You'll practically be forced to talk to people on freshers week anyway, but if you can- talk to anyone and everyone and make friends! you're all in the same boat so just go for it. Its also useful to acquire a course buddy, that way you're not lugging yourself along to lectures alone- and gives you someone to discuss things with, get lost with and entertain you through the boring stuff.
Course Books
Before you go jumping into buying all of the books from the Bookshop brand new, take a second to think about second hand ones, not only from the bookshop itself, but also on your Uni Facebook pages- they might even have on specifically for books. If not, don't panic, just buy it brand new- it'll definitely be worth it later in the year closer to exam time.
Join myunidays.com
If you're going to university, some people may look to buy an NUS card for discounts on major highstreet shops and online. However, Aston itself wasn't actually part of NUS, so i had to find an alternative. Myunidays.com is exactly the same thing, getting you discounts on major highstreet brands such as:
- Missguided
- Boohoo
- Apple store
- Mcdonalds
- ASOS
- All Saints
- Topshop & Topman
- Foot asylum
- Jack Wills & Hollister
- Paperchase
- Watertones
Plus many, many more! AND its free to join!
If you break something, look elsewhere first
Dont panic if something gets broken in your halls flat, or you break something at someone else's flat, the uni usually gives you a list of how much everything costs- and its probably a lot more than you could potentially pay by keeping it under the radar. Just have a look online and see if you can get the part or item there for a cheaper price, then get it delivered and no one would have to know! no unhappy parents and sad-looking bank account.
Batch Cooking
If you're going to cook anything from scratch, the best way to do it is to cook in batches! This way, you'll be able to buy in bulk from the supermarket or shop, then simply split the end product up e.g. Spaghetti Bolognese into smaller 1-person portions and freeze! Then next time you need a meal, its ready to bung in the microwave.
Cook with others
Another way of keeping costs down is by cooking for more than one, this way you can split the price of the shopping and take turns in cooking! A more diverse range of foods, AND cheaper... what more could you ask for?
Don't panic if you're flatmates aren't your cup of tea
Don't worry if your flatmates aren't the sort of people you'd necessarily hang around with. Firstly, they may just be shy and therefore it may take a while for everyone to settle in and become good friends- so don't think it will l always be the same. Secondly, theres thousands of other people at your university...AND a couple of hundred in the same halls, so you don't have to stick around, get yourself out there and find some people to enjoy spending your time with!
Clubs and Societies
Just join them! The more random and weird the better, its a great way to find and network with new people, as well as enjoy yourself around people who share the same passions as you do! Joining clubs is also a nice way for you to get some fun exercise. Plus, its a great thing to put on your CV for when you're out of uni, or even whilst you're looking for a job alongside your degree.
Exxploreee
Go and explore your campus and surrounding area! There'll be tonnes of weird and wonderful stuff that you can get involved in. Especially at the start of term, keep your eyes peeled for freebies, discounts and free taster sessions because there'll be loads of them around. Who doesn't like a freebie?
Find the cheapest shops/market
Whilst you're out exploring the area, one of the important things to look for is a good shop or market whereby you can get the best value for your food and other everyday items! For example, going to the market and buying just 1 or 2 onions can save you a lot of money, and will also reduce your waste. Its worth exploring and finding the cheapest options early, because it'll save you a lot of money in the long-run!
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