How can students get the best out of West

The results are out. And those of you planning to go out of the country for studies would have secured the required grades. Travel tickets are booked and the student visas (if going to the west) is about to be issued. You are in the process of running around for those last-minute things to finish your packing. Having ticked everything off your to-do list, you feel all set to take your seat on the roller coaster ride known as 'university'.
Ask any university student and they will tell you that life at university surely has its share of ups and downs. However, one of the most crucial stages of this journey is the beginning.
Life at university is a complete turnaround from what it is when you are at home in your own city and in the comfort zone of your own family. You will now be in an absolutely new environment in an unknown country (which you even may be visiting for the first time) with a completely new set of people and with several new responsibilities.
So how can you try to ensure that this three to four year journey at university gets off to that perfect start and prepares you well for the obstacles ahead? How can you make the university your home away from home? Here are seven focus areas that you, as a university fresher should keep in mind to ensure a smooth life.
Make the most of freshers week
The official purpose of this week is for universities to get students registered on their courses, settle into their accommodation, get their timetables sorted and probably receive an introductory talk from the chancellor. Make full use of this week to explore the campus as well (if a tour is not provided) and familiarise yourself with where lecture halls and departments are located. This will help you save time and avoid panic once classes begin. Finally, do not forget to celebrate the beginning of the year - this is the time to celebrate and go 'all out' before work begins!
Coping with work
Once classes begin, you are bound to get busy. The approach to work at university is very different from that which you were used to in school. Emphasis is on self motivation - work will often be given out by lecturers and not expected to be handed in, so it is crucial to realise from the start that the work must still be done in order to gain a thorough understanding of the subject.
You are also expected to do a great deal of work outside lectures without being asked to do so. Majority of the time at university is devoted to lectures involving little or no participation, so learn to use tutorial time to your best advantage. In other words, self-study is key.
Despite all this, there will always be a mentor/personal tutor available for you to contact and who would be happy to help you.
Friends
Being a first year student can be frightening, and you may feel that having good flatmates is critical - but it is not. Not getting along with flatmates is not the end of the world as there are plenty of other opportunities to make new friends - with those on the same course or those who are part of the same society, for instance. Just remember, everyone is in the same boat so be yourself and try to talk to as many people as possible. Also, remember, you are off to a fresh start with new people. So this is the chance to leave past equations behind you. Everyone is as eager as you, join with as many people as possible and you are bound to find those who you get along with.
Societies and clubs
One of the best ways to meet like-minded people, to have fun and broaden your horizons at the same time is to join one of the several clubs and societies that are such an integral part of university life. Your freshers week will usually have a 'freshers fair' where socieities promote themselves - do not miss this event as you will surely find a club or society that appeals to you. You will find the more usual football and drama societies to less mainstream ones like parachuting and probably even a Harry Potter society. These clubs usually organise events throughout the year and any participation will be valued on your résumé too.
Managing money
One aspect that you have probably never worried about in your life so far is money and budgeting. However, that is likely to change as money management is a huge responsibility while at university. For this reason, it is important to realise from the start that your funds are limited and so you must keep track of how much money you have available to spend each month, taking into account how much you will be paying in rent as well. You are likely to spend more during the first month or two, as you may have to buy things such as books, stationery and a table lamp among others. Once you have worked out an average monthly budget, keeping to it becomes easier.
Cooking and daily living chores
Keeping your room tidy, doing laundry and washing the dishes are now solely your burden. While some of you will find it easier to manage these tasks along with studying, for others it might take some getting used to. Chalking out a timetable and assigning a few hours during the week for such chores will help maintain a balance with studies.
Cooking is also another important aspect while at university. If your university has the option of meal plans, consider yourself lucky as there is no need for you to worry about what to eat for each meal. For the rest of you who do not have such a luxury and have never cooked before, the internet is your best friend. While it is quite understandable that the first few meals may not look and taste as good as those prepared on Masterchef, you are bound to get better at the craft as the weeks go by.
Homesickness
Finally, starting life away from home can be quite scary - it being even worse if you have never lived alone before. To make things easier, try to establish a routine quickly as this can make your new environment feel more stable and will hopefully make you feel more settled. Also, make it a point to get out of your room often as the several new opportunities and people around you will keep you busy and make you less likely to miss home. However, don't forget to stay in touch with friends and family as speaking to someone you are close to can be an instant mood booster. Still, if you find yourself to be really struggling, do not be afraid to make use of the student support services as universities are experienced in helping students settle in.
Ashwin Mehta is currently a 2nd year LLB Law student at the University of Warwick, UK.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com