Going to university can be one of the most exciting times of your life.
Whether you’re going far away from home to make a fresh start with new people, or you’re staying close to home so that you can be close to your friends and family, there’s no denying that university can be a life-changing experience and equip you with the knowledge you need to go far in life.
Below, we’ve put together five things that you need to think about before heading off to University.
Choosing the right course
It sounds obvious, but it’s important to mention nonetheless. Make sure that you’re 100% happy with the course that you have picked before you go to university because switching to another can be hard work.
You can get a feel for the syllabus and atmosphere by attending opening days and speaking to ex-students about their life on campus and their career opportunities since. And you can always find great reviews on the internet, so do your research.
Making new friends
Making new friends is one of the hardest things you’ll have to do at university, as you’ll likely be nervous away from the comforts of home and your friends. There are a few days that you can bite the bullet and meet new people: first, look for Facebook groups that are designed for new freshers.
Second, find people who are going to be living in the same halls and accommodation as you. Third, go and visit the campus before you start, and sign up for a club or society so that you can meet new people. Even if they’re not your usual sort of friends, it’s a good starting point.
Finding student accommodation
Finding the right student accommodation is so important – if you’re not comfortable with where you’re living, then eating, sleeping, relaxing and studying will become a chore. Failing to do so could leave you in a pretty poor way, so make sure this is at the top of your list before you go to university.
If you’re looking for quality student accommodation in Brisbane, for example, then you can find student rooms through a company like Student One. Make sure that you do your research before you sign up for accommodation, and visit it in person so you know what it’s really like. Leaving this til the last minute will no doubt leave you with very few options.
Keeping in touch with family
If you’re moving far away from home, then you may be worried about how you’re going to keep in touch with friends, family and partners. It’s a natural feeling to have, but it’s important that you don’t let it get you down too much. Finding ways to keep in touch is a good idea, whether that’s a nightly FaceTime session or a weekly face-to-face catch up over lunch. Make plans in advance so that everyone knows where they’re going to be. Not only is planning good for keeping you organised, but it means you can revise and study without the distraction of your loved ones.
Are you excited about heading off to University this September? Let us know in the comments!