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Going from sixth form to university is a big change of course, but once you manage to master the transition, you'll find that things run very smoothly and you start to have a lot of fun. Here’s how to manage the jump into almost-adulthood.
1. Get into a routine
You don’t get classes scheduled in every single gap on your uni timetable, and you definitely don’t have lectures every day. So making a little schedule and setting a routine instead of lying in bed is something worth making, because, you know, you do actually want a degree.
2. Go to every possible lecture
Dragging yourself out of bed for that horrific 9am after a heavy one might seem like the devil’s work, but your revision notes will thank you later. And no, lecturers won’t call you out on not coming, this is all on you now.
3. Use online resources
Universities tend to have online portals with reading lists, unit guides and tons of helpful resources to give you a little assistance, even if they haven’t first hand told you these exist. You have to hunt these down yourself, so don’t wait to be told about them.
4. Use the library to work
Unlike a sixth form library, the university facilities have books and all sorts that you need, and kinda have to use. Silent sections are a safe haven during exam season, so study in here after lectures to prevent Netflix taking over your work hours.
5. Call your family
It is hard being away from the people you’ve lived with pretty much all of your life, so don’t be afraid to give them a call whenever you feel like it, especially over Zoom or WhatsApp where it’s free and you get to see their actual faces. They miss you too, and it feels a lot better talking to them face to face rather than over text.
6. Don’t do all your work in your room
Whilst lying in bed does seem a brilliant idea, you’ll just end up eating through your entire cupboard and achieving no work at all as naps came first. Just avoid this entirely.
7. Make use of your course mates
Group revision isn’t as boring as it sounds, and unlike in sixth form these friends are doing the exact same work as you. Bring the highlighters and poster paper, and get ready for some intense staring at a textbook.
8. Keep up your hobbies
It’s important to continue something that gets you out and about, and having some familiarity is nice to get you settled. The social aspect is a massive perk too. I’d definitely recommend joining some clubs and societies too to make sure you get out and about.
9. Have home comforts around
Going away doesn’t mean you have to leave everything behind. Bringing a little something you’ve always had in your room, or something to remind you of home, adds a little touch when it all seems too much.
10. Remember your lecturers can help you
They might not always know your name (after all they teach hundreds of students), but they do actually want to help. Most are pretty good at dealing with both academic and personal queries too so don’t be shy. They might dictate to lecture theatres full of students, but they’re quite normal really.
11. Have regular breaks
Overworking is understandable when no one’s telling you to take a breather, so you’re going to have to do this yourself now. Setting an alarm to rest, and maybe writing a timetable with dedicated break times makes life a lot more bearable, and can match the routine you had at sixth form.
12. Talk to people If you’re struggling
Just because you’re away doesn’t mean you’re alone. Student services can help you with a lot of things, and they are more than willing to do just that. Like the support staff in school, they really make uni life a lot easier.
13. Stay as organised as possible
Just like having a routine, organisation and keeping on top of things works wonders at uni. The work does often spring out of nowhere, so keeping a bit ahead means you’ll remain calm and won’t have to cram.
14. Do extra reading
You’ll find reading lists online, so occasionally read over these texts to actually understand what is going on in your lectures. Unlike sixth form, lecturers don’t have time for every question under the sun, and will often pick out students to give answers about the reading. Avoid the embarrassment and pick up the books.
15. Learn to cook
Yeah, it’s quite awkward to set fire to the kitchen in front of your flatmates in the first week. Nobody wants to be known as that kid who just eats pasta every day either.
16.…and clean
Living in your own filth is not ideal in the slightest, so try and make time for this too, before you annoy your flatmates with your piles of dirty dishes and smelly clothes.
17. Don’t be afraid to go home
If you feel like popping on a train to see some home comforts again, just do it. It’s not weak to go home and take a break, after all, it is what you’re used to. The new environment can be tiring, so pop off home some weekends if you want.
18. Don’t lock yourself away
Don’t be that kid who doesn’t leave their room. You’re not a ghost, and uni will be pretty dull if you do nothing but watch Netflix on your own. Go out, socialise, and embrace the best years of your life. After all, that’s what you’ll remember when you look back.
19. Enjoy it!
Uni is such a great experience, so don’t worry too much about not coping. It is different, but change isn’t always bad. Pack your bags, have fun and get ready to embrace student life like there’s no tomorrow.
