1. Routines are important
When you first start university, your lecture halls will be packed, and you may feel like you have unlimited energy. However, for many, this does not last forever. There may come a time when you miss a lecture, which can easily lead to missing more. Holding yourself accountable and establishing a routine is invaluable. For myself, there was a direct link between the grades I achieved and the motivation and routines I maintained. That’s not to say you shouldn’t have fun, as you will have plenty of that, but make sure you keep a balance.

2. It won’t all be exams
Depending on your course, exams might not be as common as you think. Coursework becomes a huge factor. For me, this was a new area as my A Levels did not include any coursework. While coursework has benefits, it is expected to be completed over a longer period (e.g. 1 month), unlike a two-hour exam on a specific day. This means that you need to make sure you manage your time effectively rather than leaving it until the last minute. This is easier said than done, but once you go through the stress of submitting one minute before the deadline, you’ll understand why that’s not a good idea.

3. Societies are a big part of university life
While it may sound cliché, societies are a great way to meet new people outside of your course and learn a new passion or hobby. There are over 400 societies at the university! For me personally, the Makerspace Society has some great events where they can help you to learn new skills such as soldering and 3D printing. Most courses will also have their own society, so definitely sign up as they usually have discounted socials and have industry speakers join, which can help with your career.

4. Budgeting is important
As we all know, students aren’t exactly swimming in money. Therefore, having a budget is crucial to make sure you have enough to eat while still enjoying your time at university. It may be tempting to spend all the money you receive instantly, but unfortunately, life isn’t that easy. Try to make a budget after the first week or two. That way, you can get used to prices and know what you are buying on a regular basis. Once you have this, try to cover all your necessities, with any leftovers going into a savings account or used as extra spending money.

5. The university has support to help you both financially and mentally
The university has scholarships and bursaries, so definitely have a look at those. They can be over £1,000 and will help you while at university. For me personally, having the AMBS Social Responsibility Scholarship has been a lifesaver. Additionally, the student maintenance loan is a bit flawed. If you don’t get the maximum amount, it is generally expected (but not stated) that this shortfall is meant to be covered by your parents or through part-time work.
Furthermore, mental health is taken seriously at the university. They have their own in-house, dedicated mental health team where you can book an appointment to meet in person or have a phone call.

Written by Hashir Mahmood, a current BSc Information Technology Management for Business student.

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