5 Things Every New Student Needs To Do

Going to University is an exciting and life-changing occasion that only happens once in many peoples’ lives. However, while it is generally a positive experience, even the most excited people can have some anxiety because there is so much to do before moving. I’ve put together a list of the basics – beyond actually packing your clothes and getting there! Here are five things that every new student needs to do. 

Splurge on brand new stationery

I love stationery, so any excuse to go on a shopping spree that ends up with colour coordinated pen sets and notepads is always okay with me. Think practically during your shopping trip – look at how many modules you are taking, for example, and ensure you have stationery that will help you divide your notes up well, and try to save bulkier options for your desk at home because nobody wants to be taking multiple huge ring binders in their bag every day. 

Join societies that interest you

The friends you make as a student, in many instances, are the friends that you have for the rest of your life. Joining a society is a great way to find friends who have the same interests as you, outside of the group of people you might meet in your seminars. Look for groups with the best founder support, and ensure that you are in a safe and inclusive space for a society that you want to stay in for your whole student experience. Societies are also great for people with existing hobbies to swap tips – for example, there is nowhere better to find out where to get the best crossbow for your money than your local crossbow student society!

Set up an academic planner

Planners are fantastic – not only are they a great way to stay organised, but they are an excellent hobby and they can look really pretty too. An academic planner is a great option for a brand new student because, as the name suggests, they are structured around the academic year. Many also come with great options for laying out your assignments and deadlines, with extra notes pages for things like meetings with your academic supervisors or any extracurricular activities that you might want to take notes for.

Kit out your student accommodation 

Student accommodation does generally come with some very basic furniture, but in order to make yourself feel at home for the year that you are there, you might want to grab yourself some extra furniture. Then, when it comes to the end of the year and you are ready to move on, you have some new pieces for your brand new living space that you can take with you. Click here for some office furniture that will make you feel totally motivated in your brand new and super stylish work space.

Start to meal plan

Younger students who are leaving home for the first time may not be used to meal planning, but it can be an absolute lifesaver in terms of money and planning your schedule. It’s a well-known fact that students don’t have the most money (they don’t call budget meals ‘student meals’ for no reason!) so doing a bit of meal planning at the start of the month can help you shop smarter and save yourself some money. Look at any assignment deadlines you might have in the month and make sure you are planning meals that are easy to cook for essential brain food in the days before your deadline.

 

Are you a student who is moving away from home for the first time? Or if you have been a student before – what advice do you wish you had known? Leave your tips in the comments below.