10 Tips for First-Year Students

Starting university is exciting, nerve-wracking, and for many, the first real taste of independence. Whether you’re moving into halls or your first shared house, it’s a big adjustment, and not just academically. From managing your money to learning how to cook pasta without supervision, there’s a lot to take on. Here are 10 essential tips every first-year student should know, especially if you’re living away from home for the first time.

1. Learn to Budget (and Actually Stick to It)

It’s easy to burn through your student loan in the first few weeks if you’re not careful. Nights out, takeaways, and spontaneous trips to the pub can add up fast. Set a weekly spending limit for things like food, socialising, and travel, and use a budgeting app or simple spreadsheet tracker to track it.

Pro tip: Leave a little buffer for unexpected costs—you will forget you have to buy certain supplies regularly.

2. Get the Basics for Cooking and Cleaning

This may be your first time without a parent around to tell you when to change your bedsheets. It might sound obvious, but having basic cooking equipment (a saucepan, a frying pan, a wooden spoon) and cleaning supplies (antibacterial spray, cloths, washing-up liquid) will go a long way.

Learning the foundations of cooking not only helps you eat more nutritious meals but also saves a surprising amount of money over time. And if you want to make your meals work harder for you, check out our list of the best foods for studying.

And yes, you do need to wash your bedding every couple of weeks.

3. Make an Effort With Housemates Early On

Whether you’re in halls or a student house, your housemates will likely become your first university “family.” Make the effort to introduce yourself, invite people to hang out in shared spaces, or suggest cooking a meal together. Building a good relationship early can make for a much smoother year. Even if you're more introverted, small gestures like offering to make tea go a long way.

4. Register with a Local GP and Dentist

It’s not the most exciting part of moving away, but it’s essential. You don’t want to be scrambling to find a doctor when you’re already ill. Most university towns, including Loughborough, have student-friendly health centres you can register with online.

Also, stock up on over-the-counter essentials like paracetamol, plasters, and cold remedies before you need them.

5. Don’t Skip Lectures Just Because You Can

University gives you a lot more freedom, but that also means more personal responsibility. It might not feel like a big deal to miss a 9am here or there, but the work builds up quickly. Make a habit of showing up, taking notes, and staying on top of deadlines. Remember that, in most cases, unlike your previous years of education, you have chosen to be here. Trust us, future-you will thank you during exam season.

6. Fresher’s Week Isn’t Everything (But It’s Worth Getting Involved)

You might love it, or you might find it overwhelming, but Fresher’s Week isn’t the only opportunity to make friends. That said, attending a few events, joining societies, or just keeping your door open can help you meet people outside your course or flat.

Not a party person? Go to a quiz night, sign up for a sport, or join a hobby-based society instead.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Everyone feels out of their depth at some point. Whether it’s academic stress, homesickness, or something more serious, support is available. Universities usually offer wellbeing services, academic advisors, peer mentoring, and counselling.

8. Get to Know Your Town or City

You’re not just moving into a room, you’re joining a whole new community. Spend some time exploring your new area. Where’s the nearest supermarket? What’s the quickest way to campus? Are there any hidden gems, markets, or parks nearby?

Feeling settled in your surroundings can make a huge difference to how quickly you feel at home.

9. Back Up Your Work (Multiple Times)

Losing an assignment at 3am because your laptop crashes is a rite of passage you do not want to experience. Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or an external hard drive, whatever works, just back everything up regularly. Your university won’t accept “my laptop broke” as a reason for late work.

10. Be Kind to Yourself While You Adjust

The first term can be a rollercoaster. You might not feel like you’ve found your people straight away. You might be dealing with homesickness more than you expected. That’s okay. Give yourself permission to feel all of it and take each day as it comes. Everyone else is figuring it out too, even if they seem like they’ve got it all together.

Embrace Your First-Year Journey

Embarking on your first year of university is both exciting and challenging. By following this tailored advice for first-year students, you will be well-prepared to make the most of your experience. From managing your time and finances to building relationships and taking care of your health, each decision you make contributes to a successful start.

Stay open to new experiences, embrace the challenges ahead, and most importantly, enjoy every moment. Your university journey is in your hands; make it memorable!