Congratulations! It’s finally happening; the start of university! This is such an exciting chapter, however it can also be nerve wracking and scary at the same time. Whether you’re moving to a new city or staying closer to home, this transition comes with new responsibilities, freedoms, and challenges. Adjusting to university life and keeping yourself organised can make all the difference between feeling overwhelmed and making the most of your student experience. Here's how to do it right. 

1. Embrace the change

First and foremost, it's essential to acknowledge that adjusting to university life takes time. Everyone's experience is unique, and feeling uncertain or overwhelmed at first is perfectly normal. With everything changing around you, you may feel like you need to do something to stay in control, but the key is to embrace the change and accept that it's part of personal growth. 

• Stay open minded: Be willing to try new things, whether it's joining a society, exploring different study methods, or making friends outside your course. 

• Try not to compare: Everyone adjusts at their own pace. Focus on your own journey rather than comparing it to others. 

• Stay connected: Keep in touch with family and old friends while making room for new connections. When I started my first year, one way I kept in touch with my old friends was by each of us sending short video tours of our new dorms. We were all so excited for each other and the bonus was it gave me inspiration for my own room when I moved in! 

2. Time management is key 

Balancing classes, assignments, social activities, and possibly a part-time job can quickly become overwhelming if you're not organised. Learning how to manage your time effectively is crucial to staying on top of your academic and personal life. 

• Use a planner or digital calendar: Whether it’s Google Calendar, a physical planner, or a combination of both, having all your deadlines, classes, and extracurriculars in one place will help you see the big picture. Student Beans have a great list of apps you can try out here. 

• Set deadlines early: Instead of waiting until the last minute, set your personal deadline a few days before the actual due date. This gives you time for revisions or unexpected hiccups. 

• Break tasks down: Large assignments can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller tasks and schedule time for each part. I love to use Notion to organise my deadlines and write my notes, and the bonus is that you get free Notion Premium for students! 

• Time blocking: Dedicate specific hours to studying, leisure, and self-care to ensure you're not neglecting any part of your life. 

  

3. Create a productive study environment 

Your environment plays a big role in how effectively you can focus and get things done. Whether you're living in student accommodation or commuting, it's important to establish a study area that promotes productivity. 

• Minimise distractions: Keep your phone on silent or out of sight and try to avoid multitasking while studying. I like to use a pomodoro timer to keep me off my phone! 

• Keep it tidy: A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Keep your study area organised and clean. Before I study, I like to give myself 10 minutes to do a quick tidy, and that helps me keep on top of things 

• Set a routine: Having set study times can train your brain to be more productive during those periods. Consistency builds discipline. 

• Find what works for you: Some people prefer quiet libraries, while others thrive in the buzz of a café. Experiment and find what environment helps you focus best. I have always found studying at home super distracting, so it can be useful to get outside and try somewhere new. Take a look at these study spots in London if you’d like a change of scenery, or if you want to work on campus, King’s has compiled a list of study spaces for you to look through here. 

4. Stay organised with your course materials 

University courses often require juggling multiple assignments, lectures, and reading materials. Staying organised with your notes, assignments, and course readings is essential to avoid last-minute scrambles. 

•  Use separate folders for each module: Whether physical or digital, categorising your notes by subject makes it easier to find what you need quickly. 

• Keep a master list of deadlines: Alongside your planner, have a running list of all upcoming assignments, exams, and projects to stay on top of them. 

• Review course material regularly: Don’t wait until the week before exams to review your notes. Schedule regular review sessions to keep the material fresh in your mind. 

• Back up your work: Whether it's using cloud storage like Google Drive or an external hard drive, make sure your assignments and notes are always backed up. 

5. Balance academics, work and social life 

University life is as much about making memories and building relationships as it is about academic achievements. Finding a balance between work and play will help you enjoy the experience to the fullest. 

• Join a student group: This is a great way to meet people who share your interests while also giving you a break from academics. 

• Set boundaries: It’s okay to say no to social invitations if you have important deadlines. Prioritise your wellbeing and studies. 

• Make time for self care: Whether it’s regular exercise, cooking, or meditation, ensure you're taking care of yourself both physically and mentally. 

6. Ask for help when you need it 

University can be challenging, and it's essential to remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re struggling academically, socially, or mentally, there's always support available. 

• Academic support: services at Kings to help you with your academic journey, such as course selections, study tips and managing academic pressures 

• Other advice: check out this article on all support services at King’s, to find one that suits you 

• KCLSU Wellbeing Hub: Visit our wellbeing hub to find independent ways to support your wellbeing.  

Adjusting to university life takes time, patience, and a good amount of organisation. Don’t forget though, university is not just about earning a degree – it's about growing, learning new life skills, and making memories that will last a lifetime. So, take a deep breath and enjoy the ride!