My Advice to all you Freshers

This time last year I was joining all the freshers group chats, buying SO MUCH kitchenware from Ikea and packing up my room to be able to move in as a fresher at University.

Even though every Fresher's experience is obviously going to be different, depending on the university, the nightlife, or solely the type of person you are, here are a few things that I wish I knew before my personal experience.

1) Put yourself out there but know your limits

Freshers week is going to feel like whirlwind of bar crawls, themed club nights, mixers and socials but people will understand if you can't make it to everything, you're only human! Listen to your body and feel free to say no, after all, there will always be another night where you can get to know people and you are going to thrive much more in a better mindset!

2) Fresher's flu is a thing

Everyone says Freshers flu is a myth, or that they've 'built up their tolerance' they'll 'be fine', but, take it from me, everyone will get it. This may be because halls are very close in capacity and you're sharing a lot of spaces, so illness can spread like wildfire, but it might also be because of all of your run down immune systems due to the consecutive nights out... either or, take care of yourself and listen to what your body is telling you!

Drink lots of tea, take some paracetamol and maybe sit out on a few big nights out, it's way more important to look after yourself first than potentially miss a good night out.

I would also recommend signing up to your local doctors surgery, I found this so helpful in first year to be able to look after myself and get help when I needed it!

3) Resolve issues with your flatmates calmly and respectfully

Luckily for me, I got put in halls with some really lovely people, but, because it is a random process, you could end up living with people that you may clash with. It's important to go about this conflict in the right way in order to avoid any awkwardness (you are living with them for a year after all!). If you do have a dispute with someone in your halls, try and discuss with them directly in a calm fashion, it is so so important not to talk behind their backs because odds are it will get back to them and they will find out :// (more awkwardness).

If this still doesn't resolve anything then there is an option where you can ask to be moved into different halls and, of course, this is completely fine too!

4) Empty the bins!!

Just do it. It will all just build up and then you'll have to do countless trips. Just not fun.

5) Use campus facilities

I chose to go to a campus Uni, which meant that a lot of our facilities were right on our doorstep from our accommodation. This included student bars and cafes, outdoor seating areas and the University Library. I tried to make the most of these as they were so close by!

The library was such a godsend as I hate working in my room and find it easier to concentrate in a public where everyone is working too, and it was great!

6) Budget each week

As soon as that student loan comes in you're going to feel so rich and want to treat all your new pals to a round in spoons, but, it's important that you try and budget to try to spread the loan out until the next instalment. There's really nothing worse than getting to the end of the term and realising that you are teetering into your overdraft :///.

Budgeting is also a really good skill to learn for your future because, not going to lie, your an adult now, it's time to take the responsibility of managing your own money.

I found it helpful to set myself a limit per week and I actually saved money in the end that I could put towards summer plans and Christmas presents!

7) Explore the city you live in

And I mean way more than just the darkened streets after a night out stumbling around trying to find a kebab van! Most cities with universities have so much to offer, so get on that bus in the morning and take yourself and your new pals round to see the sights for a day!

8) Facetime/call your parents regularly

Yes I know, you've moved out now, you have your new home, but it's important to keep in touch with your parents, now more than ever.

If you think about it, they adjusting to anew situation just as much as you are at the moment so give them a call, send them a postcard, drop them a text just to check in on them and make sure they're doing okay. They also probably want to hear all about your new life and are just as excited as you are!

9) Work hard but take breaks

Let's not forget, you are at University to get a degree in something that you are really interested in, and you have invested a lot of money an time into it, so don't let that go to waste!

However, make sure you take time for yourself and don't burn yourself out at the starting line, you still have a few years to go so try and conserve some of that energy for the end of the race as well :)).

10) Please ask for help if you need it!

There are so many places available for support at university, which should be pointed out to you in freshers week (if not they'll be on your University's website) make sure you use them!!

Everyone's university experience is different and if that means that you need a little bit more help with yours, don't be afraid to go and ask for it!

It's going to be some of the best years of your life with the best people!! Enjoy!

:)) xxx