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Going to university is a big step into adulthood. Whether you’re moving away or staying home, it’s a chance to start afresh, be more independent, and enjoy new freedoms.
Managing Yourself
At school and college, someone was always there to keep you on track. At university, it’s up to you. It’s time to level up yourself-management skills.
Miss a lecture or seminar? You’ll need to follow it up yourself.
Money running low? Time to tweak the budget and swap out the expensive brands
Dirty laundry piling up? No one else is doing it!
Create strong routines:
- Plan your study time
- Schedule cleaning & life admin
- Keep track of your deadlines and spending weekly
Being the New (and Old) You
University is full of opportunities to try new things— ideas, activities, food, friendships. You may never again be surrounded by so many people your age, all exploring who they are and what they love. Take advantage of it!
🏂Try a new sport
📚Read new ideas
🌍 Make friends from around the world
🎉 Go to parties and join a campaign
But the old you is also important – and comforting – at a time of change.
Bring your favourite things from home. Keep up hobbies. Invite old friends to visit.
Living in the moment
University life is intense. There’ll be amazing highs and some tough lows. What matters is sticking with it. When things are hard, remember that better times will be coming. And when life is good – enjoy it!
When I was at university, I had a friend who was prone to depression and he used to say ‘embrace the cold’ – it helped him to acknowledge that difficulties and heartaches were part of living.
Use Your Calendar ‘Spare time’ = study time. Make a study plan and stick to it.
Weekly Check-ins
Choose a day to review upcoming deadlines, to-dos, and finances. (It might not be pleasant to face the fact that you only have two weeks to finish your dissertation, but that is a lot better than facing the fact when the deadline is two days away.)
Ask for Help
From lecturers, friends, librarians, or support staff. Asking for help is a skill, not a sign of weakness.
Budget Early
Plan spending. Being in control of money = being in control of your time and options. If you’re worried about the costs of university, check out this Cost if Living Calculator created by IDP Whatuni. They have also produced this video to explain how this calculator can help you budget.
You should also make sure to check whether you are eligible for any financial support from the Universities that you have applied for. The SFCA have published this brochure to help give you an overview of income-contingent bursaries you may be able to apply for at a wide range of UK Universities, but you should also check on individual university websites.
Learn Basic Cooking & Cleaning
A few easy recipes and washing machine skills go a long way.
Speak Up, Listen Well
Address issues kindly and clearly — with housemates, tutors, anyone. Talk through issues with care and courage. And listen – giving others the same chance to speak up.
You’ll always be an important part of our college community, and we’d love to keep you involved in what’s happening here, so if you haven’t already done so, please share your personal email address with us using this form.
Having your personal email address will enable us to check in with you from time to time and celebrate your successes. We’d also love to invite you back to share your experiences—whether that’s through giving careers talks, mentoring current students, or attending events like our 50th anniversary celebrations, careers fairs, or alumni evenings.
