How to make the most out of your University experience

Whilst the start of term is well and truly underway now, I thought that today I'd impart some wisdom on you which I wish I could've told myself whilst I was at uni. So, whether you're a fresher just getting used to your new surrounding or a third year who thinks they've got things down, listen up!

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket: This can be for so many things, friendship groups, groups you sign up for, lectures, seminars, work experience etc... I'm really bad for staying in my comfort zone. I find it hard to juggle lots of different groups of friends, so whilst I uni I stuck to just one, which backfired as others started to fall out. It's important to talk to and be friends with as many people as possible. You grow up and change and uni and others do too. Picking lectures because you know the lecturer will pass you or because you remember the subject from A-Level won't stretch or challenge you, try something new!

Do ask for help when you need it: University is completely different from any other type of education, and I don't think you're prepared for it enough at school. It can be tricky and difficult to adapt, but rather than struggling in silence, find somebody to ask who can help you.

Don't forget to get a good nights sleep: Sleep is so important, and whilst going to bed at 3am and waking up at 3pm still gives you plenty of hours, it's going to be a real struggle once you're in the real world. Also, a snooze in the middle of a lecture is not classed as a good night sleep!

Do ensure you look for work and/or work experience: Everyone and their mother has a degree these days so it no longer sets you apart once you enter the world of work. Whilst it may not feel like it uni gives you the most free time you're ever going to have, make use of the days where you have no lectures and go get some experience. It will really help you once you leave.

Don't forget to enjoy it: Make the most of every opportunity presented to you, do as much as you can and make as many memories as possible. It's a once in a life time experience, make the most of it.

Laura

Lessons you learn after leaving further education

I'm now into my second year as a working person (I say person, as I definitely don't feel like an adult) and thought I'd share my thoughts (you could even call them life lessons) with you, on life after further education.

A weekend with no plans is actual bliss. Loud clubs, late nights and poorly heads VS well rested and binge watching Gilmore Girls = No competition. Plus the occasional night out you go on will either be a) more fun as you haven't done it in a while or b) a reminder you how great your life and bank balance is now you've stopped going out every week/night.

Nobody actually cares what you do/say/wear! They're too busy thinking about themselves. (To be honest, this still counts at uni too.) What counts now is how you act! If you're hard working and dedicated, no one will care if you have your hair scraped up and no make-up on.

Building up a savings is hard, but you should always try and save as much as you can each month.

Reading is actually really fun, when it's not forced.

A 10am lecture is not early. Starting work at 7am is. Speaking of which, there are two 7 o'clocks in a day, just F.Y.I.

Having lots of Facebook friends doesn't mean you have lots of friends.  Culling my friends list was the most cathartic thing I've done. A good rule of thumb is, if you don't recognise anybody in a picture, delete them.

You don't know how lucky you are with all the free time you get. One, three hour lecture a day is nothing; try an 8 hour day with an hour long commute, five days a week. However you do get a sense of pride for actually doing something with your time.

You'll realise that missing an episode of TV is not life or death! You may even find you don't have time for TV, and don't even miss it.

Your first job may not be your dream job, but take what you can! It's tough at the moment and any source of income is important. You can always apply for other things after.

There's more to life than make-up, hair, clothes and shoes! (Who knew!) 

The real world isn't that bad!