| If you want to have a great first semester, there | | | | budget, and will have to work at one or more |
| are a number of steps you must take when you go | | | | part-time jobs to make ends meet. You will probably |
| to university for the first time. These will help ensure | | | | also have one or more student loans. So it is really |
| that things run smoothly and help you make the | | | | important that you keep a note of what you are |
| most of your experience of higher education. | | | | spending and set aside enough to pay rent, bills and |
| Add the following to your checklist and you'll remove | | | | food costs each month. Pay your bills on time, |
| a lot of the stress which comes with launching | | | | because if you don't, you could end up paying |
| yourself into a completely new life experience. | | | | interest. Buy a notebook or create a simple |
| Familiarize Yourself With the Curriculum | | | | spreadsheet to keep track of your income and |
| Make sure you have a clear idea of what you are | | | | expenses. Make sure you also set aside some money |
| going to be studying in your first semester. This | | | | for beer, movies and other spare time activities. |
| might seem obvious, but many students don't pay a | | | | Learn to Cook |
| lot of attention to the big picture and can come | | | | You don't need to become a gourmet chef, but you |
| unstuck when assignments are due or exams are on | | | | should learn to cook basic meals. This will help you to |
| the horizon. | | | | save money and it will also be good for your health if |
| University is not like school. Your tutors will not be | | | | you can produce at least a few nutritious meals each |
| reminding you to do your homework and they will | | | | week. It can also be a good way to make friends if |
| not come looking for you if you don't turn up for | | | | a group of you take it in turns to cook. And when |
| class. So it is important to know what your classes | | | | you can't afford to go out, an evening in with some |
| will be covering before you start skipping lectures. | | | | food, friends and a bottle of wine is more fun than |
| Starting out with a clear overview of the course | | | | watching TV on your own. |
| work for the next few months will help you keep on | | | | Register with a Doctor |
| top of things and avoid nasty surprises and sleepless | | | | Even if you do manage to eat a healthy diet and |
| nights later on. | | | | take part in sports, there is a chance that you will |
| Make Friends | | | | come down with some sort of illness, usually minor |
| This is especially important if you are far from home | | | | but occasionally in need of medical attention. So it is a |
| and don't have old school friends and family for | | | | good idea to find out in advance if the college |
| support. Being away from home for the first time is | | | | provides medical care or if you need to find your |
| exciting and gives you the opportunity to enjoy | | | | own doctor. Then you can make sure you are |
| plenty of freedom, but it can be lonely. So when you | | | | registered to avoid any problems if and when you |
| plan your studies, plan some free time and join | | | | need help. |
| societies or clubs where you will meet other students | | | | When you first go to university, these steps will help |
| with similar interests. | | | | you to be as well prepared as you can to cope with |
| Manage Your Budget | | | | day to day life and you should have a great time. |
| If you are like most students, you will be on a tight | | | | |