- OPEN
Be open to making new friends all of the time. It is so easy to cling to the first two people you see during fresher’s week, but try to avoid it! I realised this early on and discovered that at BU there is a huge community of students with different nationalities and backgrounds, embrace the opportunity to meet a variety of people.
- SAVE
Living on a student budget can be a struggle, but at the same time you are given exemptions in many things (student discounts, inclusive gas/electric bills and council tax exemptions), which won’t last forever. I advise watching what you are spending and/or working part-time.
- PLAN
Summer holidays aren’t like they are in school; they’re longer and can be made painful by dwindling funds and separation from your new friends. I recommend that you make good use of your summer by working, travelling abroad or volunteering. The point is that you do something to keep your mind alive, to boost your CV or to save some extra cash.
- EMBRACE
Go with the flow- especially during freshers. One regret I had was worrying I wasn’t involved enough. If I could go back I would most certainly of not booked as many event tickets in advanced as they didn’t match my friends’ agenda.
This word of advice could also serve you well when learning to live with new people, appreciate that people do have different lifestyles- learn from them.
- EXPLORE
There is plenty of exploring to do but one place worth familiarising yourself with is the kitchen! Don’t get me wrong I still do love a big plate of cheesy pasta but have now learnt how to cook a selection of dishes. I have discovered a lot about myself and have become more open to trying new things.
- RELAX
Have chilled nights at home as well as clubbing, this will allow you to turn your housemates in to besties. One of the best nights I had was going ice skating during the winter.
- PATIENCE
Don’t panic about housing, or feel pressured to sign a contract for your second year too early. You should be considering who you want to live with during October, viewing houses by December and have made a decision by early January. One thing to bear in mind is that the housing estate agents do like to play on the fact that we are students with limited experience in renting.
- STUDY
Take first year seriously. Although you only need 40% to continue to second year, it does count. The foundations that you learn in first year will offer a solid platform to build on further in second year.
- DISCOVER
The benefit of first year being ‘introductory’ is being able to embrace all opportunities that your university has to offer. The good news is that BU has so much to offer; a huge number of societies, ambassador work, career workshops, student union events and much more. It is a great way to meet new people, boost your CV and discover yourself as an individual.
- CONNECT
Make an effort with your course mates, it is easy to walk away after a lecture/seminar but make the effort, they may well make a great friend and study buddy in the months to come.
By Katrina Eastwood
