From making friends to managing money: Students' advice for this year's freshers

Students preparing to begin university this year have shared a range of practical tips aimed at helping new arrivals navigate the challenges of independent living and academic life. With a record number of 18-year-olds set to start university, many are facing their first experiences of living away from home, managing personal finances, and building new social networks. Current students have offered insights into how they overcame similar anxieties, providing guidance that could ease the transition for incoming students. For those concerned about making friends, several students emphasized the importance of taking initiative. Isaak Hewitt, a 20-year-old studying English in Cardiff, described the initial nervousness of entering a completely unfamiliar environment. He found comfort in the shared experience of studying the same subject, which created common ground among classmates. To overcome his fear, Isaak advised new students to appear confident, even when feeling insecure, and to engage in conversations with peers during lectures and seminars. His approach proved effective, leading to meaningful friendships. Grace Morrell, a 19-year-old commuter student in Nottingham, faced similar concerns about connecting with others. Unlike students who lived in campus accommodations, Grace relied on extracurricular activities to build relationships. By participating in her university’s student magazine, radio, and theatre societies, she gradually formed a network of friends. She stressed that stepping outside one’s comfort zone, whether by joining clubs or attending events, was essential to forming connections. “It was hard at times,” she admitted, “but doing what I loved helped me find people who shared my interests.” Social media also played a role in pre-university networking. Mustafa Dassu, 19, who began studies at King’s College London, used WhatsApp groups to connect with future classmates and roommates. These virtual spaces allowed him to form bonds before arriving on campus, and he maintained contact with these friends long after starting university. The early interactions helped ease the anxiety of meeting strangers in person. For students dealing with feelings of homesickness, Izzy Garcez, 20, shared a surprising perspective. Initially fearing she would miss family dinners and familiar routines, she soon realized that her new social circle filled the emotional void. “You’ll make friends so quickly,” she noted, “and before you know it, you’ll realize you haven’t spoken to your parents in a while.” This shift in focus helped her adjust to life away from home, proving that new friendships can provide a sense of belonging. Managing personal finances emerged as another key concern. Journalism student Kieran Miller, 19, from Swansea, highlighted the importance of careful planning. He compared different student bank accounts and selected one that included a free Railcard for young travelers. Additionally, he enrolled in student discount programs to reduce expenses. Despite these precautions, Kieran warned that the excitement of university life could lead to overspending. “Living away from family makes it harder to stick to a budget,” he explained, noting that invitations to socialize often came with unexpected costs. Kieran also recommended creating a provisional budget before moving out, a strategy that helped him manage his finances more effectively. However, he acknowledged that maintaining financial discipline was challenging, particularly when balancing social commitments with personal goals. His experience underscores the need for proactive financial management, especially during the early stages of university life. As the academic year approaches, these insights offer valuable guidance for incoming students. Whether it’s finding ways to connect with others, navigating the emotional adjustment to independence, or mastering budgeting skills, the experiences of current students highlight the importance of preparation and adaptability. For many, the journey begins with small steps, taking the first conversation, setting up a budget, or exploring local communities, and grows into a broader understanding of what university life entails.