Transitioning from school to university is a significant moment in your life, and it can be pretty complicated. You may feel excited about this new chapter, but at the same time, it may also terrify you. Student life comes with independence but also with many responsibilities and plenty of choices. Therefore, you may feel overwhelmed by this whole process. Everyone is different, so changing the environment may be a bit easier for some people. However, if you find it challenging, know that it is entirely normal to have mixed feelings about this significant change in your life.
University life is filled with challenges but also with numerous opportunities. You get to build new friendships, explore new interests and grow as a person. This time of your life can be rewarding, but you must learn to take care of yourself first. The first year is the most challenging, and many students struggle with getting enough sleep and eating properly. But you should do your best to prioritise your health above all. Read on to learn 6 tips on transitioning smoothly into university life without letting stress take over you.
Start budgeting
If you’ve relied on your parents for money up until now, this may be the first time you have to start managing your finances. This significant responsibility is a critical part of transitioning from school to uni life. You must pay for books, meals, tuition and other expenses. Therefore, it’s imperative not to spend too much money and stick to a budget.
Budgeting is crucial, but it can be intimidating at the same time. However, there are plenty of several budgeting apps that can help you manage your finances successfully.
Consider accommodation
Accommodation is one of the essential things you should consider when transitioning to university after the Kivik sofa. It’s not recommended to choose the first place you see; instead, you should look at different options and decide which one matches your needs.
But before deciding, you must figure out what type of accommodation you want. Do you prefer a student house, an apartment or a flat? Are you looking for individual accommodation or want to move in with your friends? Whatever the option, estate agents can help you find suitable accommodation. For instance, if you’re looking for housing in Newcastle, Walton Robinson experts can assess your requirements and make your search easier. It’s essential to think about your needs in advance and consider your budget too so that you know what to look for.
Ask for help
You should never feel ashamed to ask for help. You may believe you must handle things alone, but that’s not true. Transitioning from school to university can feel overwhelming, and it’s essential to remember there are resources to help you manage the situation.
These involve administrative support and academic counselling, extra tutoring, psychological help, etc. Changing your environment may bring some feelings of loneliness, but remember that many tools are available and ask for help whenever necessary.
Realise homesickness is normal
Leaving home is a significant life change, so it’s only natural to have all these mixed feelings about it. Even if this new chapter of your life is exciting, that doesn’t mean you won’t miss your friends, family and former routine. Keep in mind that it is ok to feel this way and give yourself time to adjust to this new life.
Also, remember there are ways to cope with homesickness. For instance, you can start exploring this new environment and see what your surroundings can offer. Universities often organize different activities for students, so check if there’s something that interests you. Another thing you can do is connect with people around you. Building new friendships can make the transition much more manageable. You can always find people with similar interests at university, but it’s essential to be open to connecting with people and put yourself out there as much as possible.
Use your time wisely
Student life comes with different opportunities, so you may be tempted to get involved in several activities. However, balancing all your responsibilities can be challenging and often exhausting, especially if you also have a job. Therefore, you should pick your courses wisely and use your time as efficiently as possible to avoid burnout. If you aren’t a morning person, attending 8 a.m classes may not sound exciting, so it’s best to choose a time that’s right for you. Make sure to take detailed notes in class, as they will be helpful for essays and exams.
You should also do your best to avoid procrastination, as this will help you make the most of your time. It’s common for students to procrastinate when they don’t want to deal with stressful or monotonous tasks. However, procrastination doesn’t only hurt your grades but also leads to stress. Therefore, you should find solutions to stop procrastinating, such as starting small, keeping track of deadlines, and setting milestones. Also, make sure to stay organised. This is imperative if you want to succeed academically. Plus, organisational skills will also help you when looking for jobs, so it’s best to start honing these skills while you’re a student.
Take care of your health
This involves both your physical and mental health. As a student, you may think doing well at university is your number one priority, but taking care of your health is equally crucial. It’s a busy environment, and there are many things you have to do, like attending classes, getting involved in extracurricular activities, and being social. Some students may even need to work. Therefore, things may quickly get overwhelming, so it’s imperative to take breaks when needed like a hot bubble bath or a cup of hot chocolate. Your mental health impacts your academic performance, so if you want to do well at university, make sure to prioritise this aspect.
Besides your psychological well-being, you should also take care of your physical health. This means eating well, hydrating, and getting enough sleep. It’s common for students not to get the right amount of rest they need, but this is vital when you’re in university. Lack of sleep impacts your creativity, adaptability, learning and decision-making skills. If you don’t get enough sleep, you may find it difficult to focus on your studies. Plus, sleep deprivation also leads to all sorts of health issues, like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Therefore, you should sleep at least 7 hours per night so that you wake up rejuvenated and stay healthy both physically and mentally.
