University is undoubtedly an exciting experience. Of course studying should be your main priority. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a good time!
Join a student group/society
Everyone I know that has joined a student group at university says it was the best decision they ever made. Student groups are an excellent way to meet others who share similar interests. It is also an opportunity to discover new interests!
Student groups will exist for every interest. You can expect to find faith-based groups, media groups (news, radio, TV), dance groups and so many more.
My experience with joining a student group has been amazing. In the beginning of my second year (I am now going into my third and final year) I joined BurnFm, the University of Birmingham’s student-run radio station. As you can imagine, this setting was very new to me. It’s not everyday that you have access to a professional radio studio.
Not only did joining BurnFM allow me to develop new skills, I also made some of the best friends I’ve ever had through this student group. Now I’m having a career crisis where I want to be a radio presenter but I am studying a social science degree. In spite of this, being skilled in multiple areas and having various opportunities to explore can never be a negative thing!
Explore the local area
You will feel much more comfortable in your new setting away from home if you get to know where you’re living. Explore the pubs, restaurants, shops, parks and so on. The more familiar you are with your university city, the more at home you will feel.
Student areas will also likely have an amazing variety of the places I mentioned above. For instance, the main road near my student house has several pubs, excellent takeaways and even an independent coffee shop which is currently selling coffee at £1! If you happen to be reading this and are in Selly Oak, Birmingham check out HeyBrew.
This image here is just an example of how great exploring your local area can be! I am very lucky to go to university in a city where I can get to beautiful areas like this so easily.
Meet your neighbours
We’ve all heard stories about neighbours from hell. The best way to avoid this issue is to introduce yourself to your neighbours and perhaps even befriend them.
Especially if you’re having loud parties, you’ll want to make sure you’re on good terms with those next door. Trust me, there is nothing more annoying than an unsuspecting party when you’re trying to sleep and have to be up early.
So what do I suggest you do? Introduce yourself, perhaps invite them over for some drinks. If drinking alcohol isn’t for you, you could invite them over for tea and a gossip. Everyone loves tea and gossip… right?
Get to know your campus
Staring university is exciting but can also be very overwhelming. Chances are your timetable will have you going all over your university campus to attend lectures and seminars. If you are well acquainted with your campus this will be a breeze. If you aren’t then you may find yourself being late to some classes (if you get lost) or you’ll arrive sweating buckets because you’ve been running around like a headless chicken – I’ve been there.
I would highly recommend exploring your campus and finding out exactly where each of your scheduled classes are to save yourself the stress of having to figure this out right before the class.
Honestly, you will be thankful you done this. Just like exploring your local area, getting to know your campus will only make you feel more comfortable in this new setting.
Enjoy yourself!
It can be very easy to become drowned in work while at university. Many students end up getting so overwhelmed that they stop indulging in things they enjoy and instead become consumed by their work. Make sure you take time to do the things you enjoy, you will regret not doing so once you graduate (so I’ve heard).
Whether it’s clubbing, gaming, being outside, going to the cinema or whatever it may be, make sure you treat yourself. University is difficult but it can be made much easier if you have fun along the way.