Get to know your flatmates – it makes life easier. I wish I’d known just how important getting settled with my flatmates would be. I wasn’t as open to them as they were to each other, and before I knew it they had organised a flat agreement for the next year without me. I suppose it’s my fault, but it did make searching for accommodation for this year much more difficult. Thankfully, I’ve secured a place in a flat, although it did take a lot of effort scrambling across every letting agent in town to find it. Elijah O’Reilly, 20, student at Aberystwyth University
Be ready to work over the holidays. For most students I know, myself included, maintenance loans don’t cover the rent, so you may need to find ways to cover it. About halfway into my first term, there was a sudden pressure to find a house for my second year [which can include paying a deposit]. This was a struggle. I am lucky it has all turned out well, and I’m fortunate that rents are reasonable here (I’m paying £115 a week for second-year accommodation), but for anyone living in a big city or down south, prices are much higher. Heidi, 19, student at Lancaster University
Work out whether you’re a city person or a campus person. For some, the more secluded campus environment is perfect, especially if you’re uninterested in the more intense city lifestyle. On the other hand, city universities are more active, spontaneous, and electric. When it comes to applying for universities, make sure you do your research and ask mutual friends for their advice. The lifestyle around your education is far more influential on your university experience than you think. Harry, 22, master’s student
Ask your lecturers and professors for help. I was really nervous to ask for help or knock on office doors because I was so intimidated, but now I wish I had. If you’re passionate and interested in your subject, pursue it while you have the chance. I wish I’d started building that confidence earlier. Don’t let “impostor syndrome” hold you back – especially if you’re working-class and state school educated. You deserve to be there as much as anyone. Charlotte, 24, PhD student at Manchester University
It’s not embarrassing to have hobbies. I wish someone had told me this. Do all the clubs and societies and go on all the trips. I also wish I had known that cooking with people or for other people makes life so much better. Offer to cook something one night and you’re essentially having a dinner party. Food brings people together! Also, every single person you meet has something interesting to say and probably isn’t as scary as they look. Eleanor, 21, postgraduate student
Look for opportunities to travel. If you’re interested in a year in industry or a year abroad, speak to relevant departments at your university to see how feasible it is. Many people don’t know about it, or apply too late. During my studies I got a chance to go to university in Singapore for a year and it was amazing. Liza Karandeja, 21, finance graduate from Queen Mary University of London
Freshers’ week doesn’t matter. When I applied to university, the idea of living in halls made me nervous, as a relatively shy person. I don’t particularly enjoy clubbing and this is what it seemed like everyone did at university. It wasn’t until Christmas that I started to feel as if I had some established friendships. Freshers’ week can be a very fun time, but a lot of people are feeling the exact same. Take your time to find friends, and don’t worry if you are feeling lonely the first week, month, semester or even year. Despite the initial awkwardness when you first talk to someone, most people will usually be thankful if you invite them out for a coffee after lectures or a study break. All it takes is one brief moment of courage to introduce yourself. Caitlin, 18, English literature student at the University of Liverpool
