Ah so I've already been a bad blogger, the past few weeks I've been either too busy or too tired to sit down and write this post! Seeing as my little brother, and many of his friends are heading off to Uni in a matter of weeks I thought I'd share my best ten tips for making the most of this life changing experience! There's no particular order to these so read away :)

#1
Be approachable - starting at uni can be one of the scariest life changes ever, everything as you know it disappears so in this moment it's important to remember that everyone is in the same boat! So put on your bravest smile and say hello to that stranger that's about to be your housemate for the next year. Doing little things like leaving your door open whilst you unpack can make a real difference so don't be shy (or try not to be...)!

#2
Budget - this is one thing I didn't exactly succeed in... I cannot stress how much easier your life will be if you don't blow your student loan in the first month, no matter how much you want those new clothes or new gadget, food is more important! I'm not saying be stingy, by all means go out and socialise just make sure you're wise with how you do it.

#3
Try something new - whether it's joining a new sports society or picking up a new hobby this one's probably a given, you should "give it a go". Literally, most societies and clubs will have try it out sessions where you can go along and see if it's for you without requiring any commitment.

#4
Do not forget your home friends - these people stuck with you through your school life and shared so many good times. Some of them will be going through exactly the same things as you, new uni, new life so undoubtedly they'll crave a familiar face or voice. Besides who wants to get home at Christmas time and have no friends...

#5
Take first year seriously - for most you, you'll hear "first year doesn't count" and yes although it won't count towards your degree classification it's stilll essential! Use it as a building ground for all those good habits you need throughout your degree, such as completing assignments asap rather than the night before, figuring out which lecturers to ask for help and familiarising yourself with your floor in the library! On the social side, make friends, find people with common interests it's so important to have a support network. Remember "a problem shared is a problem halved".

#6
Familiarise yourself with your campus and surrounding town - go for a self guided tour! Take an afternoon to discover the hidden gems at your uni, it took me until third year to discover my uni actually had this lovely private garden perfect for summer picnics! It'll make that rush to your 9am lectures just that little bit less horrendous if you know where you're going. Get to know your lecturers and your school office too, they're there to help you so get on their good side when you can.

#7
Be careful - Just remember you've most likely moved to an unfamiliar city, living with strangers. Don't take your personal safety as a joke, make sure someone always knows where you are, don't let strangers into your halls and if you feel unsafe remember there is a network of people there to make sure young people stay safe. Also, on a cynical note you ultimately have responsibility for your own safety whilst your new friends might seem nice enough it's probably best you keep your wits about you.

#8
Tell your mum your family you love them and let them know you're okay. This is one I got completely wrong, first term I got a bit lost at uni and didn't contact my parents for far too long. Unless you count being tagged in facebook photos...

#9
Sharing is (sometimes) caring - this is a phrase my first year housemates and I adopted. I'm not saying go and steal everyone's milk cause that's not cool however, if you get on with people they're much more likely to lend you a slice of bread. Do your weekly online shops together, take it in turns to sign up with everyone's different email addresses you'll get money off each time and if you've each got more than one email then you're winning!

#10
Have fun! Seriously, I know you're there to study and achieve but don't forget to let your hair down every now and again you wont be able to get through years of studying without going a little Brittney or Miley depending on who you prefer haha.

I know a lot of my tips are probably common sense and things you've heard before but hey if you take one tip from this then I'm happy!
Ty
Urs
x