10 tips for a great start to university
Are you about to start your studies? Starting university means meeting new people, taking new courses and adjusting to a completely new routine. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Here are 10 tips to help you get off to a good start.
1. Read your curriculum
Your curriculum is your guide to your degree programme. This explains which courses you will take, what you are expected to learn and how your exams are structured.
You do not need to read everything from beginning to end, but spend some time getting an overview. This can answer many of the questions you may have before starting university.
2. Get the practicalities sorted
Check your timetable, find your classrooms and make sure you know which books and digital tools you will need. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the university’s online platforms before your first day of classes.
Try to arrive a little early on your first day. That way, you will have time to find the right room without unnecessary stress.
3. Take part in intro activities
Introductory trips, campus tours and social events can feel like a lot at once. You do not have to take part in everything, but try to join some of the activities. These activities are a great opportunity to get to know your fellow students and your university.
Choose the activities you feel comfortable with and have the energy for. A good start to university should also feel safe and enjoyable.
4. Get to know your fellow students
Your fellow students can become an important part of both your academic and social life. Take the initiative: invite someone for a coffee, sit next to someone you do not know or suggest walking to class together.
You do not have to find your best friends during the first week. Relationships take time, and many others will be just as excited and uncertain as you are. Strong friendships can make a real difference when assignments and exams start to feel overwhelming.
5. Find a study technique that works for you
At university, you often have more freedom and more responsibility for your own learning than you may be used to. Experiment with different ways of reading, taking notes and preparing for classes.
Perhaps you learn best by studying with others. Or maybe you need peace and quiet and short, focused study sessions. There is no single right method. The important thing is to find a routine that works for you.
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6. Make the most of your study group
A study group can help you understand the course material, stay motivated and prepare for exams. Talk early on about how you would like to work together. For example, agree on how often you will meet, how you will prepare and what you expect from one another.
It is easier to work well together when everyone knows what to expect.
7. Get an overview of your finances
A simple budget can give you greater peace of mind in your day-to-day life. Make a note of your regular expenses for housing, transport, food, books and subscriptions.
You should also familiarise yourself with the rules for SU (the Danish student grant) and consider how much time you have for a student job.
If you have moved away from home, you should also look into which types of insurance you need.
8. Remember life outside university
It can be tempting to read everything, take part in everything and say yes to every event. But you also need time for sleep, breaks, exercise and the people in your life outside university.
Consider planning when you study and when you take time off. Developing good habits from the beginning can help you create a routine that works throughout the semester.
9. Think about your career without planning everything
You do not need to know exactly what you want to do for a living when you start your degree. But you can already start exploring your options.
Take part in company visits and professional events, talk to students who are further along in their studies and keep up with developments in the Life Science industry. Over time, this can help you discover which fields and workplaces interest you.
10. Ask for help when you need it
No one expects you to have everything figured out from day one. Ask your lecturers, student guidance counsellors or fellow students if there is anything you are unsure about.
We wish you a great start to university!
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