"SARAH HALLS: BEING A FRESHER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER"
Applying to uni? Worried about making new friends? Worry no more, just read what Sarah has to say about her time as a fresher at the University of Manchester and you won’t be able to wait.
Living La Vida Loca Life at university is a social Mecca. There are so many opportunities to meet students from around the world who come from a range of diverse backgrounds. Here at the University of Manchester there are over 80 clubs and societies ranging from predictable political groups to the maniacal megalomaniac society that offers the chance of world domination! The Athletic Union (AU) provides another occasion for intermingling. The various teams allow students to join irrespective of their sporting ability and every Wednesday night the AU has its main social night where clubbers go dressed in the theme of the week. However there are alternatives to alcohol fuelled nights. Discover the town that you are in, use your NUS card to gain a student discount on countless purchases. Plus each society has its own social night where there they put on range of activities that do not include alcohol.
Sticking together Contrary to popular lore it is very easy to make friends at university. For the majority of your flatmates it will be the first time they are living away from home. Therefore it is vital you spend the first few weeks acquainting yourself with them because they will be your surrogate family whilst living away.
Eating together rather than in the seclusion of your room, going to the gym, or going to the cinema are all activities where the whole flat can get to know each other better. Remember that emotional problems mean you lose your academic focus. Therefore having someone to talk to when the going gets tough is essential. Having established friendship amongst your flatmates, you will have to negotiate the tricky path of finding course mates. Force yourself to go to the introductory talks that lecturers give about course modules because most of the students who turn up are just as clueless as you. Do not dismiss fellow students who do not suit your image because you could be destroying a potential friendship. The more varied the personalities of your friends the better, since you never know when you might need their guidance. Whilst busy making new friends it is easy to forget your school friends. However with the increasing rise of social networking websites such as Facebook and Myspace, technology bridges the distance. At the same time transport services such as coaches and trains travel to major cities from £1 and from £9 respectively.
Study,study,study! Whether you have five 9am starts or are fortunate to start later, lectures are obviously an essential part of university life. Do not fall into the temptation of skipping classes as some lecturers give credits for attendance and class participation. Instead prepare yourself for each lecture, find the necessary books for lectures as the most recommended ones will be in high demand and keep to deadlines! Although most lecturers place their lectures online it is always better to get into the routine of going to your lectures. Most lectures add extra tips and hints, and if you discipline yourself now you will find it easier for the rest of your degree. Dispel all preconceptions of what fresher year at university comprises of because the experience is unique to everyone. The only thing that is true is the unforgettable adventure you will have. Enjoy!
BOX OUT Money Matters Which of the following statements are true, the national average student debt on graduating in 2006 was £13,500. 1 in 5 students owe at least £15,000. The answer is both these of these statements are true. Here are a few tips to stop you stumbling into financial freefall:
Have a budget and STICK to it. A reasonable budget would be £40- £60 per week. Keep track of your bank account Use internet banking if possible and check you account regularly. Not checking your account only prolongs the problem of having a lack of cash rather than solving it. The last thing you want is to enter your overdraft.
Get a job. There are many jobs in the retail and hospitality sector, furthermore you will make friends in the process and gain desirable skills for future employment.
Student discounts Use your NUS card to get 10-15% in shops and travel expenses. Instead of shopping at popular supermarket chains, purchase your goods in local markets.
Pin me up. Avoid credit and store cards like the plague. They may offer attractive rates but you may find that you do not have enough to repay them later. Remember that the money is on loan to you so the decisions you make now affect you several years after graduation.
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