It's very very easy to want to go mad with your new found riches - but don't let everyone else's frivolous ways influence you. Before you go, decide how much you think is an appropriate amount to spend during fresher's week. Then add at least £100 to it. Maybe two. Then put it into another bank account, separate to your student account. Perhaps the account you used before going to University. If it's kept separate, you wont be able to overspend and leave yourself poor for the rest of the term.
imageHave time for everyoneDon't restrict yourself to the same people too soon. Reach out and enjoy meeting as many new people as possible. You'll be surprised at the variety of people you'll meet and how easy it is to make friends. As you probably found with school, you don't always have the same friends when you leave school - as you did when you started. imageRemember how important first impressions areYou're only going to get one chance to make a first impression and there's a chance this reputation will stick with your for all three years of your degree - so make it a good one. Don't sacrifice having the time of your life, but don't do anything you might regret later on. You have your whole time at University to get drunk and be promiscuous if that's your fancy, after everyone's had a chance to get to know the real you.
imageTake care of yourselfHeard of the dreaded Fresher's Flu? Yeah, it isn't great. I managed to catch it off a few local student friends, and I wasn't even in the University! Sheesh, thanks guys. It's easy to have bad habits when you're suddenly away from home and in charge of your own health.
- Take multivitamins, and eat some fruit. You don't have to be a health freak, but eating takeaways every night does no one any good.
- Get out and about. And I don't mean in high heels with a pint of cider. A brisk walk exploring your new home is a great way to stay fit and get to know your fellow students better.
- Know your limits. I know my drunk self well enough to recognize that point where I really should stop drinking and think about getting home for some sleep. Sometimes I ignore that limit and keep going for the sake of a good night. Baaad idea. It always ends up in tears, toilet bowls and hangovers.