Categories: uncategorized
Date: 24 September 2008 10:20:13
Becoming a student for a first, second or umpteenth time isn't always easy. There are particular challenges which face lone parents, mature students and others. There are sources of support and advice available though.
One Parent Families has financial guides available for students entering both further and higher education.
National Union of Students has general survival tips.
The Independent has a guide of 17 things a Fresher needs to know.
Jack the Lass has produced her wonderful guide for new PhD students.
As for myself I have a the following words of wisdom and advice:
1) Do sign up to get your NUS card, it is worth it to ensure that everywhere recognises your entitlement to student discount, if they offer it.
2) As soon as you get on campus look for the notices put up by students who were on your course in the previous year who want to sell text books and get in there asap.
3) Make the most of the Freshers Fayre. You can get all sorts of useful discounts and freebies, aswell as alot of tat.
4) Remember the library is likely to have limited resources, therefore once you get reading lists get there sooner rather than later.
5) Club together with others to go shopping and so be able to get the benefits of bogoffs and the like.
6) Look for the bank account which does what you want, rather than just having the best freebies. However, if you are going to be travelling home by train the one offering a 3 year railcard is worth considering.
7) Remember the other newbies don't know each other either, you're all in the same boat. That said it takes effort to get to know other people. Clubs and Societies are worth the investment, but think about which ones really interest you.
8) It's work, not just a social activity. Remember whilst the social side is important that you're primary reason for being there is to get the qualification. You get out of a course what you put in.
9) Remember you're not the only student on the planet. Your lecturers are busy people who need to meet the demands of everybody. When they put a time on their door as being when they're available that's the time they mean. When they give deadlines, that's when stuff is due in. If you know in advance you need an extension and have a very good reason e-mail them. But treat them with respect, they are there doing their jobs to help you.
10) The people in the office, in the canteen and the cleaners, etc are v. important people who are there to make your life easier. Treat them with massive respect because at the end of the day they do / can make huge differences to your life.
Note: I did think of adding something about paid, part-time employment, but felt that it would be somewhat unwise for me to do so, seeing as at the moment I'm failing so miserably at obtaining any.