This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Nottingham chapter.

Term is well and truly under way. You’ve bought all your books, had at least one night you can’t really remember, already spent half of your student loan and panicked about the daunting prospect of the year ahead and how exactly you should prioritise your uni life.

But don’t fret: here at Her Campus Nottingham we’ve rustled up a fail-safe guide to making the most of university whilst socialising, working hard (ish) and indulging in one too many dips in the Ocean.

1. Embrace your degree

Maybe hugging your Cold War textbook as you slumber is taking it a tad far (but there may be a slim chance the info will seep into your head via osmosis), but doing the recommended extra reading on the stuff that you really fancy learning about will make the boring bits slightly more bearable, we promise.

2. Leave your comfort zone behind

You could well be a wizard with a broomstick (Quidditch Soc anyone?) or find out that you are really rather good at break dancing, but you won’t know til you try! The SU are still running free and discounted ‘try-it’ sessions – so now is the time to get involved: you might just surprise yourself. You could even try your hand at whipping up your own Her Campus Article!

3. Bond with your housemates

Your year will be so much better if you can all master kitchen co-ordination and chat about all the misadventures you’ll share (and there will be plenty!) Trust us on this one; there is nothing better than dressing up as a giant crayon with other people dressed up as giant crayons by your side.

4. Attempt to do the reading each week

Don’t try to read ten novels in 2 weeks. Just don’t. We know that this one is definitely easier said than done but you’ll certainly thank future you for it; future you loves seminar reading. You can do this, even if you sometimes feel a bit like:

5. TREAT YO SELF

You totally have something saved in your ASOS basket right now don’t you? One pair of amazing leather trousers won’t hurt, plus you’ll look kickass in lectures.

6. Enjoy some ‘me-time’

It’s not just about retail therapy. You should also remember to eat well, take breaks and rest; a little TLC goes a long way in getting through the demands of uni life.

7. Don’t spend your life in Hallward

Instead of braving its prison-like interior to get that reading done, try to take your work somewhere else: be it your garden (if you’re lucky enough to have one), a friend’s house or the peaceful Trent cafe. The new environment will encourage you to be more productive and you’ll be bossing your degree in no time.

8. Do all those things that you can only do in this East Midlands city

Nottingham will be your home for at least the next year so have a jolly old time at the Goose fair, nab a hot chocolate at Winter Wonderland and take the obligatory Robin Hood statue selfie: you know you want to!

9. Finally, and most importantly, when you’re stressed beyond reason… procrasti-bake!

Cake is good for the soul. Plus cake-making skills = instant friends. Pow.

Edited by Tia Ralhan

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