Starting university can be overwhelming, especially right after high school. But fear not! These years will be some of the best of your life. Embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm and make the most of it!
Here are some top tips to ensure you have an amazing and healthy year.
1. Make healthy choices
It’s easy to burn the candle at both ends in your first year - know your limits and when to say no. We get it; when life gets hectic, it can be tempting to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms like skipping meals, staying up too late studying, or drinking too much caffeine. But these habits aren't sustainable in the long run and will only lead to burnout if they're used as crutches rather than just occasional boosts when needed. Eating healthy food is extremely important as it will help your brain and body perform at its best throughout the day. Check out these simple tips on how to swap out unhealthy eating habits for healthier ones. Drinking water is also essential as it improves your memory and mood and keeps you energetic. Last but not least, being physically active everyday will help you keep a positive mindset, decrease stress and improve your mood.
2. Get enough sleep at night
Sleep plays a vital role in your physical health. You need at least 8 hours of sleep to power through the day! There is no doubt that staying up late is a lot of fun, but your brain needs rest to function properly. Sleep problems and daytime fatigue are common in university students, and these can prevent you from learning and retaining new information. On the upside, if you consistently get good quality sleep you will perform better academically.
3. Balance your life
Time management is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy study-life balance and avoiding burnout. Establishing a meaningful daily routine and creating and maintaining boundaries can work wonders, allowing time to attend to your health and well-being while also attending to the responsibilities of uni, work, and your personal life. Remember, when your cup is running low, or is on empty, it needs refilling. Taking care of yourself = keeping your cup full.
Check out our blog: 'How to avoid and deal with university burnout'.
4. Look after your mental health
Good mental health is essential to achieve your academic potential. Study usually involves a significant commitment of time and effort and requires a disciplined routine in order to achieve academic success, which can place significant stress on mental health. It’s important that, in times of high stress, we have strategies in place to protect our mental health.
Check out our blog 'Five healthy habits to look after your mental health at university'.
5. Find your people
One of the best parts about being at university is meeting new people and making lifelong friends. Take some time to explore campus and find where your people are: hang out in a certain spot during lunchtime or join a club related to your major. You never know who you might meet! There are also lots of student groups on campus that can connect you with like-minded individuals based on interests or beliefs; these connections might even lead to internships or work opportunities down the line.
Navigating your first year at university can feel overwhelming at times, but keep these tips in mind for an easier transition into uni life. Don't forget about all the resources available on campus—from tutoring services at the library to student groups related to your major—and make sure you're taking care of yourself by eating healthy foods regularly and getting enough rest each night.
With these tips in mind, we know that surviving your first year will become second nature before long! Good luck!