University survival guide

I am so excited for September, I finally start university! Going to university is definitely one of the most life changing experiences you will ever go through, and I couldn't be more ready. Moving away from home into a new city, filled with new people and oppourtunities is so excited, but I'm so nervous! I wish there was a written guide for starting university, so that's what I'm going to do. I've asked so many people their tips on how to survive your first year, and thought I'd share them with everyone else because I'm sure there are people out there feeling the same way as me!

Stay organised! - Organisation skills and time management are key when it comes to university. Having to juggle your work and a social life can become difficult, but don't worry, your body clock will get used to it. Invest in a quality diary and keep on top of your game.

Take advantage of Freshers Fairs - In your first week of university, there will be stalls everywhere! Take full advantage of it! It's a great way to meet new people and start making friends. You can sign up to clubs, activities, and a LOT of freebies are given away, so keep your eye out.

Note taking - If you are allowed to take a laptop into your lectures with you, do it. Personally, I find it a lot easier to take down notes typing rather than writing. The best laptops (and most popular) are Apple Mac books. They have a lot of storage and are very lightweight, so are perfect for traveling with.

Have basic food items in your cupboards - Bread, pasta, cereal and cereal bars are essential to have in your cupboards. When you don't have much money, you can't beat having cheese on toast!

Buy a rail card - This will save you no end of money! With the constand traveling you will be doing, moving back and forth from home and uni, visiting old friends etc, travel can cost a lot of money. Invest in a 3 year rail card.

Stay active - I'm sure you've all heard of the dreaded 'uni weight gain', but try not to worry. Sometimes fast food seems like the best option when you're running late, or  when you're too tired to prepare food in advance so you just buy ready meals instead. If you stay organised and make healthy decisions (most of the time) then you have no need to worry. 

Socialise - Don't forget to socialise. It can be so easy to get caught up in work and forget to socialise. Make sure to visit old friends back at home, maybe a boyfriend/girlfriend, and make sure to socialise with new people from uni too! You are there for 3 years, remember.

Don't fall for your flat mate - I know so many people who had fallen for a flat mate, and then got heart broken and made staying there a living hell. Personally, I'd ignore that and just do what your heart tells you.

Money! - Money can become so confusing when you go to uni. You'll have money coming in, money coming out and you'll be spending it on all sorts. Top tip for when it comes to money is to try not to ever get an over draft. You'll just get yourself into debt. Get a part time job if you need some extra money!

Looked down upon - Try not to get worried if people turn their nose up at you just because you're a fresher, it's exactly like being in year 7 at high school.

Accent - There will be people at your university from all over the country, so your accent is bound to be mocked at some point! You'll get used to it.

Drink plenty of water - Water will definitley be your best friend at uni, without a doubt. Take it everywhere you go! After a long night of partying, and having to be in a lecture at 9am will not leave you feeling fresh and alive, so take water with you! It will help keep your energy levels up.

Your first year does count - Completely ignore people who say that your first year doesn't count. If you want to do a work placement or study abroad, then you're going to want a 2:1 in your first year, so yes, it does count.

So, they are my top tips for starting university, and I can't wait to try them all out. Obviously everyones opinions are different, so if you have any more tips, please feel free to comment!

xox