10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting University in the UK

1. Freshers’ Week is Overwhelming (But Worth It)

• Pick events that genuinely interest you, not just what everyone else is doing.
• Don’t pressure yourself to make your “forever friends” in the first week.
• Collect society flyers and decide later which to join.

2. The Cost of Living is Higher Than Expected

• Laundry in halls (£4–6 per wash/dry cycle)
• Student events and nights out
• Printing and course materials
• Public transport fares

Pro tip: Use apps like Monzo or Revolut to track your spending. For travel, check out student discounts like the 16–25 Railcard or local bus passes.

3. Cooking Skills Save Money (and Friendships)

You can only survive on takeaway pizza and noodles for so long. Learning to cook just 5–6 simple meals (like pasta, curry, stir fry, or soup) will massively improve your health and wallet. Cooking together is also a great way to bond with flatmates, and many universities run cheap student cooking classes during Freshers’ Fair.

4. The Weather Will Surprise You

Everyone talks about UK weather, but until you live here, you won’t fully understand: sunshine in the morning, rain by lunchtime, and cold winds at night — all in one day. In winter, the short days can affect your mood, so get daylight, keep active, and try a daylight lamp if you feel down.

5. Lectures and Seminars Are Different Than School

• Recording lectures (if allowed) helps.
• Summarize readings before seminars so you can contribute.
• Use apps like Notion or OneNote to organize your notes.

The biggest shift: your lecturers guide you, but your learning is your responsibility.

6. Societies Are the Best Way to Make Friends

University isn’t just academics — it’s about finding “your people”. Whether you love football, anime, debating, or even Harry Potter, there’s a society for you. Most of my friends came from societies, not my course. And bonus: it looks great on your CV!

7. Part-Time Jobs Teach You More Than Money

• Time management
• Teamwork
• Customer service
• Problem-solving under pressure

Campus jobs, retail, tutoring, or working for the student union are all great starts. These roles offer much more than cash—they give skills employers value after graduation.

8. Public Transport Isn’t Always Reliable

• Invest in a 16–25 Railcard (1/3 off train fares).
• Buy weekly/monthly bus passes if you use buses often.
• If you’re in smaller cities, consider cycling.

Delays and crowds are normal. Planning ahead makes life easier!

9. Mental Health Support is There (Please Use It)

• Counseling
• Wellbeing advisors
• Peer mentoring
• Mental health workshops

Don’t wait until breaking point. Using support early is a sign of strength, not weakness.

10. University Life Isn’t Just About Studying

Grades matter, but your years at university are also about discovering yourself — through networking, volunteering, joining trips, or even launching a side hustle. What happens outside lectures can be just as valuable as what’s taught inside.