5 Tips for Starting University

Posted on: July 14, 2023

Starting college as a freshman can sometimes feel overwhelming. Below, we’ve compiled our top five tips to smoothen the transition and help you set yourself up for success. 

1. Establish a Budget 

With all the expenses that come with attending university, it’s important to keep track of your finances. A great way to do this is to establish two budgets: one that is fixed, and one that covers variables. Your fixed budget will include things like tuition, housing, meal plans, and transportation. These are expenses that will cost the same amount, or close to the same amount, monthly or yearly. Once you’ve calculated your fixed expenses, you’ll be able to budget for variables—anything else you might want to spend your money on, like concerts, iced coffees, or movie tickets. Planning your budget ahead of time will ensure financial security through the end of the year.  

Websites like NerdWallet provide guidance for creating a budget as a student. You can also consider using an app to track your spending.

2. Know What to Pack 

For many on-campus students, university will be your first time living away from home. This prospect can be both thrilling and scary, which is why it’s important to be prepared. Combat move-in jitters by making a checklist of dorm essential before you begin packing. It’s a good idea to keep this list with you when you arrive so you can mark down any additional items you decide you need. Make sure you check the university’s website, so you have an idea of what your dorm does and does not provide. For example, some dorms may provide things like shower curtains and hand soap while others require you to bring your own. They may also have restrictions on certain appliances that are potential fire hazards.  

You want your dorm room to be a functional living space, but it’s just as important that your new dwelling feels welcoming and comfortable. Consider packing decor that will make the space more like home. You can use throw pillows, table lamps, extra blankets, and area rugs to soften the room and bring in some much-needed color. Even simply rearranging the furniture can make a dreary dorm better suited to your style and needs. But be sure to check the dimensions of the room before deciding to bring any additional furniture and discuss with your roommate first.

3. Get Out of Your Dorm 

Now that your dorm room is set up and decked out—get out of it! Most universities have a week of freshman orientation or freshers week, sponsoring events for new students to explore the campus and mingle. It might be easy to stick your nose up at scavenger hunts and themed parties, but these are great places to make friends. Because you are all new students, nobody is the odd person out, so there’s no reason to be nervous. Everyone will be eager to introduce themselves. You might learn the names of several people you rarely see again, but amongst those people you are sure to make a few solid connections. Those familiar faces can make a big difference once classes start and the rest of the students flood campus. 

4. Explore Campus and Its Surroundings 

Whether your university has a sprawling city location, or a small, intimate cluster of buildings, it’s easy to get turned around if you don’t know where you’re going. To avoid added stress on the first morning of classes, familiarize yourself with the campus before the semester begins. Bring your schedule and a map if you need one, taking time to visit each of the classrooms you are assigned as well as other important locations like the dining hall, library, campus store, and medical services. Establishing these routes will give you more confidence and help with him management. 

It can be just as important to be aware of the area surrounding your campus. You will no doubt need to leave the school grounds now and again for things like gas, groceries, and medicine. But also see the sites! Many cities and university towns offer student discounts or free days for museums and attractions. Find out if there are buses or trains with easy access to nearby cities. Remember to be safe and travel in groups—especially if you’re going somewhere unfamiliar. A lot of universities organize group trips, so keep your eyes peeled on the campus events calendar.

5. Take Advantage of Your University’s Resources 

Make the most of your college tuition by utilizing the university’s resources. Every campus is different, but most universities offer libraries, dining, and fitness centers. You can also find health services, including crisis centers and mental health hotlines, as well as discounted annual wellness visits. Another great resources to take advantage is the writing center, where advisors can help you tackle papers and essays, no matter your major. Tutors are usually made available for every subject, so don’t feel the need to struggle through a difficult class on your own. Other universities offer even more resources such as childcare, peer programs, hair salons, TV subscriptions, rehearsal spaces, and music practice rooms.