Hi there,

I am Christine, and currently doing my Master’s in International Business and Management. I am sure that most of us have been bombarded with all sorts of advice, yet, here are some truly valuable suggestions that I picked up along the way.

1.Study-life balance

Many would agree that university is a time of self-discovery and exploration, especially when freshmen live away from their family for the first time. This independence comes with extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports or even part-time jobs. However, academic pressure increases as this independence does, because university courses often come with a higher workload. Hence, freshmen need to establish a consistent daily routine that includes time for studying, activities, and rest. A predictable routine can help reduce stress and improve time management.

2.Dental check-ups

For many people, wisdom teeth begin to emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, which can lead to tremendous pain. To avoid this unbearable discomfort, it is wise that you have dental check-ups before university starts, which can minimise disruptions to university life. Imagine you are enjoying social activities while your tooth starts to ache! Not to mention another benefit of it will reduce the likelihood of needing dental treatments during the semester, which might conflict with their class schedules or exams.

3.Scholarship-hunting

Who doesn’t love free money? Scholarships are like the university’s best-kept secret treasure and there is only one way to find them. Don’t wait until your final year to discover there was a scholarship for something you’re passionate about, or that you were qualified to earn some money for your excellence. Start your search early, apply often, and don’t get discouraged by a few rejections. Bear in mind that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not (Cornfeld,1985).

4.Future-Proof Skills

Since you might have some free time before starting University, you can consider taking up a programming language courses, such as Python, because in the ever-evolving job market, AI and machine learning are no longer confined to the realms of tech giants. In addition, computing isn’t just about coding; it’s a new way of problem-solving. By understanding the basics of programming before university, you equip yourselves with a powerful skill for tackling real-world problems. Tip: you don’t even necessarily have to sign up for a course, there are plenty of free tutorials on YouTube!

5. Physical Fitness

The transition to university life can be stressful, with new environments, responsibilities, and academic pressures. Regular physical activity is proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression through the release of endorphins, often referred to as the body’s natural mood elevators. For freshmen, establishing a fitness routine can be a crucial coping mechanism, providing a sense of control and well-being in the face of changes.

6. An Extra Tip for Students from Asia

Lastly, in my experience, some electronics, such as MacBooks and iPhones are a lot cheaper in Asia, compared to the higher cost of electronics in the UK is the Value-Added Tax (VAT) and import duties. The UK’s VAT rate for most goods and services stands at 20%, which is relatively high compared to some Asian countries where the tax rate might be lower, or certain tech products are exempted from taxes. As a result, make sure your digital devices are healthy enough during your upcoming stay in the UK, which can save you some money.

Written by Christine, current MSc International Business and Management student in AMBS

Related

Hi there,

I am Christine, and currently doing my Master’s in International Business and Management. I am sure that most of us have been bombarded with all sorts of advice, yet, here are some truly valuable suggestions that I picked up along the way.

1.Study-life balance

Many would agree that university is a time of self-discovery and exploration, especially when freshmen live away from their family for the first time. This independence comes with extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports or even part-time jobs. However, academic pressure increases as this independence does, because university courses often come with a higher workload. Hence, freshmen need to establish a consistent daily routine that includes time for studying, activities, and rest. A predictable routine can help reduce stress and improve time management.

2.Dental check-ups

For many people, wisdom teeth begin to emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, which can lead to tremendous pain. To avoid this unbearable discomfort, it is wise that you have dental check-ups before university starts, which can minimise disruptions to university life. Imagine you are enjoying social activities while your tooth starts to ache! Not to mention another benefit of it will reduce the likelihood of needing dental treatments during the semester, which might conflict with their class schedules or exams.

3.Scholarship-hunting

Who doesn’t love free money? Scholarships are like the university’s best-kept secret treasure and there is only one way to find them. Don’t wait until your final year to discover there was a scholarship for something you’re passionate about, or that you were qualified to earn some money for your excellence. Start your search early, apply often, and don’t get discouraged by a few rejections. Bear in mind that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not (Cornfeld,1985).

4.Future-Proof Skills

Since you might have some free time before starting University, you can consider taking up a programming language courses, such as Python, because in the ever-evolving job market, AI and machine learning are no longer confined to the realms of tech giants. In addition, computing isn’t just about coding; it’s a new way of problem-solving. By understanding the basics of programming before university, you equip yourselves with a powerful skill for tackling real-world problems. Tip: you don’t even necessarily have to sign up for a course, there are plenty of free tutorials on YouTube!

5. Physical Fitness

The transition to university life can be stressful, with new environments, responsibilities, and academic pressures. Regular physical activity is proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression through the release of endorphins, often referred to as the body’s natural mood elevators. For freshmen, establishing a fitness routine can be a crucial coping mechanism, providing a sense of control and well-being in the face of changes.

6. An Extra Tip for Students from Asia

Lastly, in my experience, some electronics, such as MacBooks and iPhones are a lot cheaper in Asia, compared to the higher cost of electronics in the UK is the Value-Added Tax (VAT) and import duties. The UK’s VAT rate for most goods and services stands at 20%, which is relatively high compared to some Asian countries where the tax rate might be lower, or certain tech products are exempted from taxes. As a result, make sure your digital devices are healthy enough during your upcoming stay in the UK, which can save you some money.

Written by Christine, current MSc International Business and Management student in AMBS

Related