THE INTERNATIONAL PEN

Our job as University students is to learn as much as we can, either be it for academic purposes or for more personal. But the more we learn the more we can teach. We went around campus and asked a couple of students what they thought would be great advice for new students. They’re all different in age, culture and degree but they can all agree that first month’s as a fresher can be tough.

 

 

For your health:

Mishaele says: “Don’t waste your money in junk food. As cheap and easy to eat as they seem to be, you’re not really feeding yourself properly. Eating at the cafeteria may not seem like the best option (some of the items may be quite tasteless), but as long you’re getting your nutrition you should be fine.”

 

About making friends for non - local students:

Bruno, from Computer Engineering, gives some advice about friends: “Depending on your personality it can be tough to make friends. Try to make one at a time; at least that’s what I did. Meet someone that has something in common with you (for example classes), so you have something to bond over with. But it’s perfectly natural to feel homesick, especially if you’re not from the U.K.”

 

For your studies:

Carol, taking a Financial degree, talks about classes: “Try not to miss classes. As boring or early as they can be, missing just one might make you feel lost. If you have to, like if you’re sick or have to be absent due to some legitimate issues, send an e-mail to your teacher. It’ll show them that you have an interest in learning and you have an excuse to later ask questions. Also, ask any questions you might have in classes and try to note down what you ask and the answer. It might give you an advantage when writing essays or exams.”

 

To live with flatmates:

Sarah, doing Spanish and Portuguese studies: “If you have or are planning to have a flat mate, be very careful who you choose to share a house with. The funniest person in the group might be the worst roommate. Test the waters a bit, and definitely draw some ground rules. If you’re living with a friend don’t be afraid to ask them to do something.  It’s better if you talk it out and come to a consensus than to be passive-aggressive with each other. Divide tasks and work so no one is works more or less.”

 

 

My personal advice is to have a great time. University is a big milestone but it’s also a place where you make connections, meet some great people and where you can have a lot of fun. There are a lot of things to do around campus, so being bored shouldn’t be an option. Don’t be scared to get out there.