It is not always easy to adapt to the university, especially when leaving your parents’ home. The first year of college enters a new phase of life, in which almost everything is different: the methods of teaching, work, research, reasoning, relationships with colleagues and teachers.
Everything becomes even more difficult when you still have to deal with leaving home and adapting to another city. Young people are also faced with the challenges of independence, which implies time and money management.
Often these novelties can disorient the student who falls into lack of control.
But what should you do after all if you’re in trouble? Write down some tips that can help.
1) Don’t be ashamed to ask for help
First of all, if you have a strong relationship with your parents, you should turn to them if you need help, but if you feel distanced from their way of life, there are also teachers or friends. There are also structures at universities ready to help students, such as psychology, social solidarity offices and even academic associations.
2) Pay attention to the signs
In an instant, a student can go from being psychologically fragile to depressed. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the signs before it is too late. The first symptom is usually academic failure, especially if this drop in grades happens suddenly. In this case, it is necessary to try to understand the causes of the situation. Doubts about the direction to be taken may also arise, but they may be more related to a context of fragility than to the course itself. It is necessary to analyze the whole situation calmly.
3) Company in exchange for accommodation
Vacancies in university residences are difficult to obtain and accommodation that is close to colleges is, as a rule, the subject of speculation, which means that it will be very expensive. So it pays to look for a house outside the university’s area of influence and manage distances with public transport.
There are also several programs through which accommodation is offered at the home of a “senior”, in exchange for support in small tasks. Academic associations or SAS usually have these contacts.
4) Bring food from home
Bringing home-made food is much cheaper and so there can be more money left over for fun with college colleagues. It is worth spending time scrutinizing supermarket promotions and “white label” prices. And making shopping lists helps you acquire just what you need. Alternatively, university canteens also offer affordable meals. Many are open for dinner and also on Saturday.
5) Negotiate the payment of tuition fees
Tuition fees can be paid monthly (instead of annually or quarterly). Just ask and negotiate with the university. There are also social supports for students in need.
6) Take advantage of college offers
There are libraries or study spaces open after hours. You save yourself on the electricity bill and access to the net. On the other hand, universities offer medical consultations at affordable prices and academic associations sometimes have free tickets for shows or football games.
7) Part-time can help with finances
A part-time can be a good solution to balance the accounts. But be careful with jobs full time, because the desire to be independent very quickly can lead to dropping out of studies.
