Are you returning to University after a few years of working? Or are you going straight after graduating? It can be difficult settling back into student life, especially if you’ve spent a few years working in the ‘real world’.
It can be a hard transition to make as being a post grad student is different to your undergraduate life.
We hope the below tips help you ease into your new post graduate life.
1. Routine
If you’ve been working for a few years you will be used to routine. Everyone likes being in a routine because it makes you feel more productive. Try your best to stick to this at post-graduate level.
It might help to develop a timetable which allocates specific times for eating, sleeping, studying, attending lectures and for socialising. It also helps to have a specific bed time, and a set time for waking up every morning.
2. Get involved
There will be plenty of societies to get involved in at University. You can join a sports team or do some volunteering. It’s a great time to build your CV at the same time as making friends with people who have the same interests as you.
3. Do a few work placements
This year or two is a great time to get work experience when you don’t have a full-time job. It will increase your employability after graduation and will also provide you with a greater insight into your chosen industry.
You can also take advantage of a work placement as it allows you the opportunity to network and will also ensure that you have a strong reference from an industry leader when you need to start looking for work.
4. Focus on Your Academic Writing
One of the hardest things to do when you go back to studying is getting back into academic writing. If you’re out of practice, then this is likely to be one of the more difficult things required of you. However, your tutors are there to help, so it’s good to ask them to read over drafts of your work in order to make sure you’re on the right path.
5. Be money savvy
If you’ve been working you will have been used to a steady stream of money so it’s important to get used to not having much for a while. So those champagne cocktails and fancy dinners you’ve been enjoying? Maybe limit that and start cooking more economically.
Good ways of saving money at University include bulk buying food, eating with your housemates and making the most out of our student card.
