Advice for new students

It was three years ago this weekend that I started student life. Now of course, I've joined the working world, but I'm not too old to remember "what it was like". With this is mind, and before I'm morally obliged to turn against students (lazy, money-grabbing layabouts, etc. etc...), I thought I'd pass on a few pearls of wisdom.

Talk to everyone
University is all about socialising (oh, and learning), so start as you mean to go on. Freshers Week is the perfect opportunity to talk to as many people as you can (and not look weird), because everyone is in the same boat. I'm quite very shy around people I don't know, but you have to bite the bullet and speak. Most importantly, though, be yourself – because no-one likes a fake, and three years is a long time to keep lying. You'll probably never speak to the vast majority of people you'll meet, but some of them could turn out to be your very bestest friends.

Be a Facebook whore
As a general rule, I hate Facebook whores: people who are add anyone and everyone they've ever come into contact with, but who'd struggle to name even a small percentage of their 700 "friends". At university though, this sort of behaviour is acceptable, and often quite useful. Being friends with loads of people allows you to find out loads of useful information, whether it's people discussing one of your assignments on their walls, or finding out about a massive house-party at the weekend. It's also an excellent way to waste time.

Buying new books is for losers
Losers of money, that is. With minimal planning, you should never have to walk into a Waterstones/Blackwells throughout your entire time at uni. Second-hand books are often considerably cheaper than the new editions, and they're readily available. Amazon marketplace, charity shops and second-hand bookstores are the best places to look: you'll probably find people advertising their old books for sale around the campus/union, too. You might have to hunt around, or wait for delivery, but this is a great way to save a few pounds (and you can always sell them on when you've finished with them).

Keep one eye on the bank balance
Having a student loan, an overdraft and – if you're very lucky – a grant can be overwhelming for someone used to having £12.87 in the bank. Remember, though, that there's no such thing as free money. I don't want to sound like a killjoy, but a little bit of money management can save you a lot of headaches. Work out how much you'll be getting in, and when; take away any major costs (ie: rent and the cost of any travel), then divide the money left into a weekly budget. Even if you're slightly over every week, keeping tabs on your finances is a very handy skill to possess. Don't be afriad to splurge now and again: you'll find that for every "big week" (birthdays, Christmas, end of term) there'll be a quiet week where you hardly spend anything at all.

Wreck your student discount card
One of the biggest things you'll miss when you leave uni is the ability to take 10% off your bills at the tills. Most places on the High Street offer student discount – and you should always ask, even if there's not a big poster on display. It's a great way to save on clothes, games, music, electronics and even groceries: Somerfield offer 5% off your shopping if you're quick enough to grab one of their student cards. Also look out for pub and restaurant loyalty cards: these will probably end up being used more than you're prepared to admit to...

Enjoy life
People say that your school days are the best of your life, so treat your time at university as an extention of school. There'll still be teachers' pets, bullies, cool kids and homework, but the hours are far better, you'll never get detention, and you'll never have to tuck your shirt in. Don't take things too seriously, and as long as you do a bit of work now and then, you'll be fine.