{"id":1095,"date":"2022-03-06T11:19:30","date_gmt":"2022-03-06T11:19:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ncl.ac.uk\/bns\/?p=1095"},"modified":"2022-09-05T16:03:07","modified_gmt":"2022-09-05T15:03:07","slug":"first_year_success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ncl.ac.uk\/bns\/first_year_success\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Student Secrets For Your First Year of University"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Elysia Marrs and Elayna Hugh – Jones<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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#1 \u201cMeal plan, meal plan, meal plan!\u201d <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Picture this, it\u2019s 6pm on a Thursday, you\u2019re just back from a long day of lectures, you\u2019re hangry as hell and those birds-eye potato waffles are calling your name\u2026but trust me, there is a whole world of foods and flavours at your disposal if you just meal plan! As Iona Gannon, 2nd<\/sup> year nutrition student swears by, \u201can extra 30 minutes spent planning at the weekend will save you so much time and money, even just three speedy meals a week and you will thank yourself\u201d. You never know, you might even be the next Gordan Ramsey, minus the raging temper hopefully!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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#2 Club With Caution<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Its no secret that Newcastle is THE place to be for a night out and you should 100% enjoy your newfound freedom until the cows come home\u2026but do remember to be safe \u2013 sorry to sound like a mum! Whether its Digi on a Monday night, a rave at Cosmic Ballroom or just drinks at Revolution, there are lots of simple ways to keep yourself safe, and to help your parents sleep at night! Just let people know where you are, go out with friends you trust and stay vigilant. And obviously have some nights to remember\u2026or not remember! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3 Embrace The Change<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re feeling homesick at university, you\u2019re not alone. Most us have experienced feelings of homesickness at some point during our studies. However, the abundance of activities, new experiences and adventures waiting for you at Newcastle are the perfect thing to take your mind off home, and switch your focus to all there is to gain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maral, a pharmacology Bsc student, half way through her first year, encourages you to: \u201cJoin societies because you will meet lots of different people!\u201d With over 180 student run societies, Newcastle university is the perfect place to meet like minded people and try something new. There are tons of  free \u201cGive it a go\u201d activities to pick from, including but not limited to: surf lessons, biscuit-making and trips to the best spots in Newcastle such as Tynemouth beach. All abilities are welcome, and no experience is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know from experience that its a lot harder to reminisce about the things you love back home, when you\u2019re challenging yourself to learn something new, exploring a new place, or losing yourself in the moment with new friends.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n