As a student, you’ll always face a number of difficulties and challenges, but it’s about finding a way to overcome them that works for you.
Here’s a list of common challenges that students face, and what you can do to help yourself.
Homesickness
When you first arrive at university, most will get swept up in the excitement and so for the first few weeks you’re in a whirlwind of bliss. However, once the dust starts to settle, homesickness can begin to creep in.
Make sure you’re linking in with friends and family back home regularly. Schedule a trip home every few weeks if possible, or just arrange to video call people regularly. It will really help you to stay connected to your loved ones, whilst not affecting your university experience.
The transition to university life
It can be a huge transition, to go from living at home to suddenly being responsible for all aspects of your life, from cooking to budgeting and doing chores.
Everyone deals with change differently, but big life changes can really hit you all at once and it can feel very overwhelming. Make sure you talk about how you’re feeling, and link in with your parents or guardians to let them know if you’re struggling. It’s also important to remember that the other students around you are probably feeling exactly the same, so link in with them and work things out together!
Roommates
It’s great meeting new people, but it’s easy to forget that not everyone you meet in life will be on your wavelength. As much as we’d love to befriend everyone, it doesn’t always work like that. So, to move in with people that you might not necessarily get on with too well, or who are just very different to you, can be difficult. Especially if they’re much messier than you!
Whether you get on with your flat mates immediately or not, it’s important to lay down some ground rules when it comes to living together. That’s everything from welfare to cleaning. Make sure you get a cleaning rota put in place so that everyone has weekly jobs and the flat stays clean. Staying at a friend’s house tonight? Let someone know! And if you just want to be left alone, figure out a system for that too. Not everyone wants their roommate just wandering into their room whenever they feel like it.
Studying
Studying can be really difficult, especially when university life can be really hectic and noisy at times. Make sure you figure out a routine that works for you. If you’d rather spend some time alone, then make sure you find a spot that works for you. Whether it be a quiet corner of the library or just hiding away in your room. Let people know not to disturb you.
If you’re more of a group study kind of person, then make sure to find a link-minded group. Head off to a study room together, or find a nice little coffee shop where you can chat and work. It’s about finding the system that works best for you.
Budgeting
As boring as it can be, it’s important to make sure you budget your money properly so that you have enough money to last you. Here is a list of things to consider when budgeting:
- Food
- Rent
- Transport costs
- Car costs (if needed)
- Bills (if not included in your rent, such as tv license)
- Adhoc (clothes, toiletries, etc.)
- General spending (going out with friends, coffee, etc.)
We also have some great budgeting resources on our blog to help you out.
Time management
Been out for a drink with friends and have to get to university for a 9am lecture the next morning? That third drink probably wasn’t a good idea!
It can be really easy to say YES to everything at university, and it’s something that is regularly encouraged. However, you need to make sure you’re also making sensible choices, and that means making sure you get to your lectures on time. If that third drink means you’re going to skip your lecture tomorrow because you’re not feeling up to it, then take yourself home early instead.
Physical and mental health
It’s important that you take care of yourself, whether it be your physical or mental health. If you struggle from any pre-existing issues, then make sure you tell the university straight away so that a support network can be put in place for you.
Suddenly not feeling yourself? Then make sure you reach out to someone and get the help and support you need. That goes for someone else too. If you notice someone isn’t doing so well, reach out to them and see how you can help or support them.
We have lots of wellbeing information on our blog.
If you’re living with us at Acis Students and want to talk about any of the points raised above, then please don’t hesitate to contact the relevant site via the details below, or pop into reception for a chat.
The Trigon: 0114 294 5680 / trigon@acisstudents.co.uk
Raleigh Park: 0115 855 9008 / raleighpark@acisstudents.co.uk