How to survive as a student

Whether you are a fresher or a returning student the Autumn is always the best time of year for being a student. It's the time when you are most likely to have money, and when most of the parties happen and when everyone returns from summer with a spring in their step. Seeing as it’s that time of year again I thought I would share some of my experiences in getting the most out of life as being a student.

If you are a fresher, your initial reaction would be one of feeling out of your depth. Don't rush into relationships with the wrong people and don't be too hasty to impress your peers. Instead make sure you take it one step at a time, remember, this is probably the time in your life that you will look back on with the fondest of memories. Forge solid relationships with likeminded people and make sure you pitch in together in order to have the best time that you can. Take time to get to know your lecturers and peers, familiarize yourself with your surroundings and the new city you are now living in.

The cost of text books and university books are always an expence that most of us would like to avoid. Make sure you consider buying from budget shops as well as online book sellers like Amazon, Play and Ebay. Also when looking into accommodation check out any special deals that the landlords are prepared to offer such as free wifi. That way you can employ the biggest library in the world for free – the internet! Failing that, make sure you are a member of the local lending library, again a free book borrowed is much better than an expensive book owned in this situation.

No doubt you will be taking on a huge financial responsibility going to University, what with student loans and tuition fees. The last thing you need right now are credit cards sucking up what is left of your money in the form of penalties due to missed repayments. Instead, try and get a part time job such as bar work or shelf stacking. This can prove to be a life saver when you need to whip out some extra cash for that beer stock up or paying the utility bills. Also make sure you pitch in with friends to share the cost of expensive items such as taxi fares, food shopping and the like. Don't be fooled into cheep student deals presented by credit card companies, they know that students are a susceptible market as they know they are typically short of money. Track your spending and how much you need to budget for bills and such like.

Freshers usually plump for the University halls of residence for their first years accommodation. This can be a costly mistake, Halls of residence can often be more expensive than private accommodation and less fun! Sharing a house with fellow students can be a great and wild experience, with endless parties and such. Again, pitching in to pay for utility bills can be a good way of saving money, especially on things such as television licence fees, gas and electric, water bills and heating bills, joint furnishings and white goods. Make sure that your group pull their weight and pay for their share of the costs of running student accommodation and above all else, make sure everyone does their share of cooking and cleaning. A student house doesn't necessarily mean an untidy house by default and keeping on top of both the cleanliness of inside as well as outside will cut down on the chances of vermin creeping in. Remember, most universities are situated in the city and as such are prone to the risk of infestations of mice and rats.

Always find a good location for your shared house. Take into consideration the distance from the University campus, city centre, the local pub or student bars. Again a cost factor can be employed here as bus fares and taxi cabs can mount up over time. Consider buying a second hand bike to get you to the campus on time and walking is always good for exercise.

A common factor of the student way of life is socialising and nights out. Try and be a little bit sensible and take just enough money out with you to have a good time. Leave the bank card at home and always consider going out locally to save on taxi fares. Check out your student union bars, these can be the cheapest way of getting the pints down you, but try to remember what you are doing the next day, if you've got important lectures in the morning then sitting there with a hangover is no joke! Also ask your student union about where the best and cheapest places to eat and drink in town are. They should also be able to tell you about night busses and good student friendly taxi firms that won't give you the grand tour of the four corners of the city when you are only going a mile down the road. Make sure you stay safe at night and go out in groups of at least three or four friends, make sure you have a plan (a fun one) but make sure you stick to it.

If you live in shared accommodation as opposed to halls of residence the you will probably want to host a house party! Remember! this isn't your house!! You have to respect the building and it's furniture as your landlord ma present you with a bill for damaged furniture. If you have a garden at the back of the house then seriously consider staging most of the party there as this will be prone to less damage, however remember to remove any outdoor wooden garden furniture as the moment your back's turned some helpful sole may deem it necessary to stock the party bonfire / barbecue with it.

Get to know the University or College campus quickly. It’s where you will spend most of your time and you will settle in much more quickly, making good friends and making those first few months more fun. You will also learn the secrets like the best and most quietest place to study, or the busiest time in the canteen, or when the special offers are on. By familiarising yourself with the campus you will be able to make the most of the facilities. All good colleges and universities will host student specific and cheap entertainment and special events. Often you will find that the best bands play the student union venues by default anyway.

This is probably a salient point as no doubt your parents will be throwing you lifelines throughout your student career, but make sure you phone home every Sunday and visit when you can.Too many students have become estranged from the bosom of their family and feel they can no longer call on them for help or even just a shoulder. Remember being a student isn't just a new phenomena and your parents probably went through something very similar when they were your age.

These are the best years of your life, make sure you have the best time, the wildest parties and forge lifelong friends for you to sit back and reminisce with later in life. Don't get too hung up on your grades at the very end. Obviously you are going to strive to achieve the best that you can but remember, once you have finished University you are only just beginning on lifes road and you will have plenty of opportunity to improve your career all in good time.