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The Uni Prep Checklist - 3 Things I Underestimated

Hi everyone, As a 3-year Uni student, I would like to share some things I thought were not much difficult but turned out to take a lot. These are the admin side of being a student.

1. I underestimated how much the local express supermarkets would kill my budget. By 3rd year, I’ve learned that the trip to Lidl, Aldi or big Tesco on Maryhill Road or the big Morrisons at Partick are the only ways to actually save money. I’ve become a massive advocate for Sunday meal prepping, making a huge batch of gravy or pasta saves you from the £5 library meal deals that add up fast and are extremely unhealthy.

2. Everyone knows the main Library, but I underestimated how quickly it fills up, especially during exam season. You need a backup plan. I’m still finding hidden spots like the quiet study desks in the Adam Smith building or the St Andrews Building or if your school have a dedicated library then that is a great place to study like the law library, med library.

3. I underestimated how much prep goes into just leaving the house for a full day of lectures. You aren't just carrying a notebook; you need a laptop, a portable charger (plug sockets are gold dust in the library), a reusable water bottle, and crucially a waterproof layer. Also, carrying some snacks and a meal (if you are like me and tends to save money for big and meaningful to buy instead by saving these small expenses). It keeps the budget under control too.

Uni is a massive jump in responsibility, but you pick up these life hacks pretty quickly once you’re on the ground.What’s the one practical thing you’re most nervous about managing? (Mine was definitely the cooking, but I learned to cop up with it after a while. I can't emphasis enough how much time meal prepping saves me each week). Let me know below! 👇

Nainika
UofG Rep
(edited 1 month ago)

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