CAO 2021: Top tips for freshers

Students, if you're living away from home for the first time, it pays to plan your food strategy, both in terms of health and budget.

It’s finally arrived, the day you sometimes thought might not come at all. This is another level of life you’re moving into now - that wonderful cusp between carefree youth and the demands of adulthood. College is about independence, finding your own path and getting a taste of the world that’s waiting for you. College is one of the best experiences you’ll ever have - new lodgings, new friends and new social life. All absolutely wonderful, no question, but there are a few things you need to get right to maximise the many opportunities that are waiting for you.

1: Get oriented: Attend orientation may seem obvious and perhaps slightly boring to get a tour of the college that you could do yourself - but do remember the person guiding you is a veteran, and a serious source of college information. Listen, ask questions, make a connection with others in the group, arrange a coffee after. In short, get networking. This is your first foray into college life - pay attention and you’ll be rewarded every week the rest of the year.