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<\/p>\nLet\u2019s get ready to rumblllllle!<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re a first year or you missed out on your own freshers week last year because of COVID, we\u2019re mad to get out and about.<\/p>\n
But for those of us who might never have gone out properly (underage drinking in a bush does not count lol) it can be a bit hectic and we tend to run away with ourselves. Also, lots of you are living away from home for the first time and may be at a loss for how to be an \u201cadult\u201d and basically remember which way is up. We here at An Focal have been through it all and survived. So here is your guide to surviving life as a fresher.<\/p>\n
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1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Budget baby-ya, budgeting may not seem \u201ccool\u201d but you\u2019ll be glad of it when you\u2019re not starving waiting for your next cash infusion. Some people love doing a full on budget, maybe make a spreadsheet if you\u2019re feeling fancy. But there are some pretty easy ways to keep track of your spending, like a bank app, where you can see where your money is going. Some people like to take out a certain amount of money as being able to physically see how much you have as it helps you to pull in the reins. Another way is to be conscious of your spending. For example, did you need to go to Starbucks 3 times today? That \u20ac10-20 could have gone towards a textbook, petrol, food shop, even a date. Make a plan and do your best to stick to it, but don\u2019t beat yourself up if you slip. Sometimes that large mocha or cute jumper in Penney\u2019s is absolutely needed.<\/p>\n
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2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What you\u2019ll need during the day- Whether it\u2019s your first day, the start of a new week etc, your head might be all over the place.<\/p>\n
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3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Don\u2019t change yourself- You may think that college is the time to reinvent yourself, or you may want to do what you can to fit in. Let us tell you-you don\u2019t need to. You are awesome in your own right. Yes, the people in your house or course may be dry but there’s so many other amazing people on this campus. They\u2019re out there. Be yourself and you will find your people.<\/p>\n
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4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Come out of your room – If you\u2019re living out of home for the first time, it can be scary. Don\u2019t just hide in your room. Go hang out in the common room, go have your coffee in the Student Union, if you see someone scanning Red Raisin for a seat- give them the nod. You\u2019re a lot less likely to make connections sitting on your bed rewatching Gilmore Girls for the 50th time.<\/p>\n
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5)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Join in –\u00a0 you\u2019ve probably heard it a hundred times already, join in, join clubs and societies, be active on campus. Sounds like a bunch of cliches right? Well, it actually works! We\u2019ve all tried and love it! Look around and see what\u2019s for you! Archery? Gaming? Rowing? Arts & Crafts? Join in, kids!<\/p>\n
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6)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Get stuff out of the way – it’s tempting to leave things to the last minute. You don’t feel like a real student until you’re panic-typing an essay right up to the deadline, shaking from your third can of Monster of the day. But, delaying your work can not only stress you out but it can affect your social life. If you knuckle down early on, your evenings and weekends are free to have the craic.<\/p>\n
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7)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Be ready for fancy dress – it might seem odd and nerdy and out of your comfort zone. But we strongly advise buying a few bits that you could use for multiple fancy-dress and themed parties. They’re fun and silly, so you can let your hair down and meet new people.<\/p>\n
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8)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Don\u2019t go to everything- it might sound like we’re contradicting ourselves by telling you to be open minded but you shouldn’t go to everything. Between money,time,assignments and the fact that you’d be wrecked, you literally can’t go to everything. You should balance out your resources, interests and the desire to try new things.<\/p>\n
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9)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Student ID – you’ve probably heard it already but stick to your ID! And your key card if you live in campus accomodation. They are magic. It lets you into the library, some specific lab rooms, get pool sticks in the SU, discounts in certain stores and restaurants etc. Stick to your ID!<\/p>\n
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10)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Homesick- It\u2019s completely natural to feel homesick when you go away to college, even if you\u2019re still in the same county. Do little things to remind yourself of home so it feels less daunting. Subscribe to papers or follow social media pages from back home, buy some local tatt before you leave to have\u00a0 in your accommodation. Keep in contact with family members and friends from back home so you don’t feel too isolated.<\/p>\n
Check back in tomorrow where Sadhbh will give you some of the most important advice you may ever receive in UL… how to prepare for and recuperate from a college night out!<\/p>\n