Well, you’ve made it through Fresher’s week- congratulations! You’ll probably be feeling the impending doom that is starting classes and Durham winter right about now. But never fear- here’s 8 tips to make the transition into uni life as smooth as possible:
1. Accept the fact that you will never be 100% healthy again. Invest in Berocca, Paracetamol and please register at the GP.
2. Don’t be shy to ask for people’s names again before it’s too late! I am personally guilty of becoming increasingly good friends with someone over the year, without gathering the courage to ask. If in doubt, ask to add them on Facebook and offer your phone!
3. Make a list of summative deadlines (and formatives for bonus points). Go to the lecture/seminar where they tell you exactly what you need to do and print it off before the deadline – trust me, otherwise you’ll be way too stressed.
4. Load up your printing credits at the library. Even if you have your own printer, just put at least £5 online in case of emergencies!
5. Keep going to societies until you’re certain which ones you want to join. That being said, there’s no shame in becoming a social member to keep your options for night outs open!
6. Don’t work too much! Yes, go to as many lectures as you can and definitely get those summatives in, but you have the next 2/3 years for hard work. Go out even if you’ve got a 9am and prioritise making friends this year.
7. Look after yourself. You will inevitably get sad/stressed/lonely in your first year so have a list of friends and family from home that you know you can call when necessary. Also, find out what support the university and your college offers if you find yourself overwhelmed.
8. Have fun! Don’t do too many things that you don’t enjoy and don’t hang out with fresher’s week friends if you fall out. Most importantly, don’t sign a house on Hawthorn in October – there’s no need and you will inevitably over pay!
Image credits:
https://pixabay.com/photo-2562594/
https://pixabay.com/photo-1006045/
https://www.facebook.com/durhamnightline/photos/rpp.28861814607/10154944785714608/?type=3&theater