Tips I've learnt from being at University for a year

Me and my housemate.
That is a cup on my head.

1. Appreciate your double bed back at home. You'll be downgrading to a single at Uni. They don't encourage sex.
2. Always use your student card at McDonalds. And everywhere else were you can get student discount. Don’t be afraid to ask if they do student discount (however, they only do it nearer student towns)
3. You don't need NUS Extra card (It may help at times, but it’s not an absolute must)
4. Meal cards (Sainsbury’s, Asda meal cards) at supermarkets are a blessing. Get your parents to put money on it as a leaving present before you go away. They are literally priceless.
5. Be friends on Facebook with the local pubs/ clubs to see what's on (but expect lots of event requests)
6. Going out is for 1st years, say goodbye to that 2nd year onwards. It’s a shame but true.
7. You'll never party hard nor as much as you will at Fresher’s
8. Nor will you drink as much
9. Experience new things. How will you know, if you don’t try it?
10. Don't budget too much, budgeting is for 2nd years. That’s just my opinion anyway…
11. However, know this now, after 1st year is over, you WILL be broke
12. Alcohol and cakes are good house-warming gifts. Alcohol and chocolate, what’s not to like?
13. Brush up on your drinking games NOW. There’s a lot out there…
14. Learn how to cook basics, buy a GOOD cookbook but know that after the first three months you won't look at it again
15. Simple but worth it: during half terms to give your liver a rest. But still go out.
16. If you want to do work whilst in the campus bar, bring a laptop. Working with a drink = Ultimate multi-tasking.
17. Read the campus magazine/newspaper for the latest info on what’s going on around Campus.
18. Remember that £20 for a night out is more than enough. It’s not high night out prices, this is University prices. Relish in the cheapness that is, going out as a student.
19. If you spend more when drunk, leave your credit card with friends that you trust/ or at home.
20. Hide emergency money… But I know that you’ll probably find it at 2am in the morning drooling over the late night Subway. It’s the thought that counts.
21. Pre-drinking is essential. ESSENTIAL.
22. Don't fret if you end up in a Unilet; I loved it. You might too. Don’t be put off with the fact that you won’t be in halls, you’ll probably visit mates there anyway, or better yet, get a better location than the halls.
23. Remember the Mermaid Theory, AKA, you're bound to find at least one of your housemates attractive because you'll spend so much time together. And before you think that's rubbish... Here's How I Met Your Mother to prove it.
24. If you’ve drunk too much and are sick, you’re sick. Remember, it’s not a contest.
25. Be respectful. Of your neighbours, housemates, yourself.
26. Saturday nights out are expensive. With older drunken thirty-year-olds… yeah, I’d pass too.
27. Take FULL advantage of £1 drinks. This is where £20 is more than enough.
28. Learn to take shots. Learn how to neck a drink without being sick after and you’ll fly through Uni.
29. Don't use the fire extinguishers. EVER.
30. Wash up after yourself. No-one likes someone who’s lazy, I should know personally, but if you clean up, there are no arguments.
31. Milk Thistle is GOD. If you read my hangover post, it will explain.
32. 9am lectures were made to be slept through in your 1st year. It’s a fact.
33. Do your best but don't aim TOO high, first year doesn't count (unless, of course, it does)
34. Don’t panic if you have to do re-sits. It’s way more common than you think and it’s not something to feel down about, this happens.
35. Maybe try to get a job in your first year but not right in the middle of Fresher’s. Fresher’s is the time to PARTY. Not work. Unless you want to be drunk at work…
36. Weight gain/ loss. You’ll be drinking a lot and you’ll probably lose some weight but this is common. Also you’ll be drinking a lot and you’ll probably put on some weight. Again, this is common.
37. TV licensing! In halls you probably won’t need one, but if you’re in a house, it’s worth it. Someone (I’m not even joking, it’s happened to us) will knock on your door and ask you questions.
38. The gym/ fitness classes are so much cheaper than the ones you’ll live near, so why don’t you try something that you’ve always wanted to do? Rock climbing, Zumba, Pole Dancing, spinning classes?