Excited, anxious, nervous, a bittersweet feeling is almost what every first-year student feels when going into university for the first time. Though many difficulties and problems are going to be faced, it is a completely normal feeling that can be eased in many ways if navigated correctly. Here are a few tips for first-year students on how to survive the first year at university and how to avoid some issues that could possibly happen throughout the year, whether it is academic, social, residential, financial, or a matter of health and well-being.
Academic
Time management is most important! Without it, the mayhem of classes, assignments, and social life can go out of control. Effective study techniques are a good way to start. Scheduling, finding quiet spaces, and the use of online tools can make a significant difference. Students have resources such as the IRC (Information Recourse Center) to study calmly and stay focused. Reaching out for help from professors and fellow classmates is crucial to succeeding academically. Office hours are scheduled times by your professors especially for students to go and ask any questions they have. Remember, they are always here to help, so don’t shy away from them. However, it’s important to try to help yourself; therefore, taking initiative in managing your time and developing healthy study habits is key to your own independence and solving problems productively.
Social
Meeting new people from over 120 nations around the world can be extremely overwhelming, but the diversity of campus is what makes it feel like a home far away from home. One of the first ways you are going to learn about different cultures is in the servery, where there’s a wide variety of foods. In addition, making friends that come from different backgrounds will make you realize that the world is, in fact, small. You’ll get to know that somehow everyone is interconnected and that you can find yourself in someone else. And if you’re facing difficulties making new friends, there are multiple ways to make it easier, such as joining student clubs on campus or even in Bremen! However, all this fun will go to waste if you don’t find balance between your social and academic life, so it requires your attention to maintain a healthy equilibrium. Having a good social life offers a break from your academic life while also cultivating a sense of community.
Residential
Residential living poses its own set of challenges. Sharing a room in a small space may be offsetting at first, but if you and your roommate communicate and set boundaries, living together will go smoothly. Decorating your dorm room, making it feel more ‘homey,’ can avoid feeling homesick. Your home doesn’t have to be your room only. On campus, there are many amenities such as the servery, the gym, common rooms in your college, and so much more that can make you feel at home. The Residential Life Staff are there to support you, so you can always reach out to them when you need help navigating this new environment. Talking to second-year or third-year students is also an option, and doing so, you would get a closer point of view to what you are experiencing. Most importantly, developing the ability to resolve your living situation will give you more courage to ask for help when needed. It builds confidence and resilience, making your adjustment to a new country, new home, much easier.
Financial
Financial management is a critical aspect of not just university life, but it will also constantly be a part of your everyday life even after graduating. If you’re able to figure out how to manage your finances earlier, the better. There are many on-campus jobs, such as student assistant or teaching assistant positions, that offer a way for you to make money and stay within the Constructor University community. There are also off-campus opportunities, and if you speak German, you’ll have an advantage. Budgeting is essential - tracking your spending and understanding your financial habits can help reduce stress. Exploring financial aid options can further improve your ability to manage expenses. Unfortunately, financial management is a crucial skill that should have been taught in school but often isn’t. That’s why mastering it is invaluable.
Health and Well-being
Amidst all these changes and responsibilities, the most vital aspect of your first year in university is maintaining your health and well-being. Without feeling well mentally and physically, handling everything will become harder and more stressful. Therefore, managing your stress, having a healthy diet, and most importantly, getting the sleep you need, are constant steps that need to be taken throughout your life. In university, the Residential Life Staff and campus health services are there to listen to you and provide mental and physical health support. You have a safe space to talk through your challenges and hardships. And if talking doesn’t help, exercise! Exercising is a way to relieve stress without feeling the need to share your issues with other people. Build a strong foundation for your mental and physical health, take care of yourself, and always put yourself and your mind first. Support is always available even at your lowest times.
In conclusion, your first year at university is an experience full of excitement, challenges, and growth. Embrace the diversity and opportunities that come your way, manage your time and finances wisely, and maintain a healthy balance between your academic and social life. Reach out for help when needed and take advantage of the resources and support systems available on campus. Most importantly, prioritize your well-being, both mental and physical, as it forms the foundation for your success and happiness.
Remember, this is a time to learn, grow, and experience new things in life. By following these tips and staying proactive, you can make your first year at university a memorable experience that you will look back on wishing to be back in time one day.