Being a university student is exciting. It gives you independence, which means you are free to do what you want to do, explore things and meet new people. However, it is not always as easy as you might think. It is a transition to adulthood, which could mean you will need to live on your own and make your own decisions. These are surely challenging.
However, some important skills will help you get through it. The good news is you can develop them over time. Here are some of the things that you will need to survive college life in a big city:
Skill #1: Budgeting
You will be given an allowance and you will need to make the most of it. The money you have must be put to good use. Most of the time, a huge chunk of your budget may go to housing. That is why it is important to find cheap or affordable student accommodation in London or in any other city you are planning to live in.
A portion of your budget will be spent on utility, food, school expenses and some leisure activities. You will need recreation, as you are living away from your family and friends. Anything that will keep you occupied, engaged or entertained is important while you are living the university life.
You should learn how to create a budget and stick to it. Proper budgeting involves determining the most important needs and alloting money for them before thinking of your wants. Do not prioritise the things you can live without. The cost of living in a city like London can be high, so living a simple yet comfortable life will be ideal. Save as much as you can; your future self will thank you for that.
Skill #2: Cooking
If you want to save money on food, do not eat out every time you crave for something. Instead, cook your own food and learn to appreciate everything you prepare and eat. It will save you a lot of money and give you an opportunity to experiment with flavours. You can cook by batches and take them to school, so you will not need to buy food from the canteen or cafeteria.
Skill #3: Communicating
Living in a foreign soil or a new environment requires you to become a good communicator. Learn to reach out and socialise; after all, you are living alone now, so you better find new friends who can make your university life more colourful and interesting.
Skill #4: Biking
Biking may seem like a simple child activity, but it is surprising that many college students do not know how to ride a bicycle. You may want to learn it, especially if you want to save money on transportation. So, instead of taking the cab or train, you can ride your own bike (provided that your university is within biking distance).
Being a university student gives you an opportunity to decide for yourself and see how every decision will affect you. Make every day count and get the most of your journey by following these recommendations.
