A students’ guide to cracking the first year: ‘If someone invites you somewhere … go’

From coping with messy flatmates to balancing your budget, students share the tips they wish they’d known before starting university

So you’re off to university in September and you’re probably equal parts excited and trepidatious – and wondering what really lies ahead. From budgeting and surviving freshers’ week, to negotiating whose turn it is to clean the kitchen, a group of students spill the beans on the things they wish they’d known.

Life in halls

Here’s where you can make friends to last a lifetime, but there’ll probably be some challenges along the way.

“I didn’t expect to get into Warwick so I didn’t visit the campus, which made it quite intimidating,” says Lola Fallon, 21, a third year history and politics student at the university. “So I would say try to visit at least once before you start.”

Structure is very important to having a happy life with your flatmates, says Kate Ptackova, a human sciences student the University of Greenwich. “Everybody should do their fair share of cleaning and taking out the bins. This can make all the difference between a happy flatshare and a miserable one.”

Isaac Kearney, a second year philosophy student at the University of Reading, feels that open communication is important too. “Make it your priority to keep things clean yourself,” he says. “But accept that there are people who are messy. Try to be open to communication, because it doesn’t hurt to talk to people about issues openly.”

Lola adds: “Be a good flatmate, but don’t clean up after other people – you’re not their mum.”

“Flat group-chats are often created by the university before the move in date,” says Will Jones, a second year biology student at the University of York. “I think this really helped, since when I moved in, I had a vague idea of who my flatmates were.”

Eniola Abdul, who has just graduated in business management with a modern language at the University of Essex, seconds that: “I joined the accommodation group chat and it helped me connect with other students. Knowing someone before move-in day made the whole experience much less nerve-racking and helped me feel more at ease.”

Making friends

From your course and flatmates to the societies you join, there are plenty of ways to find your tribe at university.

“I think in the first couple of weeks, if someone invites you somewhere, go, even if it’s something you wouldn’t normally do,” says Lola.

Will agrees: “Each society is likely to hold lots of icebreaker events for first year students, which are a great way to make friends. And your course, too, is another good way to connect. Things might feel awkward at first but you have to remember that everyone is in the same position!”

“Be open to speaking to absolutely anyone,” says Isaac. “I made very different friends from the groups I had growing up at school. Join group chats online as that can be easier than walking up to people in person.”

Even if you don’t live on campus or in student accommodation, you’ll find so many ways to meet new people.

Dounia Al-Hasniani, in her first year of doing a research degree in environmental forensics at the University of Derby, says: “I worried about not making friends because I was commuting from Birmingham. But I joined societies, such as the Islamic Society and I made the most of all the facilities, so I didn’t feel I was missing out. I also met people doing the same commute as me and we’ve become really close because we’re catching the same train.”

Eniola tried four completely new sports, that she had zero experience of. “Stepping outside my comfort zone helped me build confidence and I’ve made some fantastic friends, thanks to facing my fears and trying something new.”

Reminding yourself that it’s not all about freshers’ week is important too, says Louis Jolin, a first year English literature student at the University of Leeds. “Some people say it was the best week of their life and others say it was the most stressful experience ever. Although it’s mildly important, in reality you have an entire year of opportunities to make friends.”

Studying smart

Even though the first year doesn’t count towards your degree, it’s an important time for getting into good habits.

“I think it’s a misconception that your first year doesn’t really count, it really does,” says Dounia. “It is the stepping stone to your second and third year. The whole point of first year is getting everyone on the same page knowledge-wise. From there, you can excel in second and third year.”

“I found getting into a routine was really effective,” says Will. “Each Sunday, I’d make sure I was ready for the week. As well as this, giving myself time to consolidate each lecture afterwards really helped me solidify my knowledge for each topic.”

Isaac agrees: “Try keeping to a consistent routine. Treat university like a nine-to-five, if you have a gap between lectures and the library is a minute away, go there to get your work done.”

“I’d recommend getting a planner or using a digital calendar to stay organised,” says Eniola. “Managing your time well means you can keep on top of your studies while still enjoying everything university has to offer. You don’t have to choose between getting good grades and spending time with friends – you can absolutely do both with a bit of planning.”

Kate adds a tip for exam prep: “My main trick is to match my study environment to the place where I’ll be tested. For example, studying without music in a quiet place can really help with recalling information when I need it during a timed exam.”

Managing your budget

Money is always tight as a student, but with a little planning, you can make it all work while still enjoying yourself.

Will advises: “Rent is the most important thing you need to keep track of. For me, I placed the money for my rent into a separate account, ready to send to the university at each payment date. This means that you can’t accidentally dip into that money and it’s ready to go!”

Louis adds: “Work out the amount for your food shop, and decide whether you will do a big one every one or two weeks. Prioritise going to the cheapest place. Also think about meal planning and prepping as they are very good for budgeting.

“Get a whiteboard and write your budget there, or pin a sheet of paper to a noticeboard, in a place where you can see it for accountability. And check your bank account often, otherwise you reach a point where you’re too terrified to do it.”

Top tips: Martin Crosby, deputy director of student life and wellbeing at the University of York:

“It won’t all be positive all of the time, that’s normal and it’s OK. If you are struggling, use your network and if you want to talk things through with someone who can help you get things sorted, speak to your wellbeing officer in your college or your department.”

Charlie Wheeldon, director of student services at Loughborough University: “Your first year is about finding your feet as much as finding your friends. Say yes to opportunities, look out for one another, and remember there’s always support available – whether that’s wellbeing support, advice, or careers coaching.”

For more guidance on the right course for you, check out the Guardian university league tables for 2026. The Guardian league tables for 2027 will be out in September in print and online.