Tips for success at university
Don’t be afraid to ask
Ask questions if you aren’t sure about something. For example, you don’t understand something about your course, ask your course leader or a member of staff in your Undergraduate or Postgraduate Centre.
Our support services are always there for you if you get stuck, need a quick answer or just generally feel at a loss. If you are feeling completely overwhelmed and worried about coping as a student you can always talk this over with your personal academic adviser, one of our counsellors or a member of our Chaplaincy team.
Get to know people
Not knowing people in such a busy and large environment can be daunting at first. You will get to know other students on your course but you can also make new friends by joining one of the many societies at the University which cater for a specific interest you may have, be it sports, politics, music or art.
Work with other students on your course in groups and learn with and from them. Or get support from a more experienced peer
Try to go to as many events as you can at the beginning; it will give you an opportunity to get to know people and to get yourself known. Don’t lock yourself away: for example spend time in the communal kitchen or canteen.
Sit back and organise your time
Being a student often means juggling many conflicting demands. There is all the academic work you’ll have to do, employment, possibly a family to look after and many other factors that make your life busy and demanding. Sitting back and planning how best to spend your time helps to avoid stress. There are a number of useful publications and advice to be had on how to best organise your time.
Prepare yourself
Set some time aside to look at the information about your course that will be handed out to you. Make sure that you read the handbooks carefully and that you fully understand what is expected of you. Make some notes that you can refer back to.
Work out how to budget
You will have to have to make your money stretch when you are student, so don’t spend your student loan during Freshers Week. We can help you find a job should you require one or we can advice you on how to manage your money effectively.
There are some discounts for students available for example the TfL or NUS Extra card.
Look after yourself
Give yourself the same level of care that you would to a best friend. Start worrying if your local Fish n Chip shop or man in a Kebab van gets to know you by name. It can be tempting to survive on unhealthy snacks and fast food while rushing around between lectures, job and social life. Pack a healthy lunch in the morning and try to have three meals a day. It will save you money and it will make you feel better in the long run. You'll find some tasty and easy to prepare recipies for students here.
Don’t forget to have some fun too! Get away from your book or computer screen once in a while and enjoy the social aspect of University life.
Explore your campus and your local area
Get to know the building you will be spending most of your time in. That way you may not have panic moments when running late for a lecture.
Make yourself feel at home in your local area by taking the time to walk around a bit and discovering cafes, shops, green spaces and travel connections.
