As the new semester approaches, now’s the time to plan ahead. Regardless of whether you’re in your first or last year of uni, preparation is vital. We’ve listed some handy tips, so you can worry less and really enjoy your first few weeks of uni.
Enrol in your classes
The most important task for you to complete is to, of course, enrol in your classes. Unless you want to end up with the class times which no one wants, it’s important you get in first. Go through your university calendar and make a note of the date when you can sign up to your classes and set reminders on your phone.
Look at your university calendar
Speaking of your university calendar, make sure you take notice of prominent dates, including enrolment cut-offs, exams, and breaks to ensure you’re not missing any important dates. While you’re there you might as well note down any assignment due dates as well so you can keep track of everything.
Set a budget
Budgeting is a great skill to have, especially as a uni student. Try and set a budget that allows you to pay all of your necessary bills but also allows you to have some fun at the same time. Figure out how much you need to spend on rent, bills and food, and make sure you take into consideration how much you want to spend on entertainment and leisure while having the chance if possible to save money as well.
A good rule is to incorporate the 50/20/30 budget rule, where you allocate 50 per cent on needs (which includes rent and bills), 30 per cent on wants (which includes entertainment and leisure), and 20% per cent to savings. This is a great plan that will allow you to manage your money in a responsible way while still incorporating the fun items you want to buy or things you want to do.
Join an orientation program
Orientation programs are a perfect way to get involved when you first start uni. Not only will they provide insight into uni life and your courses but orientation programs are also a great way to meet people both inside and outside your courses. So make sure you make a note of when they are and try to attend as much as possible. Also, it’s best to join social media accounts related to your university as you’ll find extra information on what's happening around your campus.
Get ahead of your readings
While this is of course not compulsory, it’s still a good idea to get ahead of your coursework by getting a head start on your readings for the semester. It’s easy to get behind on your readings once uni starts and your course load may be more than you expected compared to high school. Even if you complete the readings for the first couple of weeks, this will give you a good advantage and can help you to learn the information that you are taught in your classes much quicker.
Figure out your travel route and your class locations
Whether you’re living on-campus or off-campus, it’s always smart to get a handle on your bus or train route or just a general location of where your classes will be held before your first day. This will ensure you won’t be late for your classes and will help to put your mind at ease.
Remember, it’s okay if you’re feeling nervous for your first semester at university. It’s a big change and it can come with a lot of adjustments. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or sadder than usual, please reach out to your GP, university counsellor or Sonder, who can help support you.
If you have any questions or need extra support, we're here to help you anytime in any language. Simply start a chat with us via the home screen of the Sonder app.
Information sourced from: ANZ
All content is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.