Entering into university is an exciting time of life. With it comes boundless opportunities to learn, grow, try new things and meet new people. With so many possibilities, it can be difficult to figure out how to prioritize your time. After all, it’s impossible to do everything available to you. While there is no right way to spend your first year, there are a few aspects of university that are great to take advantage of. So, here is how to make the most of your first year of uni.
Join A Society
No university experience would be complete without getting involved in some kind of extracurricular. This is a great way to get to know people who have common interests. You can find a society for something you’re already passionate about, whether that’s dance, film, sports, or anything else. Or, you can take the opportunity to explore something new.
Work On Your Cooking Skills
Why not make the most of your first year in the kitchen? Now that you’re living independently, it’s a great time to level up your culinary expertise. After all, ordering takeout all the time can start to get pretty pricey. You don’t have to become a master chef, but learning a few recipes will prove to be useful — not to mention delicious.
Get To Know Your Lecturers
University is a great time to work on your networking skills. Don’t be afraid to show up for office hours and ask any questions you may have, or seek out help for an upcoming project. Not only will this enable you to improve academically, but it also establishes a connection with your lecturers. Who knows? These relationships might result in opportunities like research positions down the line.
Take Advantage Of Student Discounts
Another one of the best ways to make the most of your first year is to get some savings. One of the great things about having a student ID card is the discounts it can give you. A wide variety of events and retail shops will offer you a certain percentage off if you’re a student, so don’t forget to bring it with you. You can also get freebies at your university’s Freshers Fair.
Plan Travel
You don’t have to have it all figured out, but if you’re interested in studying or interning abroad, first year is a great time to start learning about these opportunities. That way, you have plenty of time to plan when you want to travel and set everything up in advance.
See also: How To Maximise The Space In Your Small University Room