Over the course of this month hordes of those fresh faced teens who were lucky enough to have got the right grades will take up their places at university and their first steps to independent living. Those first days away from home are a heady mix of excitement and fear as you are exposed to a rush of new people and influences. It all felt like a bungee jump to me.
After my misty eyed parents drove away in the Volvo, I sat down on the narrow single bed in my new room and thought "What do the heck do I do now?! Am I actually supposed to go and introduce myself to people?". I solved the problem by playing The Stone Roses very loudly, which had the desired effect of luring people to my door. I have a few words of advice that I wish I had been given that day.
Dump the home boyfriend/girlfriend This might sound harsh and I know the odd couple that managed to survive going to different unis but they are rare as hen's teeth. Young, free and single is the most desirable way to face your first few months away. Better to agree on a break for the first term than have to spend the first few weeks pining and the rest of the time with your phone switched off avoiding their calls because you've met someone else.
Manage your money Organise yourself so that you are receiving your spends in small, regular chunks. Getting it in a lump sum might seem like a great thing, but it will seem less so when you have spent it all in Topshop and have no visible means of support.
Try and attend some seminars and lectures You will be grateful for it when you find yourself sitting down to revise for your finals. Whatever you do, do not attend so few tutorials that you are forced to sneak into the faculty building to hand in your essays and run the gauntlet of bumping into one of your supposed tutors on the way. You don't want them to chase you down the corridor shouting that they should have given your place to someone who would have appreciated it. Trust me on that one.
Go easy on the sex and drugs, but rock n roll is great Condoms are your great, but remember that even they cannot protect you from some nasties like genital herpes. Going on a shag fest may seem appealing, but bide your time or you might regret it later. A lot. The same goes for the drugs and booze. Never try to get in with a new friend by doing things that you normally wouldn't. No matter how hot they are. With regards to the rock n roll, I strongly advise forming a band or attaching yourself to a member of one if you lack any musical talent. This is guaranteed popularity.
Look after yourself By Christmas most people are burnt out husks riddled with all manner of ailments. Don't be one of them. Try and eat healthily. Fruit is your friend. Also, try and give yourself at least 2 dry days a week. You will reap the benefits if you do.
Most of all, just enjoy yourself. Don't worry about not being as interesting/good looking/brainy/well traveled as your fellow freshers. You will find your group, have some amazing adventures and hopefully come out with some kind of qualification in the end. I loved every second, despite failing to heed most of the advice given above.
