What I wish I'd known in my first year of university

Starting university this year? Khadeeja looks back at her time at SOAS and shares her advice for finding a work-life balance, saving money, and making the most of your time at uni. 

Welcome to SOAS! I am Khadeeja, an Accounting and Finance student who has recently finished her degree. My time at SOAS has been a wonderful, vibrant experience with many adventures. Here are a few tips I wish I knew before starting:  

Immerse yourself 

Starting university can be daunting, but diving right in is the best way to approach it. SOAS's Welcome Week can aid you in making friends, learning your way around and getting started.   

But what about after that? Finding your ground can sometimes take time, so do not be disheartened. There is truly something for everyone at SOAS; you just have to take the time to find it. Try talking to people at your lectures and tutorials, attend the events of the many societies you signed up for at Freshers Fayre and keep your eyes open on social media. 

Find a work-life balance that works for you

We are all familiar with this phrase, but how do you truly implement a work-life balance throughout your whole degree?   

My advice is simple: use your first year to explore and learn your likes and dislikes. This is the year to experiment, so sign up for lots of societies and events, try out different study spaces to see where you work best and begin to establish a routine which works for you.   

By your second year, hopefully, you have a better idea of what you enjoy and how you work best. At this point, cut down to the activities you enjoy and create a schedule that factors your class times, independent study hours, time with friends and any hobbies you have.   

As your final degree grade is split 50/50 between your second and final year, maintain your current timetable, but shift the timings to fit your new class times.   

Get to know SOAS staff too

As SOAS is a smaller institution, it gives you the opportunity to establish relationships with your lecturers, tutors, academic advisors etc. Take advantage of this, as this will only make your life easier. When lecturers set coursework, book meetings with them during their office hours to discuss what criteria they are looking for. Check your tutor's office hours to book a meeting with them, and make sure you meet your academic advisors.    

Be proactive and take advantage of all the opportunities

There are so many opportunities right on your doorstep, so be proactive and take the first step. Services such as SOAS Studiosity provide same-day feedback on your assignments, helping you get the best grade even before you submit them.   

From being under the University of London group, you have free access to all other UoL institutions' facilities. So, start collecting library cards from places such as KCL and LSE like they are Pokémon – you've got to catch them all! On top of free library memberships, you are entitled to UCL’s student membership fee for their expansive gym, so explore all the benefits of being at a UoL university.

Another incredible opportunity to not miss out on is the chance to complete a year abroad. With the possibility of living in countries like Japan, Jordan, Canada, Norway and more, make sure you don’t miss out!

Use your first year to explore and learn your likes and dislikes. This is the year to experiment, so sign up for lots of societies and events.

Create a budget

Going out is great until you realise you are about to enter your overdraft. Create a budget each year or term, allocating funds for all your needs. In addition, be smart with your money. If you are commuting from home every day, investigate buying a travelcard.

If you are hungry and want a sandwich or toasted panini, don't buy it from Starbucks or Pret for £5. Instead, buy it from SOAS’s World Food Kitchen or SU shop for £2-£3. London is an expensive city, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself.

Try an on-campus job

With the student and digital ambassador schemes, SU shop, SOAS café, SOAS internship programme and more, there is no shortage of ways to be more involved on campus and to earn money. These opportunities are the perfect way to gain experience, get transferable skills and make great friends for life.   

SOAS has something for everyone, so go in ready to make the most of it. Enjoy your experience, take care of yourself, and prepare to make some lifelong memories! 

Start off your SOAS journey by getting involved in all that Welcome Week 2023 has to offer, including academic talks, language tasters and the Student Unions' Freshers Fortnight.