As new students prepare to embark on their university journeys, current undergraduates are offering advice on common challenges, from financial management to social integration.
Kieran Miller, a journalism student, found that proactive financial planning was key to managing his student loan. Upon receiving his first maintenance loan, he emphasized the importance of remembering that this sum must sustain him until the next installment. With his mother's assistance, Miller created a provisional budget before leaving home. However, he cautioned that the "student experience" and the desire to build friendships can easily lead to overspending.
"When you start uni and you're living away from your family and you've got this new sense of freedom it was also really difficult to stay strict financially because you want to make mates with people," Miller said. "Someone might invite you to go for food or to go for a drink - and you're like, 'I don't really want to say no because this is a chance to connect with someone.'"
To mitigate financial strain, Miller explored student bank accounts, securing a Railcard through one. He also signed up for student discount schemes. Beyond loans, he noted that many universities offer scholarships and bursaries, encouraging students to investigate their eligibility for these funding opportunities.
Students also shared strategies for overcoming the anxieties associated with starting university, particularly regarding making new friends. The transition to living away from home and the desire to connect with peers were identified as significant factors influencing financial decisions for some.