You’ve finally done it! You have achieved the ultimate greatness and entered into the exciting world of freedom and parties that is University student life. However, with this opportunity comes a great deal of responsibility. Read on as we share our top 5 tips on how to find the balance between social life and academics.

1. Attend your classes:

Yes, there are more often than not so many more exhilarating options than attending 8am tutorials and why should you drag your tired partied-all-night body to that boring lecture when all your friends are still sleeping? As perfectly logical as this may seem to you at the time, it is in fact not the wisest of choices. Missing one class can perhaps be done, as you can ask your peers for notes, but be careful not make this a habit. By attending our lectures you will not only pass your subjects, but actually learn something too!

2. Find a Study Buddy:

As scary as it may seem to actually “work” when with friends make the effort to form a study group. By studying in a group you can receive the help you need as well as help others, as re-teaching is one of the best ways to learn.

3. Get Some Sleep:

While it is an enormous amount of fun to enjoy all the activities at University, you do need to find the time to get some rest. Too much partying or studying may leave you with very little time to give your body and brain the rest it requires to function. Rather than nodding off in lectures, get an early night once or twice a week.

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:

Although it is very tempting to go to bed late, get up late and eat at random times between classes and social events, the amount of alchohol and unhealthy, greasy food that the majority of students indulge in, does not add any value to our bodies or our studies. In order to function optimally, one must take care of your body. When you have an hour or two off between classes, dust off those running shoes and take a walk or hit the gym. Break a sweat to maintain your focus.

5. Ask for Help:

You may feel pressured to act like a “grown up” and handle everything yourself, but there is nothing wrong with asking for help once in a while. Whether it is a student loan, extra notes, advice from friends, extra money from parents for that special date; never be too afraid to ask. The life of a University student comes with a lot of changes and new responsibilities and we all need a helping hand from time to time.

Keep these 5 tips in mind when you need to take a breath and refocus at University. Enjoy the incredible journey for what it is and make the most of it.