What seemed to be a never-ending wait is finally over and orientation day is upon you. University marks the start of a new adventure for many students, especially those who leave home to study in another state. There’s a certain excitement that comes with being independent, free, and on your own. Yet, this can quickly become overwhelming too.
To ensure you make the most of your college life while also maintaining a good academic life, a healthy balance of both is necessary. New friends and a raging social life can shape the next four years but so will hard work and dedication to your coursework.
Study groups, extra classes, and essay writing services, all of these can help you keep up your grades while also enjoying your college life. To help you with the big shift, here are five university tips that’ll help you settle into your first year at university.
Jump to:
1. Come Prepared
In most cases, students leave their hometown to study at their dream university. Before you leave your home, everything you require should be packed and ready to go with you. This includes clothes, accessories, books, stationery, and even kitchen utensils if you’re moving to an unfurnished home. Sorting these little things before you leave will save you the hassle of getting your essentials shipped, costing you more time and money.
2. Make Friends
Most university students claim the people they make friends with on the first day are usually the ones that remain with them throughout the next three to four years. Being welcoming and starting conversations with new people will help you familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Plus, you’ll definitely need a study or party buddy in the years to come.
If someone asks you to play a sport, or hang out at the local coffee shop, say yes! You don’t want to be left out when everyone else is bonding. Plus, hanging around with groups will give you the opportunity to make friends outside of your classes.
3. Join a Club or Society
Clubs and societies are a good way to get acquainted with the university’s events and activities. Whether you’re athletic, a drama major, or into social sciences, there’s a society for almost everyone. Moreover, university clubs and societies give you the chance to meet senior students who can guide you around campus, introduce you to instructors, or simply advise you on college life.
4. Explore the City
Students who are new to society should spend time learning about the nearest grocery stores, bus stops, libraries, malls, and parks. The first week of university is usually slow-paced, giving you the time to explore your surroundings and decide which spots you like; so that when the time comes you know exactly where to go.
5. Stay Focused on Coursework
Making new friends and being socially active gives you great exposure to college life. However, this should not interfere with your study routine. Balancing a healthy social and academic life in the first year of university will help you in the long run. To be academically successful, you have to go the extra mile; this includes taking extra lectures or finding organizations that assist students by providing calculus, science, or essay writing services.
The way you spend your first year of university, more often than not, sets a path for the rest of your college life. Therefore, open yourself to the possibility of new adventures and follow through with commitment and dedication. Hopefully, these few tips should help you settle into a long and memorable journey that’s yet to come.