1) Keep your door open! Although I didn't have the best flatmates, both my boyfriend and I agree that keeping your door open is a must. For a lot of people it's the first time you're staying away from home and it can be really daunting! That being said it's especially important to try and make new friends and keep yourself busy so you don't get too home sick.
2) Buy the most basic everything; don't spend more than a couple of pounds of plates and cutlery as they won't last the year. I got given some really nice cutlery and nearly all of it went missing, I also broke a couple of plates and my oven tray got incredibly scratched up. Luckily I only spent a fiver on a set of 4 main plates, 4 side plates and 4 bowls from Sainsburys, definitely keep your eyes out for sets like that. They may not be the prettiest but you can always get nicer things the next year when you're living with friends.
3) Money never goes as far as you want it to! Rent, food, and the books you need for university isn't cheap! So find a good student bank account with a decent overdraft and a good freebie, I got the Santander which came with a free 4 year railcard! That being said be very careful with your overdraft, however tempting Topshop is that isn't what your overdraft is for. Also keep your eyes out for reduced food, reduced meat and bread is great if you're lucky enough to have the freezer space.
4) If you're struggling ask for help, I've had a tough year the past year and didn't take the support that was there. Whilst university isn't generally that hard at the beginning, it can be very overwhelming at times and your tutor is there to support you.
5) Join the Freshers pages, and pages for your halls on Facebook. It's a great opportunity to meet people, maybe even your flatmates for the next year. Also it's a great place to ask questions as lots of second and third years follow those pages too, and they'll be able to help you out as they probably had the same questions last year.
6) After Christmas you'll need to find somewhere to living for the following academic year. Yeah you need to figure out who you want to live with, and where so it's really good idea to consider early on who you definitely wouldn't want to live with for another year. Is someone really messy and leaves their plates stacked in the sink every time?! It's very possible you'll have a cleaner in halls, but after that it's down to you and no one wants to live in a tip. You'll need a deposit too, so don't forget that!
7) Not everyone has the ideal university experience. I know it's a lot of money, but not everyone chooses the right course or makes loads of life long friends. So don't be down heartened, make the most of every experience and opportunity, it's a learning curve right?
And those are the tips I can think of right now I'm sure there will be a second part to this post. If you're a fresher this year are you excited, nervous? Any questions?
Love Sarah
♥
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