Getting the most from University

So, you're all settled into your student accommodation and you're looking forward to the rest of your time at University. You will cross many hurdles as a student, some of which will be easier to overcome than others. So, to make your journey as smooth and as simple as possible here is a guide to the student lifestyle that can save you time and money.

A Productive Work Space

One important aspect of student life is your study time. As all students will be fully aware by now, getting your head down and completing work can be difficult at the best of times. A world of distractions surround you and make it harder than ever to concentrate. So here are some great ways to ensure more effective and worthwhile study periods in your workspace.

Firstly, avoiding distractions is key. Set yourself up in a corner away from the T.V. so that you have your full attention on your work. Listening to music can also help you focus on the task at hand. Finally, there are now many apps that will lock you out of your social media accounts in an effort to help you stay on track and avoid the temptation of checking up on the world.

Another method for ensuring a productive study period is your working environment. By this I mean the area in which you choose to work, it is important to have a comfortable and clean working area. The most effective work area will be spacious with plenty of resting space, that is well lit during daylight hours. Finally, it is always helpful to have some storage and a bin which should both be used to keep your desk free of rubbish and clutter.

A final way to create a productive workspace for yourself is by reducing the noise of other housemates or surrounding sounds. You can counteract noises like this using simple measures such as closing a window, putting a towel at the bottom of your door and using headphones to help drown out unpleasant noises.

Maintain a Social Life

Although this may seem obvious, you should remember that while you are at university, it is still important to maintain a healthy relationship with both your existing friends back home and the new friends you will make while at university. Why are your friends so important? 

Well having the option to move away from the stress of work and having a group of friends to relax with can and will make your university experience much more enjoyable. Having a happy attitude to your university lifestyle can only have a positive effect on your overall performance at university in 2017/2018.

Ways to Save Money

There are many ways that a student can save themselves a fair amount of money over their time at university. This money can then be spent on the things that you consider to be important to you.

Do your own cooking – Get yourself down to the supermarket and look for the best bargains to take home, cooking will not only save you money but helps you to learn a skill that you will use later in life. 

Use your student discount – These days students can receive student discounts in a number of locations around the country. This could be a price discount, or in some restaurants, free food can be claimed when you buy a meal. One of the standard student cards is an NUS card, this enables you to get a discount at specific stores local to you.

Public transport in Birmingham – Public transport is cheap, especially now students can get a discount on railcards and bus passes. Take full advantage of the services around you and save yourself money.

Loyalty cards - Who doesn’t love free money? Loyalty cards are a fantastic way to earn yourself free money. It may take time to build up the points you need but for the sake of carrying around a thin plastic card, it's well and truly worth it.

Work as a Team

If you live in shared accommodation and not in a studio of your own, listen up. Work as a team to keep the place tidy and clean. Living in a clean and tidy environment offers a much healthier lifestyle. Sharing jobs such as cooking, cleaning and tidying up ensure that everything gets done and each member pulls their weight.

Pick the Accommodation That's Right for You

If you’re thinking about your accommodation next year it may be worth taking this into account. All student accommodation provides a different lifestyle, which many students do not realise until they are already settled in.

Houses – A house offers you the opportunity to live with friends that you may have met in your first and second years at university. They are fantastic for those people who like to be surrounded by their peers and live within a community.

Studios – A studio apartment is great for a streamlined lifestyle, a studio offers a quiet and relaxed environment away from the busy life of University. If you like to deal with your own mess and are tired of dealing with everyone else this may be the right option for you.

Flats/apartments – This is the middle ground, flats offer a secluded and reserved area when it is needed, enabling you to relax after a long day of work, however, due to their layout and design they offer a convent space to host small events giving you the option, if you please, to have friends round on occasion.

Unihousing aims to offer the best university living experience to the students of Birmingham. By advising students on what can make and break their student year, we are able to ensure an enjoyable experience to the hundreds of students that rent with us every year.

To find out more and see what Unihousing has to offer, head to our website to view all our available student accommodation ready for the academic year in 2018.