Top Tips for your first week at University

So your move in date for university is fast approaching, and the nerves are starting to kick in. Here's a bit of advice to make the best start to your new life.

1. Meet and greet your flatmates ASAP

Obviously give them a bit of time to say goodbye to their families and move their stuff in, but it's important to get out of your room and meet who you'll be living with for the next year. Otherwise you'll find yourself hiding out in your room for the rest of the day. Hardly a productive start is it? A good idea is to buy a doorstop and keep your room open, although I suggest you close it when getting dressed!

2. Go out and have fun!

Freshers is there for a reason. Make the most of the events that the university has planned for you. If you're worried because you don't drink, don't worry. You can have just as much fun being the non-drunk one and you'll be able to remember all the embarrassing moments that your flatmates had :). Also, universities create other events such as BBQs and games nights which can allow you to meet other people without the booze. Here's your chance to make some great friends, so don't spend it in your accommodation.

3. Join Societies

If you're unsure of what societies to join, at least start by joining the society of your chosen course, you'll get to meet people who've done your modules before and you'll get to meet people from your year group. A society looks great on your CV, and allows you do to something else other than lectures and sleeping.

4. Set cleaning rules with your flatmates

I can't guarantee that your flatmates will abide with the rules you all set out at the beginning, but setting a basic rota or rules can prevent arguments, upset, and dirty accommodation. If you don't fancy cleaning up after the others, then you can all agree to the rules when cleaning up after yourselves.

5. Organise your work and revision schedule

It seems a bit drastic considering you'll have just started your course, but believe me when it comes to revising for exams you'll be wishing that you could go back in time and concentrate from the beginning. Take notes from your lectures and make sure your work is organised. Look at my previous blog entry "what we regret after exams" to see where I went wrong and what you can do to prevent it. http://bethweatherhead.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/what-we-regret-after-exams.html

Good luck in your first week!
Goodbye for now!