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We all know that studying at university can be lots of fun. You meet new people, make loads of new friends, learn about a subject you love, and build for your future.
University life can also be a steep learning curve.
Your first years as an independent adult can be a little bit of a rollercoaster ride for some people.
That’s why here at Novel we make it our priority to ensure that your student experience at university is as smooth as possible.
Look after your mind and body
A healthy student is a productive student. Make sure you’re getting enough hours of sleep, and that you’re doing some regular exercise to keep yourself motivated.
A healthy, balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables will also serve as brain food.
And, let’s not forget, your mental health should be as much a priority as your physical health. So don’t hesitate to seek help should you need it. Help could be formal counselling, talking to one of our staff at Novel, or simply chatting with a friend or family member.
Check out our wellbeing spaces at our student residences – designed to set you off on the right foot!
Have a good social life
Getting to know new people and having fun should be a priority for every university student.
There are always plenty of social events on university campuses, whether they be organised by the uni students union, or are more grassroots affairs.
The most important thing is that you’re making the most of your free time. It’s not for nothing that we say it – it’s been proven that taking down time to disconnect from your studies can actually make you a better student.
Don’t suffer from burnout – make time for you, and do the things that give you life. That could be an excursion, a picnic in the park with friends, or a crazy night out on the dancefloor.
Our social events calendar at our Novel accommodation is usually pretty varied, so you won’t even have to wander too far to be able to do something fun with fellow residents.
Make sure you take advantage of uni clubs and societies too (more on that later!).
Make the most of support services
This tip really is a lifesaver.
Your university undoubtedly offers support services for any type of help that you might need. Whether it be problems with housemates, or financial rocky patches, or feeling overwhelmed with coursework.
There’s absolutely no reason for you to suffer in silence. With just one appointment with your university support services, you could be on the path to sorting out any issues you may be having.
Join a club or society
We cannot emphasise how much of a difference it makes to your university experience if you decide to join a club.
At the Freshers Fair at the beginning of the academic year, you’ll be able to see what’s on offer in terms of societies.
Choose wisely, because the people you meet here will likely become friends not only during your uni years, but possibly friends for life. Being a member of a club such as a football team, or a society such as a theatre group, will really make you feel part of something bigger.
That will in turn make you happier and more at home in your new student environment. It’s vitally important to have something to look forward to outside of your study life.
So if you like a lot of variety in your life, join a club.
Stay on top of your finances
Money woes are a fount of stress for many students and it doesn’t have to be this way!
With just a little bit of careful planning and budgeting, you can avoid a crisis.
Make sure you claim all the student finances and loans that you’re entitled to. If needs be, a part time job on the side could also be a good idea. Many universities offer paid occasional work as student ambassadors and that can help to set aside a few pennies for a rainy day.
If you carefully measure your incoming money and your expenditures, you should be able to calculate how much money you need each month and set aside some for excursions and adventures.
Get a study routine/buddy
Studying can be a bit of an uphill struggle sometimes. We are all human, and we all have moments when we hit a wall.
One great way to stay motivated is to get into a study routine. As with most things in life, consistency is the key. You can use a study schedule, choose to study at certain times of day, and in certain locations on certain days.
Our Novel accommodation provides excellent study zones, where you can either work individually in study-inducing areas, or get into group work.
We also reckon it’s a good idea to get a study buddy. Someone who takes their studies seriously can be a great influence, and you will mutually keep each other going through rough patches.
Get great student accommodation
There is literally nothing worse than dreading coming home after a long day of studying at the library, or an intense day on placement. So many students suffer needlessly because they have poorly chosen their student accommodation or have found that they don’t get on with their housemates.
Here at Novel our priority is your wellbeing, so we ensure that your student accommodation is of top quality standard.
When you’re at uni you should be able to feel totally at home, safe and secure in your student flat, whether it be shared accommodation or a studio. And remember, if you do have any problems with your housemates, here at Novel we are always on hand to help out and to find a quick resolution to the problem.
Your student experience matters to us. Make sure you get the most out of your uni years by staying at our fantastic student accommodation. To find out more, get in touch today.
