Let's start with the basics - packing.Unless your not returning home every weekend or so,you don't have to pack the world and your grandmother.Most student rooms are basic enough and its nice to keep things simple so you have room to move around and work.It also means that your parents will not get a shock in the end of the year when you have twice as much stuff to move back down.
It is also nice to make your new room and apartment as homely as you can.If this is first time away chances are you will feel homesick within the first two months.For me it was not until Christmas that it hit me and it was nice to have family and friends photos and things that made me feel at home ie. pillows,candles,pictures. In regards the living room - don't go mental and put your personal stamp on everything - decide together what you should do.Feel free to put nice things like flowers,candles and frames in (a discount store is always good for these things) and then maybe give everyone a wall to hang posters or have a friends wall - where you accumilate photos and fun stuff on the wall throughout the year.
When it comes to room mates I think everyone should be careful to be honest. It is always hit and miss. Personally I reccomend not living with friends as if anything goes wrong,which it usually does - chances are the friendship can get ruined.Have a word with your landlord and ask to live with boys or girls only. Also, living with older crowds can help as they are more experienced.Landlords will also know who is clean or not and can help you choose wisely.Don't worry about not living with your best friend as visiting each other will be fun and you can run to each other for help and chats.
For some students food can be an issue too.I personally love cooking a nice homely meal as it helps after a day at college and its nice to relax for an hour.Try your best not to eat fatty food and microwave dinners all the time as its going to make you really tired and also unhealthy. I suggest doing one big shop at the start of the week - plan out everything so you don't go mad in the shopping center and waste your money. Maybe save about two euro a day for snacks and have the rest of the week planned. Also NEVER go shopping when your hungry.Everything will seem amazing and your money will be gone! Try to have something small before college if you don't normally eat breakfeast (take a cereal bar for class) and do your best to make a packed lunch because canteens will rob you blind! Seperate your food from your roomates and discuss at the beginning not to take each others things - this leads to many arguements.If you see something you want ASK your roomate and replace it within 24hours. If you dont your trust is broken as dramatic as it sounds!
DO NOT BITCH - I can't stress this enough. Do not bitch about other students,if your pissed off sure have a vent but don't cross the line. Everything gets around within a few days and you will get a reputation for yourself.I'm sure you and your new friends get along great but cannot fully trust them for a while and you will know by the end of the year if they are your friends for life.
The following tip is for mostly artist students (fashion,art,music,etc). When you first enter college I'm sure you think your the next big thing.Okay the confidence is good and I'm sure you just love Lady Gaga,Alice In Wonderland and you have a bow in your hair but your not the next Westwood or Wintour - yet. You have a long way to go and your surrounded by students who are just as good or better so instead of building yourself up about how good you are - put your head down,do your work and listen to advice and you will hopefully get there.
Cleaning - try to remember that your other room mates probably have their parents working double shifts to pay for their housing and your might be too - either way be respectful and clean as you go - don't let messes build up - do your dishes before bed and if you make a mess - clean it within 24 hours.
Its nice to look nice going to college and there might be some days you want to show people you have the look and there will be some days where you want to walk in wearing your pjs. Best advice here is have a neat closet - prepare your outfit the night before and get used to getting ready in twenty minutes.Its nice to look nice but college is not a fashion show and nobody really cares to be honest!
When it comes to college work please do NOT let the work pile up.Almost every student is guilty of this. All nighters are horrible, presentations are horrible when you don't have enough work and remember you worked hard to get into college so prove yourself and don't let yourself or your family down. The best tip I can give is when you get an assignment - plan it out and make a start that night.This helps so much. Also,if your not doing well at the start,don't stress! Take it at your pace and maybe tell a tutor - they will understand and do their best to help!
Lastly, I'm sure everyone has told you to behave and watch yourself - drugs,sex and rock'n'roll and all that jazz! To be honest, you really have to know yourself and be true to yourself when offered something. If you don't want to take drugs - don't! Think before you act and just walk away. Don't go mental when drinking - know your limits and always stay in a big group when walking to town - this really does help. Swap numbers on the first day in case of emergencies at night or day.
Well,there all the basics! Read them and take them into consideration . . . they really will help! If any readers want some advice or would like me to talk about more topics such as this,which I will . . just contact me!
Have an amazing year - be safe and enjoy it! I hope I hear from some of you and how you are getting on : )
