If you are reading this, then you must be looking forward to going to college. Perhaps your paperwork is all sorted, and you have looked into all student accommodation aspects and what the town has to offer. But is that all? What else do you need to keep in mind? This article will give you ten tips that you cannot miss.
Accommodation
This is one of the most important aspects when going to college. You’ll need to ensure that you stay somewhere close to the campus and not too far from the shops and the facilities that you will need access to. Some towns have student areas, and they are usually cheaper. Choose carefully and don’t isolate yourself.
Money
Money management is usually the biggest hurdle for new students. Don’t go out on a spending spree just because you’ve gone to college. Budget accurately and track all your spending. Also, you might want to save on fuel money by walking or using public transport. That way you don’t have to worry about being broke.
Find Out More About The Town
This is important so that you’re aware of the location of shops, pubs, bus routes and other facilities that might be important to you. Ideally, this is a good time to register with a reputable doctor and a dentist as well.
Try and Get a Job
Pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants, supermarkets and local shops are ideal places to find jobs. Campus life can be quite tricky, but if you can get a job that gives you some extra income, you might be able to afford a good lifestyle in the campus.
Strive For Cheap Nights Out
You don’t have to party every other day or weekend. Consider saving your money by staying in or visiting a friend. Partying is okay, but it gets expensive when done regularly.
Buy A PC and a Printer
You will need a PC or a laptop and a printer for almost every unit that you are going to take on your course. As such, relying on your friends or the university can be a drag and highly inconvenient. So, look for good deals or even purchase a second-hand quality model. The Internet is also a major requirement when it comes to studies and so, ensure you have reliable WiFi or a broadband package for your online needs.
Buy Cheap Text Books
You don’t always have to buy new books, particularly when you will not need them for long. Look for cheap second-hand books from the internet or local dealers. You’ll get books that are in good condition for a fraction of the brand new book’s price.
Socialize
Join groups of people that interest you and try new hobbies. If you have always wanted to try something new like rock climbing, playing chess, tennis e.t.c., now is the time!
You are What You Eat
You will not be able to keep up with campus life if you don’t eat properly and healthy. Start by learning how to cook various meals and you won’t have to buy ready meals or rely on friends. Cooking is cheaper than buying takeaways. So, ensure you have all the utensils you need to make cooking easy and quick. Also, ensure that your diet is balanced and that you eat healthy regularly. If you are going to be studying hard and partying hard, you’ll need a lot of nutrients.
Finally, do not forget to study. Yes, you need to have a good time on campus, but the primary reason for attending college is to study. So, manage your time and make good use of your new found freedom. Be a responsible adult and do everything in time, from sleeping to submitting assignments and projects. Campus life can be fun, but it can be a place where if not careful, you might crush your dreams. Have fun, but not too much to forget your career goals and what you want to be.
Now that you have learned a few tips on how to prepare for campus life, it is time to get organized and get ready for a whole new beginning.