University Life
Setting of to University can be both daunting and exciting. You don't know what to expect, you might be moving far away from home and it highly likely that you won't know anyone else on your course or even in the whole University. All in all there is plenty to think about so we are going to look at the most important things namely your money, your study and your health.
You'll want to be able to manage your money so we've included a section of financial tips. We'll look at helpful cooking tips and most importantly studying techniques. There's also a useful section on keeping fit and healthy while at Uni.
Your Money
Student life has much to recommend it: a great social life, the joy of study, endless daytime TV. What's less appealing to many potential students is the prospect of three years of grinding poverty. But it doesn't have to be like that. Follow the Top Ten Tips for Student Solvency provided by yahoo.com Student Zone and you won't be living the high life, but you will be keeping your head above water.
Top ten tips for student solvency - yahoo.com student zone|
Your Study
The vast majority of people have a fantastic time at University, they meet many new people including friends for life and future spouses, have memorable days and nights out but its important to remember that the main reason for going is to study!
Most courses are made up of lectures, some group workshops and a few one-to-one tutorials but in the main you will be reading and studying by yourself. This learning style may well feel very different to that of school or even college. So we recommend the Study Skills on-line site created by Brunel University, West London.
Visit Study Skills on-line - brunel.ac.uk|
Your Health - Food
A large number of new students at University will not have cooked much when living at home and
then it will hit them that they might have to prepare about 40 meals for themselves in the first few weeks alone! Students spend an average £29 a week on food according to the recent MORI/Unite Student Living report which sounds like quite a lot - until you realise that seven £4 lunches would swallow that easily. And the high-fat, carbohydrate-laden diet in most university halls and pubs isn’t going to do your health or your appearance much good either, leaving you lethargic and prey to winter bugs.
Thankfully BBC Food have put together a Student Survival kit that looks at getting your 5 a day, shopping frugally and cooking confidently.
Read the BBC Food Student Survival Kit|
Your Health - Exercise
Exercising may not be the first thing that you think of when you go to University but its actually very important. First of all regular exercise (along with a healthy diet, see above) will fend off the legendary 'Freshers Flu'. Students and Graduates will tell you that this illness can last months and can make life miserable when you should be enjoying yourself! Another benefit of exercising as a student is that you will remain bright and alert making you better able to excel in your studies. You will also avoid the gaining weight unlike most other students!
You may be lucky enough to have a gym on campus but you also have a number of cheaper options to keep fit. Leisure centres and swimming pools often offer a student discount. An NUS (National Union of Students|) card is often required to redeem such discounts.
If you are new to keeping fit and you would like some tips for beginners then visit the Health Challenge Wales website.|
University is also a fantastic place to take part in sport. All over Britain university sport is renowned for the variety of sports on offer and the high quality of the competition. Sports people of all levels are usually able to find something at their level while at University. The social side of student sport is also well renowned.