The new academic year is almost upon us and I am really (strangely) excited. Starting a new school year has always been one of my favourite things. This is mainly because it means I get to sort out a new routine and buy loads of new stationery. As I’m going into my last year, I thought that I would give you some insight into what I wish I knew in the first year.

HOW IMPORTANT WELCOME WEEK IS

I really underestimated the usefulness of my freshers week. I’m quite an introvert so I thought talking to new people would be a nightmare but everyone is in the same boat. Really make an effort to talk to other students, it will really come in handy when you start going to lectures etc. It’s also really useful to learn about how your uni will run. They speak about services, where to go for help etc. It’s definitely worth the time.

HOW VITAL PLANNING IS

Planning is what has made sure my life hasn’t fallen apart in the last year. It’s so good to make sure you’re aware of what’s going on. It was much easier to make plans, be organised and just get stuff done because I had it laid out for me. I also like to put in the topic of the lectures/seminars and the reading because I’m extra. A few of my friends and I from uni use these planners for doing this. They are really clear and easy to work with so I love them.

HOW USEFUL TUTORS ARE

I mentioned this in my last post about uni and I stick by it. You will one day pay for your degree so it’s so important that you take advantage of the services they offer. You wouldn’t buy a car just not to drive it, would you? Honestly, any questions you have to ask them. Visit them or email them during office hours. They are there to help you and you’re paying for it so take advantage. You will find that most tutors are super happy to help you so don’t worry about being annoying.

HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR FINDING YOUR NOTE-TAKING METHODS

Methods of note-taking are really individual so it’s important to find the way that works for you best. At first, I used a notebook but this didn’t work for me. I was missing certain things, my hand got cramped easily and my notes were not at all legible. I swapped to my laptop around halfway through the semester and honestly, it was the best thing I’d ever done. I’d say it’s probably better to test which works best for you quite quickly as I had half paper notes and half computer notes which was confusing for essay writing. Also, I’d like to mention how people who take no notes during the session frighten me…like what is your superpower oh-mighty-one.

HOW USEFUL A RAILCARD IS

If you’re going to be a fellow commuter (like me) while at uni then I really urge you to get yourself either a railcard or bus pass. I never got a railcard in the first semester because I was being cocky about how it wouldn’t cost that much to travel. Truth be told, it was costing me a hell of a lot of money. Please don’t make the same mistake as me aha.

✩  What do you wish you knew?