First term survival tips
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Your first term is bound to be manic, follow our survival guide to avoid fresher pitfalls
Once freshers’ week has been and gone – you’re fully registered, you’ve met five people called Mark and finally worked out where the laundry room is – it’s time to get down to the serious and exciting business of studying for your degree.
While there’s no need to panic and place a huge amount of emphasis on the first term (you’ll have at least eight more to come after all) it’s important to get it right in order to set the tone for your time in higher education.
Read on then for our suggestions on how to make your first few months both memorable and productive.
Wake up
We’re talking metaphorically here: you’ve just come off the back of a gloriously long summer holiday and a largely fun-filled freshers’ week, but now’s the time to get your head down.
Eat properly
What? Your mum has mentioned this already? We’re with her on this one. Five portions of fruit and veg a day, eating breakfast, avoiding fatty, salty food; it all leads to a happier and healthier you.
Stock check
Make sure you’ve got everything you need – certainly in the first few weeks – in terms of text books, pens, pencils, paper, and anything else that’s specific to your course.
Question everything
Not in a “Why am I here?” way, but in terms of getting your head around anything you’re not sure of. For example: don’t understand something that’s come up in a tutorial? Ask your tutor. Easy.
The write stuff
Early on it’s worth making even more notes than you might usually, just to make sure you don’t miss anything that you need later. As you progress you’ll get a better idea of how many notes you need to make.
Compare notes
Once you have made those notes, why not discuss them with your course mates; it’s a good way to get to know them better and make sure you haven’t missed anything in the process.
Book early
The library is your friend. Be good to it and it will be good to you. It’s that simple. Get to know it’s set-up and layout as soon as you can, and start spending some quality time together.
Get involved
When you sign up for all those clubs and societies in freshers’ week, don’t forget to actually go along to them! A chance to meet new people, learn new things; what’s not to like?
Phone home
Let friends and relatives know how you’re getting on, while it’s also good to hear from the people you love. However, don’t go home on your first available weekend; settle in to your new surroundings first.
Go out
Yes, you’re at university or college to work hard, but don’t forget to have some fun in amongst all that as well. If you stare at computer screens and reading lists 24/7 you ºmight go a bit mad.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments