As an emerging adult you’re leaving the drama of high school behind; the teachers, the uniform … finally!

There is so much to look forward to. For starters, you’ll be living away from home and making your own rules. Oh, and then there’s the freedom! No curfews or strict rules – just the pure bliss of independence … making new friends, meeting the love of your life (or not), and studying what you’re passionate about.

However, starting Uni can be a daunting experience, even for the most confident young adult. It’s a time of enormous change and readjustment: a new lifestyle, new study demands, and coping with the opportunities of greater independence while living without your family for the first time; it’s a lot. We’re taking fear and excitement, all at the same time, right?

The good news is that most students eventually handle the transition from school to University well whilst dipping into newly found freedom and (hopefully!) balancing it with an increased sense of responsibility.

We have a few pointers on how to navigate your way through your first year:

• Learn to cook. Avoid the dreaded extra “first year 15 kgs” by eating healthy. You will face frequent temptation to eat unhealthy, low cost meals and miss out on exercise and sleep due to a lack of time. Learn how to cook a few simple, healthy meals and you’ll soon be able to feed yourself and save a whole lot of cash in the process!
• Budget and track your money. Adulting 101 kicks in the moment you leave home. Money will be tight, so plan a weekly budget. Make sure that you have money for the essentials before planning anything else.
• Be organised from the start. Stay on top of your game. Use your phone or tablet to help you study. Scan your notes, record lectures, save and share files and download apps that allow you to edit documents just like you would on your laptop. Check out the lifestyle apps too, there’s everything from fitness trackers to budget planners.
• Love where you’re living. Make your living space a home where you feel safe and can relax. Have a designated study area where you automatically feel you’re in study-mode.
• Join something. Make friends. A University society, club or sports team could be a good idea. Also, use social media to get chatting with your new course-mates.
• Seek balance. Don’t let FOMO rule you. Don’t tip the balance too far in either direction, try to live by this motto: “Study hard so you could play hard.”
• To. Class. Seems obvious, right? Maybe, but sleeping in and skipping that 8.00am class will be tempting at times. Don’t do it!
• Ask for help if you need to. Make use of campus resources if you feel overwhelmed. Counsellors and tutors are available at most Uni’s.
• Keep mom and dad in the loop. Call them and be kind to them. This is an adjustment for them too.

Good luck on this amazing journey!

Source: skillsyouneed.com, bbc.com, macleans.ca, cellcgirl.co.za, gooduniversitiesguide.com.au, tuksfm.co.za, studentbrands.co.za, savethestudent.org, topuniversities.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.