Trying to find the balance at University
Coming to University often causes a significant change in your lifestyle, and it can become hard to adjust. Whether trying to find your time to buy food and cook or balancing your hobbies and workload, it can take some time to adapt. Here are just a couple of things and thoughts that have helped me with my new life at University.
Be prepared that your lifestyle will change, and that’s okay! It helps if you remembered that you would have gained three years of new experiences at the end of University and some things might not stay the same. You might find that you enjoy doing different things than before, and that old hobbies you used to love aren’t part of your life anymore. Uni is such a great experience as you get to meet people from different backgrounds and expand your tastes in food, music and what you like to do in your free time.
It is important to look at different societies and find one you like the look of. If you can’t find one, make one! Finding societies that provide the type of activities you used to do back home or always wanted to is a great way to use your free time. Warwick offers great societies and sports clubs that range from Hummus society to Pole and Ariel arts. Equally, don’t be afraid to try a new activity you’ve never done before. Don’t worry, as you probably won’t be the only one starting fresh.
Another thing to consider looking into is what University can do for you to make your learning easier. There are many things to consider in this, and some can be a little of trial and error. For example, figuring out if it’s easier to do work for you early in the morning or later in the day. Finding designated places on campus or places in the towns close by can help you get into a routine with your studies. Finding places to work is really important, especially if you’re struggling with sleep, as it helps to have a separate space for work rather than your room. It’s also a great way to get out of the house whilst doing something productive, and it can be done alone or with friends. It’s also important to note that having a disability, learning or physical, means that University can offer you extra support for your work. If you’re registered as a disabled student at Warwick, you can access additional help and facilities like private study rooms you can book out at the library. Equally, applying for Disabled student allowance (DSA) can give you access to specialised equipment and software that can help immensely in your studies.
One thing people tend to neglect when thinking about how you’ll spend your time at University is shopping. The local Tescos at Warwick is a roughly 20-minute walk from central campus. However, taking in the whole journey can be close to 2 hours for a big shop. It can be made extra difficult with large and heavy bags. For some people finding the time to do a food shop can be difficult, especially with impending deadlines. You can do a couple of things with this in mind; sometimes, a quick trip to the on-campus food shop Rootes will solve small food problems. However, compared to Aldi prices, the food can be a little more than you expected. Online delivery services from places like Tesco or Ocardo can solve your time problems by pre-booking a slot and make it easier if you plan on a heavier shop with items in glass bottles or cans. As a frequent Aldi shopper, I find getting an electric scooter the best way of spending time. It tends to still work out cheaper with the scooter price in mind instead of using more expensive shops. Once you’ve got your shopping out the way, your next issue with time lies in cooking. While a quick and easy meal like an oven pizza or pot noodle is good every once in a while, a great way to make cooking less tedious is to either meal prep or cook a group activity. Cooking in a group is an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients and bond with your flat.
Whilst it’s important to budget and spend your money wisely, don’t be afraid to splurge on things that make you feel like you. You can always tweak your budget so you can still do that sport, go to the movies or get your nails done. Remember that while you’re at university, you are a student with a different lifestyle than before, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still do the things you love!
