Life at the university is an entirely whole different experience. It’s exciting, it’s overwhelming and most of all, it may be quite stressful if you don’t prepare yourself for what’s ahead; but don’t worry! Most people consider university life to be one of the best experiences of their lives. It may be even more nerve-racking if you were studying abroad in a foreign country, but this may make your life experience even more life-changing. Here are some pointers to help you get ready for your new adventure…
1. Plan Your Accommodation
Most first-year students prefer to live in halls of residence because they are supervised by the university and provide an easy method to meet other new individuals. Privately rented housing or off-campus university living are possible options, but they are more popular with mature or postgraduate students.
It’s critical to remember that it’s never too early to start thinking about your preferences, as many hall seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Enquire about accommodation and explore your alternatives by contacting your university’s accommodation office.
Read our Student Accommodation Guide to know more about student’s housing in Malaysia!
2. Organize Your Finances
While it may not appear to be the most fun activity when preparing for university, it is critical to organise your finances before freshmen week so you can budget for the upcoming academic year.
The first thing you should do is open a student bank account. Many big banks offer these with additional incentives, but what you should genuinely be looking for is the bank with the best 0% interest overdraft capabilities. If you exceed your pre-arranged overdraft limit, banks often charge daily fees, so always read the fine print.
If you intend to obtain government-funded student financing, you must first contact the relevant Student Finance body to get the process started. Securing student loans is a time-consuming procedure, so make it a top priority. Once these measures are in place, and you know how much financing you are entitled to on top of any family allowances and part-time job earnings, you can manage your daily life accordingly.
Allowances for necessities (food, energy bills, course materials) and indulgences (clothing, socialising, visits home) should be included to avoid financial difficulties later in the term.
3. Start Reading
Many universities post their reading lists online weeks before the start of their courses, or they will send you the information via email. This will give you an indication of what your workload will be like, and having a head start on reading will boost your confidence for lectures.
You don’t have to own every book on the list; instead, choose the essential titles and get them. Any others you require can be borrowed from your university library or purchased online from past students for a fraction of the original selling price.
4. Check Your Health Status
Arrange a health check with your GP before leaving home to ensure that you begin university in the best possible health. This is especially true in the post-COVID era.
If you treat any illnesses before relocating, you’ll be less likely to get freshers’ flu, which most first-year students get due to a lack of sleep and activity, a radical change in diet, and coming into contact with hundreds of new people in a short period.
5. Learn About the Locality
If possible, visit the city or town where your university is located to become acquainted with your new surroundings.
It’s a good idea to have a look around while you’re going for an open day to save money and time on making multiple visits, especially if your selected university is far from home. Even a virtual tour can give you an idea of what to expect.
Once you’ve relocated, utilise your free time before the start of the semester to find your nearest train station, local stores, and GP surgery, as well as your campus library, students’ union, and lecture halls.
This is an excellent opportunity to get to know your housemates by planning these visits together, as they will also need to know where these things are. If you’re not embarking it alone, the work will seem less overwhelming.
6. Learn to Cook
While you’re still at home, ask for assistance in preparing your favourite meals; you’ll be pleased you did once you’re on your own. Student cookbooks that focus on utilising cheap materials and cooking on a budget could also be helpful in learning how to cook.
Shopping on a budget is much easier than you might imagine! When you try to figure out how to save money while shopping for groceries, you’ll figure out how to spend the least amount of money while receiving your favourite foods. When shopping, you’ll often find that supermarket own-brand food is of comparable quality to more expensive branded options.
7. Spend time with your family and friends
In the summer before starting university, spend quality time with your loved ones. You may not be able to see them for a few months, depending on how far away you’re moving to study. While you’ll be doing a lot of fun things and meeting new people during your first term, homesickness is common and might occur after you’ve settled in.
Recent memories of happy events, as well as images or mementoes to keep in your bedroom, will help you cope with these emotions. Seek advice from your institution or any therapist if you need help breaking out of a slump or caring for your mental health. It’s important to remember that seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness.
8. Check out the Orientation Programme
Orientation week is jam-packed with activities designed to help you adjust to university life. Your students’ union will offer fairs to join societies and sports teams, and your course department may hold an icebreaker event to introduce you to your peers and lecturers during this time.
While you have no course commitments, you can immerse yourself in these activities to ensure you’re ready to begin your degree. Planning is essential; make sure you know when you need to be someplace ahead of time, as this will help you organise your time in the long term.
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