Becoming a student often feels like you have taken a major step towards independence and adulthood, it also requires a fair amount of adjustment to the challenges you might face such as balancing a social life with studying and keeping on top of your finances.

Here is a look at some of the aspects of student life that will have a major impact on how you reflect back on your time as a student and whether you consider it to be a positive experience overall.

Finding the right balance

Your ultimate goal is to graduate with the qualifications you need to take that all-important step up the ladder to a great career but the student experience is also just as much about enjoying the social opportunities it offers.

There is nothing wrong with saying that a good social life can be almost as important as your academic commitments because it would be unwise to underestimate how a balanced academic and social life matters to your wellbeing.

You will have to study really hard to get your grades and that can be stressful, which is why you should aim to enjoy a vibrant social life where you make lots of new friends and take the opportunity to relax and unwind.

Many students say that they find their true selves while at university and a healthy mix of socializing combined with academic studies is often considered a good path to getting your grades while having an amazing experience.

Learn how to manage money

Experiencing true independence for the first time can be exciting and daunting in equal measure.

Learning how to manage your money is a life skill that is so critical and it can be a steep learning curve when it is down to you to budget and ensure that the money you have is used in the best way possible.

Learning how to borrow money responsibly can be part of the student experience and you can get loan information here for an idea of what it involves and how much it might cost to arrange financial assistance for a specific period of time and for a variety of reasons.

It is ok to ask for help

Finding yourself far from home and on your own can be a bit scary at first and there are so many challenges you face all in a short space of time.

Organizing your studies and creating an academic timetable is a challenge in itself but add in the fact that you are trying to make new friends, learning how to manage your money, and just coping with your first experience of true independence, and it can all can get a bit overwhelming for some students.

Sadly, there are far too many students who are either afraid or too embarrassed to ask for help and suffer in silence as a result.

You should understand that there is absolutely no shame in reaching out for help and guidance and once you get the assistance you need it will make things a whole lot better.

We all need emotional and physical support at certain times and it’s ok to ask if you are struggling. 

The alternative can be an overload of worry and stress which is not going to do you any good at all.

Make the most of the learning opportunity

A fundamental point that can so often be overlooked is the fact that you are attending a university is to explore more deeply a subject that inspires or interests you more than any other.

If you are passionate about a certain subject this is an amazing opportunity to learn all about a subject that could provide you with a solid career after you graduate from university.

Yes, you have deadlines to meet and exams to study for, which can potentially take away some of the fun, but only if you let it.

Embrace the chance to learn all about a subject that really interests you and it should help you to make the most of your time at university.

Find out how far you can go

One of the most proven ways to improve yourself is to commit to pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone.

Coasting along and doing the bare minimum to get your grades is not going to reveal some extra qualities that you may have unless you accept new challenges and take your studies and efforts to a new level.

Your efforts will often be rewarded when you throw yourself into something that is definitely outside of your normal comfort zone and when you broaden your skillsets in this way, who knows where it will take you.

Mentoring programs are always worth considering

You are starting out on your learning journey and if your university is offering you the chance to connect with an industry mentor via a formal mentoring program this is an opportunity that is well worth considering.

It makes perfect sense to get some valuable industry insights and guidance from people who have already made their mark in the sector you are interested in.

There are numerous ex-students who are more than happy to lend a hand mentoring current students and their input and advice can be hugely beneficial in giving you the networking skills needed to succeed.

In addition, being mentored can really boost your confidence when you are shown how to follow a path that has been trodden successfully before by your mentor.

Ask the university whether they offer a mentoring program and even if there is nothing official in place they may still be able to put you in touch with an industry mentor who can give you the sort of help that can often make the difference to what you get out of your student experience.

Being a student is a period in your life that you will never forget and if you can follow some of these tips to make the most of your time in higher education it should improve your chances of viewing student life as a positive experience.