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Survived Freshers? What now?

As your first year stretches out in front of you, how do you intend to make the most of it? What challenges will you face? How will you make your money last the year? How will you balance your social life, study and finances? UNIAID, the Students’ Charity, is here to help you prepare and cope…Here are some tips from….

Experience a virtual year with All about U
How will you cope at university? Will you make the right decisions? Will you spend more time in the bar than in the library? Take a look on the website

Make the most of the first few weeks
• Socialising –Talk to as many people as you can, not just the people you live with. Remember not to blow all of your cash in the first few weeks; there are lots of things which you can do for free, such as exploring the area.
• Pacing yourself - Going out every night in the first term may make you popular but could mean a serious lack of money (and social life) later in the year. Set yourself a spending limit, leave the rest at home. You can't spend what you don't have with you.
• Getting fresh - Visit the fresher fair / society day, who knows what you’ll find! Most societies and sports teams charge for membership, this fee might be few pounds or may be a lot higher for some sports teams so be sure you’ll make the most of it before you hand over your cash.

Stay Safe
One in three students are victims of crime. Don’t become another statistic. Safety isn’t sexy but as the cliché says, ‘it’s better to be safe than sorry’.

Don’t prop open entrance doors or leave your windows open when you’re not in your room
Some tips
• Don’t prop open entrance doors or leave your windows open when you’re not in your room.
• If your phone gets stolen call 08701 123123 to get your phoned locked.
• Why not mark your belongings with a UV pen, so your property is easier to identify if it gets stolen
• GET INSURED! Check to see if you’re covered as part of your banks student service or on your parents’ insurance policy.
• Your personal safety is also important; don’t walk home alone, go home with friends or get a taxi. If you’re on a night out keep an eye on your drink or, even better, get a Spikey or another anti-drink spiking item to keep yourself safe.

Don’t forget the study...
• Make sure you have breaks whilst you are studying, if you study for hours without a break you will not take the information in.
• Keep an eye on deadlines, don’t leave everything till the last minute, you’ll be rushed and achieve your best.
• Make the most of reading weeks; use them to study not to have a holiday.
• The more prepared you are for essays and exams the less stressed you will feel when deadlines and exams approach.

UNIAID collects tips from real students and would love to hear yours. Email the team at info@uniaid.org.uk

Related links
 Adopt a virtual student and keep it alive until graduation
Experience a virtual year at university

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UNIAID website
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