Starting at university can be an exciting turning point; however, many students find themselves moving away from home, likely for the first time and, in many cases, living in a large urban centre which they have never lived in before. Adjustments to urban living can be very overwhelming for some of these students, if they have no prior experience with city living.
The transition to a metropolitan city may provide a few drawbacks for many people, such as learning how to use public transit, budgeting personal expenses, and finding a social circle through events specifically created for college students who attend school or college; however, with proper organisation and some common sense, the negative aspects of adjusting to life in a big city will be far less than most people think. Here are several helpful and useful suggestions for new students on how to adapt to a large urban area.
Choose Accommodation That Supports Student Life
Where you live is a big part of your experience while you are at school, especially if this is your first year. Having the right home base will help you to be more successful in the first year by giving you time to develop your routine and making your life easier and less stressful. Campus proximity is very important, but think about what is around you, too, i.e., supermarkets, transportation, gyms, libraries, and other places for socialisation.
Accommodation for students should feel safe and comfortable with communal space to get to know others and good facilities for study and downtime. Student housing like Iglu.com.au offers great locations, student-focused living spaces that combine convenience, community, and comfort—ideal for the first time away from home and adjusting to city life.
Get Comfortable Using Public Transport
Getting comfortable with public transportation is very important to university students in new cities to facilitate inexpensive, effective travel. It has been indicated that approximately 80% of university students are highly dependent on mass transit systems to get to and from campus daily, as this is far less expensive compared to car ownership or continually paying taxi fares. Many universities have agreements with their local transit authorities to provide free or reduced-cost transit passes, which can save students up to $2,000 annually and help improve student retention and credit completion rates.
During the first week of relocation, students should familiarise themselves with the major routes, including transfers and how to use transit cards that are usually available online and at station offices. The earlier a student masters the use of public transportation, the more time and money they will save; the earlier they become oriented to the city, the more independent and confident they will be in dealing with an urban environment. The foundation established enables academic success and social integration during the freshman year.
Learn to Budget and Stick to It
If you aren’t cautious about managing your money, living in a metropolis could be costly for you. Between paying your monthly rent, paying your utilities, purchasing coffee every day, and going out on dates, etc., it is very easy to find yourself spending more money than you originally planned on; therefore, by developing a budgeting habit early on, you will be able to create a smart financial resource management tool for yourself.
You will want to look at how much money you have available each month from all sources, whether that be through your family’s financial support, your own savings, part-time employment or student loan funds and then add up all the essential needs that you have (i.e., rent, food, transportation) before determining how to allocate the remaining funds towards other daily needs, etc.. Keep track of all your expenditures each week using either a digital file or an app with a related purpose. It may initially feel overwhelming to keep track of all these details, but once you establish this as being part of your normal routine, you will feel calmer and less stressed towards the end of the semester.
Cook When You Can and Know Where to Eat
For those who live in an urban environment, “living smart” means understanding how to save money while at the same time treating themselves. Cooking at home is an affordable way to save money as compared to dining out. Cooking does not require you to be a master chef, but knowing the basics of preparing several types of meals will allow you to reduce the amount of money that you spend on eating out and improve your overall health.
While going to restaurants is a part of city living, it is important to know where to go. Eating at a restaurant is not just about the food, but also about the experience. There are many inexpensive restaurants with lunch specials, as well as cultural restaurants offering meals at reasonable prices, that are popular with students. After a few visits to different restaurants, you will soon know where to get good food at a low price without compromising quality.
Make Time to Explore the City
It’s easy to get caught up in coursework and routines, but don’t forget to explore the place you now call home. Cities are full of culture, hidden gems, and free things to do if you know where to look.
Check out your local parks, museums, weekend markets, or city fairs. Having access to what is available is not limited to spending lots of money. As you explore the area, you will become more connected to it and get away from the academic stressors. It’s also a great way to meet people outside your course or accommodation.
Build a Local Support Network
The process of developing a local support network is very important for first-year university students to avoid social isolation. Research relates it to increased anxiety, depression, and reduced academic performance. Students who do not participate in social life run the risk of loneliness and disconnection, resulting in stress impeding one’s concentration, motivation, and further learning outcomes. On the other hand, active participation in welcome events, clubs, and social gatherings contributes to making friends and a sense of belonging, boosting mental well-being and academic achievement.
It also provides realistic advice and emotional support from the older student mentor on how to overcome problems or challenges at university. For instance, students who participate in campus groups have reported better retention rates and improved grades; social contact reduces stress and builds resilience. Thus, making early connections establishes a supportive network that can benefit personal and academic development directly.
Get to Know Essential Services Nearby
When you arrive, make sure you know the closest GP, pharmacy, supermarket and student support centres. It’s much easier to have that sorted from the beginning rather than scrambling when you are unwell or overwhelmed.
Universities often provide counseling, academic support, and health services, which are all funded through the Student Services and Amenities Fee. You’re paying for it, so you might as well get the most from it. Everyone needs a little help at some stage and sometimes it takes time to get accustomed to a new city.
Balance Study with Life Beyond Uni
In the first year, you may want to do all the studying possible or, at the other end of the spectrum, avoid it altogether and enjoy being at university. Still, the best approach remains to balance studying and breaks with enjoyment through a social life so as to be maximally successful throughout your studies.
Calendars or apps can help you manage your assignments, but you should schedule exercise, meal times, and even time to mentally unwind. Also, if you experience too much stress from being overwhelmed, you can lessen the amount of time spent on each assignment, and this will help reduce the stress you have about school.
Making Smart Choices for a Smarter Student Life
Living in the city during the first year can be overwhelming, but it will eventually become easier. Create good habits and stay curious, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Just keep taking steps forward. By adopting the proper mindset, you’ll enjoy both university and city living.
