What to Expect in Your First Year of Uni

Preparing for your first year at Uni can be quite a nerve-racking time, but you won’t be the only one feeling like this. To make your first year run as smoothly as possible you need to be well organised and prepared so here are a few things to be aware of as you take your first steps into Uni life.

Organise Your Finances

One thing to be careful of – your student loan must last you! It’s easy for students to see their student loan come in and automatically think ‘I’m rich’. But you must think about how long you need to make your loan last for. This is where many students get confused, especially if you don’t have a part time job or any other source of income you will need to spend it extremely wisely.
If you’re having to arrange your own student accommodation, then you will need to think about how much of your loan is going to cover this. For some of you, your student loan might only just pay for this, whereas, if you choose to stay at home then you’ll need to think about how you’re going to have to spend on travel. For many of you, it might be the case of using public transport. If so, then it will be a good idea to budget how much it is going to cost you until your next student loan comes through. You should be able to get a 16-25 railcard as well which should save you some pennies.
Take into consideration your stationary supplies as well. You don’t need to spend loads so you can try shopping at the cheaper high-street stores such as Wilko and Poundland. Start with the basics; books, pens, pencils and a diary. A diary will also help you keep on top and track your finances too.
In your first year, it can be very tempting to go out with your new friends for drinks. If you’re going to do this (which obviously you will) just make sure you budget for this as well.

Stay Connected

You’ll want to ‘stay in the loop’ when you’re at Uni so you can keep with up with not only your friends, but your work, and social media is a great way to do this. Once you’ve searched for your chosen university, you’ll be able to see all the information about freshers, events and other preparations for Uni. Once you move into your student accommodation, you’ll probably already know some of the people in your lectures and who you’ll be living with.

Think About a Part Time Job

It can be difficult trying to make ends meet when just living off your student loan. Therefore, it will be a good idea to look for a part time job. As well as supporting your financial needs, you’ll also be learning new skills which will be beneficial to your CV.
Attending Uni in Sheffield means you’re surrounded by job opportunities! There are many pubs in Sheffield, not to mention night clubs as well as thousands of retail stores, cafes and restaurants.
For some of you the thought of studying and working at the same time can be too much but you could try looking for a job that requires only a few hours a week which could be more manageable.

New Friendships

When starting Uni, it is natural to feel shy. You won’t know anyone there and you might have worries about not fitting in. But, remember that everyone is in the same boat as you.
Rule Number 1 – Make the most of fresher’s week.
This is your chance to really get to know everyone. You won’t be the only one looking to make new friends or fit in with people on your course. It is highly likely that the people who have chosen to do the same course will share the same interests as you.
Rule Number 2 – Be as friendly as possible
First impressions are so important. Many students go to Uni in hope of ‘finding themselves’ and see this as a ‘new start’ which it can be for many. So why not be the best version of yourself and you’re bound to make lots of friends.
Rule Number 3 – Take the time to know someone
As we have already discussed – first impressions are important and not everyone makes a good go of this. So, give everyone a chance and take the time to know the people on your course and in your student accommodation. Remember that everyone comes from different backgrounds and will have been brought up differently to you, but it doesn’t mean that they aren’t worthy of your time.
We hope that this has given you some indication as to what to expect from your first year at Uni. If you’re still struggling to find your student accommodation then please get in touch with us today. We’ll be waiting for your call.

We hope that this has given you some indication as to what to expect from your first year at uni. If you’re still struggling to find your accommodation then please get in touch with us today. We hope to hear from you soon.