From being sensible with their money to cleaning more, students returning to Norwich University of the Arts for their second year have come up with a creative way to share words of wisdom with freshers at the beginning of their university life.
Last year's first year graphics students have created some quirky posters offering advice as part of a project called I wish I had....
Among the posters is Susie Catchpowle's recreation of a prescription with the words 'I wish I had registered with a doctor,' Dan Curtis' receipt on which 'I wish I had registered with a doctor' is written, and Emily Jones' cleaning spray bottle which has 'I wish I had cleaned more' on the label.
Robyn Challis, NUA's student support manager, said: 'The first day nerves may have settled. You've met your peers – your companions through the next three or four years of study. But there may be a few practical things you've overlooked; or issues where you need a few pointers in the right direction.'
She said the key areas students should pay special attention to were their health, finances, safety and wellbeing, and making sure they are organised.
Below is some advice from Robyn Challis on these four key areas:
• Health
Ideally, you've registered with a doctor before you arrived. Campus universities often have a medical practice on site but at a city-based university you'll need to do a postcode search at www.nhs.uk/service-search to find your nearest doctor to register with.
There are a number of vaccinations you should ensure you have. Search for 'vaccinations schedule' at www.nhs.uk and if you don't think you're up to date, talk to your doctor. Likewise, if you're receiving any form of treatment for your health, talk to your new doctor. Remember to disclose any health or disability issue to your university so that you can access the support available.
• Finance
So, you've got your student bank account – ideally, you've shopped around for the best deals and found a bank with a branch near to your new home.
Hopefully, you've applied for all the student finance you're eligible for. If there are problems with your student finance your university may be able to loan you some money until it comes through.
Living off student finance alone can be a challenge. Do a budget and work out whether you will need to supplement your maintenance loan from another source such as family or part-time work. There are lots of apps and websites to help with budgeting.
• Safety and well-being
Make sure you follow some basic personal safety advice at university. Always lock doors and windows when leaving your room or building; avoid walking round with your phone sticking out of your back pocket, and when out and about at night or while socialising, make sure you stick with others, particularly while you're still getting to know your way around. Put useful numbers in your phone such as campus or halls security and 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) numbers. If you use a bike, get it security tagged by the local police and write down your phone's unique 15-digit IMEI number in a safe place.
Even if you're going to your local university in an area you know well, it is a huge opportunity to get involved in new things and try different activities. Bear in mind the 'Five Ways to Wellbeing' research which has firmly established that in order to best support our own wellbeing we should all pay attention to five key areas: connect – be active – take notice – keep learning – give. Another search on the NHS or Mind website will take you to lots more information on this. If you're worried about coping at university or how you will deal with all the new experiences, take this as your starting point.
Freshers' week will have given you a really good idea of what's around: the students' union, clubs and societies, local sports facilities, local public transport networks, volunteering opportunities both within and outside the university.
• Be organised
Keep checking your emails – this is how universities tend to communicate, even though you may be more used to using social media for messaging.
Use a diary or calendar app on your phone to keep track of everything you're supposed to be doing. It will be your responsibility to stay organised!
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