your course mates don't like the same things you like or you need to switch friendship groups - there's always this big pressure to make fast friends for the rest of your life within the first few weeks of university and for most people that isn't the case, just try any things join clubs talk to people and it's OK to go on a big night out even if you're busy just pick yourself up the next day and get back on track for your studies.
Hope this helps

Amber
Coventry university student ambassador

Reply 7

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, i wld like to maximise my time at uni (not necessarily academically, but also socially, etc.) wondering if any uni students have regrets or things they wish they did while they were in uni?

Hi there!

I hope you are doing well. Here are some ways I have made the most of my 3 years at University:

•

joining a club or society

•

step out of your comfort zone and do activities you haven't done before

•

stay on top of your work by making sure you have written up all your notes

•

plan in advance your week

•

take care of yourself and don't be afraid to put yourself first

•

don't be afraid to ask questions

I hope this helps! If you have anymore questions please don't hesitate to contact! :smile:

Rachel (UoS Student Room Rep)

Reply 8

LancashireRep1

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, i wld like to maximise my time at uni (not necessarily academically, but also socially, etc.) wondering if any uni students have regrets or things they wish they did while they were in uni?

Hi Anom 😊,

This is a great question. If your feeling this way, I would definitely recommend making a list of your own social goals during university. I say this because everyone's idea of "maximising their time" can be different. Personally, what made me feel as though I was maximising my potential socially was joining societies, but for others its going out a lot!

Joining societies is a great way to feel social as your surrounded by like-minded people, all with the goal of making new connections. I met my best friend in a society and I've really enjoyed group meet-ups. One regret I initially have though is lacking confidence at the beginning of university during opportunities to make friends during freshers. However this concern didn't last due to the vast array of opportunities to make friends all year round. 🗓️

Good luck with your time at university, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (Business and Management)

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 9

Stacy De Souza12

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, i wld like to maximise my time at uni (not necessarily academically, but also socially, etc.) wondering if any uni students have regrets or things they wish they did while they were in uni?

I would suggest you join the societies at university. At RGU for instance we have over 50 societies which ensures that we make friends . We are a diverse university so a lot of our international students make friends during the events that each of these societies offer on weekly basis . I would also suggest spending more time exploring the library, engaging in external events that happen you can contact the university careers advisor to know about this

Reply 10

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, i wld like to maximise my time at uni (not necessarily academically, but also socially, etc.) wondering if any uni students have regrets or things they wish they did while they were in uni?

Hi there!

You have had some great replies on this but I also just wanted to share what I would do and maybe not do while you are at uni.

DO:

•

Join a society! These are great ways of meeting lots of people and making friends and I would always recommend you join one of these as they are lots of fun. Lots of people say that they are glad they joined one and I think it is definitely worth a try as there will probably be so many to choose from.

•

Try and say yes to lots of things, especially during freshers week. This is a great time to make friends and go out and have fun so I think you should definitely make the most of this.

•

Ask people to do things! Don't just wait for people to ask you, put yourself out there and ask other people as this is the best way you will make lots of friends. Try not to be nervous doing this as you will be really grateful later on when you have had a great experience!

•

Make the most of the opportunities that your uni offers. Think about doing a placement year, or studying abroad if you can. They are great opportunities and they may not be for you but it is worth looking into anyway.

•

Try and get a part time job. This will really help you out money wise and it's also good experience. You tend to meet quite a lots of people doing this too so it is worth it!

DON'T:

•

Feel stressed if you aren't having the best time straight away. It can take a while to settle into uni life and you might not meet your best friends straight away, but give it time as it will start to work itself out.

•

Don't feel pressured to sign for a house straight away if you are unsure. The last thing you want to do is sign for the house and then not be happy with it so try and take your time so you know it is what you want to do.

•

Don't skip your lectures! It is tempting but it will really help you to get into a routine and will help you with your uni work later on down the line.

•

Don't spend all of your money in the first week! Try and create a budget before you come to uni and then try and stick to this in freshers week as this will help you out a lot!

I hope some of this helps!

Lucy -SHU student ambassador 🙂

Reply 11

YSJstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, i wld like to maximise my time at uni (not necessarily academically, but also socially, etc.) wondering if any uni students have regrets or things they wish they did while they were in uni?

Hi!
My top three suggestions would be...

Get involved with a society - this opens up so many opportunities and friendships, whether this is a sports club or a common interest.

Learn more about yourself - uni is really the place for this, try new things, new recipes, new clubs, new activities.

Don't feel pressure to live the stereotypical uni lifestyle - as important as finding new things you enjoy, is learning what you don't like. Don't give into the peer pressure of making as many friends as you can (if you don't want to), or going clubbing (if you don't want to).

Hope this helps! Faye 🙂

Reply 12

WrexhamUniReps

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, i wld like to maximise my time at uni (not necessarily academically, but also socially, etc.) wondering if any uni students have regrets or things they wish they did while they were in uni?

Hi

I think the one piece of advice that I could give to students at University is to take all opportunities that are given to them.

In addition to this, Just putting yourself out there as much as possible can really help this is because you can make lots of new connections and make new opportunities from this.

I hope this helps,

Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps

Reply 13

Stacy De Souza12

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, i wld like to maximise my time at uni (not necessarily academically, but also socially, etc.) wondering if any uni students have regrets or things they wish they did while they were in uni?