Moving to university can be a daunting prospect. It’s a start to a new chapter that brings about lots of change, uncertainty but most of all - excitement.
The team here at HA | Wisdom Wellbeing reflected on what it was like finishing our first semester back in university. We’ve rounded up some of the best responses so you can stay ahead by being prepared. If you’re already well into your time at university, let us know if you relate to any of these lessons too.
1.Saying no
Whether it’s no to a social outing, pressure to drink alcohol, going over budget for something you don’t need or a decision you believe in strongly for a group project – it’s perfectly okay to say no to things. We obviously believe it should be done courteously, but by saying no more often, you learn how to set boundaries.
2.Saying yes
To totally contradict the last point, saying yes to opportunities and spontaneous events can be a brilliant way to meet new people and get involved in exciting projects.
3.Learn the basics of budgeting
Budgeting basics can help stretch your student loan and any grants, bursaries or scholarships you have at your disposal. It’s tempting to go to social events and order takeaways – especially when you’re meeting new people – but this can be some of the biggest money drains that leaves you worse off for the rest of the term.
To make a student budget - write down all of your expenses (such as rent and bills), then divide what’s left into the things you need such as food shops, travel, subscriptions and leisure. If you’re able to, have a bit saved for a rainy-day fund, and consider taking up a part-time job if your course and capacity allows for it.
4.Make an effort academically from the get-go
While for many, first year “doesn’t matter”, this is far from true. While grades may not go towards your final degree, the habits you make in your first year can carry through the duration of your course. We suggest trying your absolute best to get the grades you want to achieve, attending your lectures and tutorials and making good relationships with your tutors. The work you do in your first semester and first year as a whole will set a great foundation for the following years to come.
5.Everyone is in the same boat
Your first semester can be one of the most daunting periods of university life (besides the pressures of final year!). But just remember that everything you’re feeling is totally normal. You aren’t alone in your thoughts and thousands of students on campus and across the country are feeling exactly the same as you are.
6.Managing time will be your greatest asset
Knowing 2-3 nutritious yet basic recipes will get you far. It saves you money and helps keep your energy up. Some of the team at HA | Wisdom Wellbeing swear by spaghetti bolognese due to its high protein content and versatility to chuck extra vegetables in. Chilli con carne, pasta bakes and stir-fry were also up there as easy recipes to pick up in your first semester.
7.Work on revision and assignments early and steadily
Your future self will thank you when you start on your uni work as soon as you receive your assignments and exam dates. Break up your revision and/or projects into digestible chunks, rather than trying to tackle it all at once. Cramming for exams increases stress, and scrambling to meet deadlines in the final hours before hand-in can be a recipe for disaster, so absolutely start as early as possible to stay ahead.
8.Seek support when you need it
Things can feel more overwhelming for some students over others – and that’s totally okay. We all have different levels of tolerance and resilience. So long as we can reach out for support, we can work on easing worries and anxieties that come with the first term of university. Speak to your student counsellor (who is usually based on campus) or ask your university if they have a student assistance programme.
9.Expand your social circle
Making new friends at university can be daunting and it’s totally normal to feel anxious about it. It may be tempting to rely on the support from friends at home, but if you really try to bond with flatmates or people on your course, you can make life at university feel a lot more like home too. Go to events you wouldn’t otherwise go to, join societies, organise a flat dinner – do what feels natural and fun to you to foster new social connections.
10.Get out of your room as much as possible
It’s incredibly normal to feel anxious in your first semester. It may feel more isolating if you’re home sick or are struggling to make connections with your flatmates. While alone time can be great for recharging, it can sometimes tip the other way and make us feel isolated. In your first term, try to explore the area you live in more and get involved with things outside of the comfort of your bedroom. That way, you don’t feel cooped up in one place, and you may just surprise yourself with the people you meet and the experiences you gain!
11.Food impacts your mood more than you think
Good food can support your mood and learning and university. While energy drinks and handfuls of sweets can give you a boost during study sessions, the inevitable crash can cause us to feel lethargic and affect our cognitive function. It’s fine to have comfort foods in moderation but have some healthier options at your disposal too that boost energy. Foods rich in iron, vitamin B and magnesium can work wonders for focus and mood-boosting.
How a Student Assistance Programme can help you settle into your first semester of university
Settling into a totally new environment, surrounded by new people and a new way of academic learning can be a lot for an individual. If you find you need additional support or someone to talk to when anxieties are high, check if your institution has a Student Assistance Programme (SAP) with HA | Wisdom Wellbeing. Our helplines are open 24/7 all-year-round for in-the-moment support with a qualified counsellor through live chat, video call or telephone. Using a solution-focused therapy model, our counsellors can provide structured support for individuals who need sessions to work through any anxieties, stressors and worries while settling into a new environment.
Conclusion
Settling into university – particularly during your first semester – can be tough. Remember that you aren’t alone and almost all of your peers around you will be experiencing similar emotions. We hope these lessons from first semester give you insight into what to prepare for when embarking on your university journey.
