University Advice from Housemates and Me!

It’s been a while since the last Walton on the Hill blog post, so I thought I’d check in! Along with some of my housemates, I’ve created a definitive list of advice that you should think about when or if you attend university. Being a student is cool, but there’s a lot to think about and you’re going to have a lot on your plate. You have to learn to take care of yourself on a day-to-day basis, keep up with your studies, make time for friends and keep an eye on graduation and your career. Keep reading for some tips to keep you pointing in the right direction!

1. Be part of a society and / or join an exec. This one is on every ‘uni advice’ list ever, but it’s for a good reason. Depending on the society, the level of involvement required from exec members can vary. If you’re struggling enough with your studies, then being on an exec shouldn’t be a priority. If you’ve got some spare time on your hands, being on a society exec is great experience for your CV. For instance, if you’re into management, you could give being the President a try, or perhaps you could sign up for Marketing Officer.
2. Make the most of it but be aware of burnout. When you go to university, there are so many new experiences to make the most of, particularly through the newfound freedom away from parents. However, it’s really important to keep in mind that each semester is usually only around 10 weeks long – that’s a really concentrated period. You might be fine for the first term in first year, but you’ll soon learn that you need to conserve your energy! So have fun, but also set boundaries and learn your limits.
3. Invest in a good planner that you’ll use. If you haven’t had a planner before going to university, you’re going to need to invest in one. Housemate Bronte got hers from Amazon, but Kate loves hers from Papier. Pretty sure you can get student discount too!
4. Go to things, even if you don’t know anyone there. The university community might seem huge, but your circles will overlap more than you’d expect. It’s okay to go somewhere where you might not know anyone – everyone at university just wants to make friends! Just be yourself and be open to clicking with different people.
5. Be yourself, but acknowledge that you will change. Humans are individuals but also products of our environment. If you’re surrounded by a new group of people, you’ll undoubtedly change – and that’s okay! You can’t expect yourself to stay like the freshly 18-year-old young adult you were when you joined university; you’re now an independent person learning to do things all on your own. It will take some adjustment, but try to acknowledge that growth and change is a good (and completely natural) thing.
6. Sign up for all the student discounts. It only lasts three years, so soak up that 15% off while you can. I’m talking Spotify Premium, PureGym Student, Student Beans, UniDays. All four will be sorely missed come June.