Tips for the first year of university

This article was written by Illustration BA(Hons) student, Amelie.

Hey everyone! I’m Amélie, and I just wrapped up my first year at Falmouth University as an Illustration BA(Hons) student. Anticipating university is bound to make you feel a whole mix of emotions - with excitement hopefully being at the forefront! When I first started university, I was hit by a wave of nervousness. I started thinking about how I’ll make friends, how I’ll budget my student finance and whether I’ll have a good time…  

Spoiler alert: I survived, and you will too!

In this blog, I’ve tried to answer these common questions and offer tips to help you navigate your first year of university. 

Falmouth is beautiful, but the start of university was a whirlwind. I was surprised by how quickly everyone came together and became friends. Since we started in September, we spent the last days of summer hanging out on the beach in big groups. Unsurprisingly, you can connect with people much more easily on a beach than in a club! 

The first few weeks of university may feel like a social marathon, but it was so worth it - I’m still close to the people I met during those early days. 

My top tip for Freshers would be to balance your time between days out and nights out - don’t wear yourself out too much by trying to do it all! You’ve got the whole year to discover your favourite pub on the high street (mine’s The Chintz). It’s much more valuable to spend your first week slowly settling in and exploring the town. 

Academically, the workload was manageable, but procrastination is a real enemy. What worked best for me was using the shared study spaces available on both Penryn and Falmouth campuses. The library helped me to get in the zone for writing tasks, while the studio spaces are perfect for creative projects. Whether you need a large desk or a heavy-duty printing press, Falmouth has it all! Make the most of the facilities - the first year is all about experimenting, learning and finding your style, so make sure to get out there and try something new. 

Anyway, here are my top tips for first year university students, inspired by my own experience at Falmouth. 

Top tips for first year university students

1. Managing your workload and attend lectures

Balancing lectures, assignments and social life is bound to be tricky. I quickly learned that attending lectures is non-negotiable. Even if you don’t fancy a hilly walk at 8:30am, you’ll be glad you went - those nuggets of wisdom from lecturers are gold that you don’t want to miss out on.  

Top tip: A planner, calendar or app to schedule everything will be your lifesaver. Your timetable is on the Falmouth app but sometimes writing it down helps you remember it better. 

Break big assignments into smaller tasks and set realistic deadlines for yourself. And if you’re really struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for an extension on a deadline. All the lecturers and staff are incredibly understanding and are there to help if you need anything. 

2. Navigating Freshers' Week

Freshers' Week is a mix of excitement and overwhelm. With so many events, it’s easy to burn out so give yourself a breather. Remember, everyone is in the same boat!  

Top tip: Pace yourself. Go to the events that genuinely interest you, and don't feel pressured to attend everything. It’s more than okay to take a night off and recharge. Some of my best Freshers’ Week memories came from casual moments like meeting people on my course and exploring nature. 

3. Budgeting and food shopping

Budgeting was a major learning curve when I first joined university. Living on your own is a big step, but you’ll adjust quickly. 

Top tip: Create a weekly budget and stick to it. It may not sound fun, but you’ll thank yourself later when your money lasts the whole term. 

Plan meals and shop with a list to avoid impulse buys (you may be tempted by all the goodies in Lidl but don’t give in). Cooking in bulk can also save time and money. I often cooked with my flatmates and we’d split the cost between us - it worked out cheap, and it was a great way to bond (plus you occasionally get dinner cooked for you!). 

4. Making the most of Falmouth

Falmouth is more than just a university town; it's a vibrant community with stunning beaches, quirky cafes, and lively events.  

Top tip: Explore the beaches, try local cafes, and attend town events. Don't miss the Sea Shanty Festival or the Worm Charming Championships which should be back up and running in 2026!  

5. Looking after your mental health 

University can be stressful, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Don’t feel like you have to be around people all the time just because you’re living in a shared space! Everybody needs some downtime. 

Top tip: Take time for self-care. Exercise, meditate, or do something you enjoy. Talk to friends, family, or the University's counselling services if you're struggling. Also make sure you register with a GP when you move. 

If things do get too overwhelming and you feel like friends, family or the University’s counselling isn’t the best option for you, you can always talk to a medical professional.  

6. Don't be afraid to ask for help 

Falmouth University has so many resources and is incredibly understanding, but it’s up to you to reach out so don’t be afraid to ask for help!  

Top tip: Whether it's academic, financial, or emotional, there are support services, tutors, and counsellors available, so make sure to use them in times of need. You’re only an email away, or you can visit the Student Help Desk at either Penryn or Falmouth campus library.