University means starting again, and making good decisions is vital. So, you’re probably wondering:
What course?
You probably chose your course already or have a few options.
If not, keep your options open.
Think about careers but also about the university experience. Is there a gap year? Will the course keep you interested?
Where do I go? Home or away?
Most students who go away never come back. (or at least not until they’re very old and retired).
Most students who stay at home look for employment in that area.
Home is significantly cheaper. Most home students have a car, most away students don’t.
How do I afford it?
Even without paying fees there is a lot of money involved in being a student. Students are not as poor as they make out, most take holidays and can afford alcohol, it’s about making the right decisions with money. Most students also need to work. There should be plenty of time.
Student Loan:
Living with Parents: £3750
Elsewhere: £4840
You will repay these loans once you have left university and are earning over £15,000. It is a significant debt to have around you (but not stupid like wonga.com, etc.)
Try and make a budget. Have an estimate of how much money you have every week, try to have some left over. Remember one off costs. Live as full a life as possible but that doesn’t always mean spending loads. For example, one nights drinking £20-£40? Joining a sports club for the year £20, Going on a club tour £100. Which is better value?
What holidays might I get?
Apart from the fact that your classes will only be between 6 and 20 hours a week probably, there are also huge holidays. The holidays consist of 4 months in the summer, one at Christmas and 2 or 3 weeks at Easter. This gives significant time to look for work. If not, make plans and be busy during the summer. It is such a waste to do nothing with 4 summer months. Lots of camps, holidays, work or festivals and events are important.
How involved should I be in University?
University is the time when you can try lots of things. Make plans before you go about things you will get involved in. Join clubs and societies. If not you will just end up going out all the time. Find local churches or community groups to get involved in. Try something you never did before. Start a football game with your classmates, the sports centre is usually cheap. Try organizing to have people for food. If you do it regularly it can be a “thing.” It’s always good to have a thing. Don’t waste the time and also try and see what options there are with clubs etc. for the summer.
One note of caution, I know some people who threw everything into university and then when they left they had no activities or life to stay involved in. Join some things that last.
How do I make the right friends?
If you don’t choose friends you will just end up with whoever you see most often. Make decisions about the sort of people you want to meet. International students can be fun? Christians? Sporty people? Geeks? Music people? Or just whoever is at the pub? No! If you want to meet a certain type of person there is almost always a club or society or mode for meeting them. You will almost undoubtedly make friends with those you share a house with but I recommend you look beyond them.
Try and take your new friends to things, not just going out.
Also, decide who you want to be. You can lead people with you or just follow along. You can redefine yourself and that is how you will be seen.
How hard do I study?
Nobody starts out planning to do no work whatsoever, but you need a balance. The fact is that you have certain assignments that must be done. There is also a certain level of attendance that is necessary and a level of work required to pass exams (or achieve the standard you want to reach!) Make sure you get assignments done well but don’t worry about doing loads of additional study. In some courses the textbooks are key. In other courses you might never buy them. Try and ask someone who did the course before.
Having said that, the big question is are you there to pass an exam or to learn something new? I always thought study was more about growing than reaching required grades. It’s great to be able to learn.
Remember also that some of the things you study will help you get jobs and some will help you do them and some knowledge will just fester away. Decide what is important.
Can I take this guide to go?
You can download it here.