5 Things I Learnt in My First Week at Uni

Even though I haven't been at uni long and I am still settling in to the routine and new places I do feel like I am well on my way to being comfortable in my new home. However there are a few things that have become apparent to me so I thought I would share with you the top 5 things that I learnt in my first (proper) week at uni:

1. Cooking for one is a lot harder than cooking for three; so is shopping. I will admit I haven't come to uni as clueless as some when it comes to cooking, however the cooking I did do at home or any other situation has always been for more than just me. So when it came to portion sizing and indeed buying ingredients in appropriate portions I was shocked to find it wasn't so simple. Naive maybe?
2. Everyone is in the same boat. Yes this may be what everyone tells you but it couldn't be more true. Even if you've taken a gap year or a foundation year or you dropped out and started again or you're a fresher, no matter what your scenario there will be someone else who is the same. Or even if there isn't someone in the exact same position, everyone is here to be at uni, with people they don't know, to learn things they don't know. Relax, breathe, have some space and then enjoy yourself. Start conversations. Uni is a great place to make friends but it can also be a very easy place to isolate yourself if your not careful.
3. They don't ease you in. Yeah, so they give you freshers week and induction lectures but when the first real week comes around you won't know what's hit you. Uni is not school and you definitely will not be spoon fed.
4. Organisation is key. This links in with the point above, even though everyone told me this, I didn't listen, obviously I had to learn the hard way. The more you get done in your free time/independent study time the more time you'll have to relax or spend your weekends as you please. If, like me, you nap after your lectures and leave all your reading until the weekend, you'll miss out on going out with your friends or doing what you really want to do. Basically, utilise your time wisely! 
5. Budget!! The effects of this haven't really hit me yet but I'm sure they will soon enough. Budgeting is so important to ensure that you have enough money to get you through. Whether you have a job on the side, are lucky enough to have your parents help you out or you solely depend on your student loan, budgeting it vital. It's very easy to buy a coffee here or a sandwich there but what you have to consider is will you be able to afford that book you need in 2 weeks, next weeks food shop or even to be able to do your laundry?

That's just a few things that I've come across since being at uni, what have you discovered if your new to this as well? Or for those out of uni, is there any words of wisdom you have for us freshers?

Beth xo