UNI 101

MUST-READ BEGINNERS GUIDE TO EVERYTHING STUDENT THE GUARDIAN

UNI 101 The ultimate guide to studenty stuff

ESME BROOKS (actual real-life student)

Contents INTRODUCTION Introduction

FRESHERS WEEK What to Expect How to Pack for Uni How to Make Friends How to Set Up Broadband How to Cope with Freshers’ Flu

THE FUN STUFF

How to Join a Society How to Mix a Cocktail How to Play ‘Ring of Fire’ How to Prank your Housemates How to Tie a Toga Fancy Dress Ideas How to Host a Party How to Explore your City

THE BORING STUFF How to Use a Washing Machine How to Cook a Meal How to Stay Organised How to Make a Rota How to Back Up a Laptop

I n t r o d u c t i on HOLY BALLS, YOU’RE A STUDENT

Congratulations! You’ve made it into uni! Now it’s time to knuckle down, crack the whip and work hard. ...Okay, I think we’ve convinced the parents. We both know what you’re really excited for – freedom!

Although it’s important to work hard at university, it’s not the only part of student life – believe me, I’ve been there. I’ve left all my knickers at the other side of the country, shrunk my clothes in the washing machine and been so hungover I couldn’t walk. Oh yeah. That was me.

You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to avoid my tragic mistakes. I’ve crafted this simple guide with you in mind, taken from my own experiences of student life. When you wish you’d asked your parents something, or want a little inspiration for fun stuff, you’ll find it all here in Uni 101. You’re welcome.

Esme, actual real-life student person 5

F r e s h e r s ’ W ee k

HOW TO

Pack for Uni Packing for university sounds like *the* most exciting thing ever. In reality though, trying to remember all the stuff you need can be a nightmare. Don’t despair! We’ve got you covered with this extensive list of all the things you need to start the year. Isn’t that just peachy?

Bedroom TOPS JEANS JUMPERS TROUSERS COATS SCARVES PJS UNDERWEAR CLOTHES HORSE

DUVET DUVER COVER PILLOWS PILLOW CASES LAMP MIRROR COAT HANGERS EXTENSION LEADS* PRINTER

*Don’t forget these. They’re life savers!

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F r e s h e r s ’ W ee k

Kitchen PLATES BOWLS CUTLERY GLASSES MASHER SPATULAR TIN OPENER KITCHEN KNIVES CHOPPING BOARD

MUGS OVEN TRAY SAUCEPAN FRYING PAN TEA TOWELS AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS BOTTLE OPENER WOODEN SPOON

Bathroom SOAP COMB PADS/TAMPONS RAZOR LOO ROLL TWEEZERS

HAND TOWEL BATH TOWEL HAIRBRUSH WASH CLOTH TOOTHBRUSH TOOTHPASTE

Other DRIVING LICENCE CHARGERS STATIONARY 7

PASSPORT LAPTOP PHOTOS

T h e F u n S t uf f

HOW TO

Mix a Cocktail Sometimes the cheapest wine in the local cornershop just won’t cut it. If you fancy a tipple with a little more pizzaz, just follow these step-by-step recipes and you’ll soon be channeling James Bond in no time. Nice.

Piña Colada 2oz CREAM OF COCONUT 2oz PINEAPPLE JUICE 1.5oz LIGHT RUM 2 CUPS OF ICE 0.5oz DARK RUM 1 PINEAPPLE PIECE

Place the cream of coconut, pineapple juice, light rum and ice in a blender and pulse until smooth. Pour into a glass and top with dark rum. Garnish with pineapple.

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T h e F u n S t uf f

Mojito 4 MINT LEAVES 1 LIME (FOR JUICING) 1 tbs CASTER SUGAR 2oz WHITE RUM 2oz SODA WATER CRUSHED ICE

Put the mint leaves, lime juice and caster sugar into a glass and mix. Then add crushed ice, stir in the rum and soda water, and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Margarita 35ml TEQUILA 20ml COINTREAU 35ml FRESH LIME JUICE HANDFUL OF ICE CUBES PINCH OF SALT LIME WEDGE

Pour the tequila, cointreau and lime juice into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a salt rimmed martini glass, and garnish with a wedge of lime.

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T h e F u n S t uf f

HOW TO

Play Ring of Fire Ring of Fire. The ultimate drinking game.

Spread a deck of cards face down in the shape of a circle, making sure that there are no gaps inbetween them. Place a cup in the centre of the cards and take turns to choose one. Every card has a different action, which you can find on opposite page. Be careful not the break the circle though - you’ll have to down your drink if you do!

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T h e F u n S t uf f

Rules ACE 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 JACK QUEEN KING

Waterfall - Keep drinking until the person who picked the card stops.

You - You get to choose who drinks.

Me - You have to drink.

Girls - All girls drink.

Thumb Master - When you’re ready, put your thumb down on the table. The last person to copy you has to drink.

Guys - All guys drink.

Heaven - When you’re ready, point your finger to the sky. The last person to copy you has to drink.

Mate - Choose someone to drink with you.

Rhyme - Pick a word. Everyone in the circle must find a word that rhymes with yours. Keep going untul someone messes up.

Categories - Pick a category. Everyone in the circle must suggest something from the category until someone messes up.

Make a Rule – Make a rule that everyone has to follow for the rest of the game.

Question Master - Anybody who answers your questions has to drink.

King - Pour some of your drink into the cup in the middle. Whoever draws the fourth King has to drink the dirty pint!

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The Boring Stuff SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO BE A GROWN UP. SOZ.

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f Th e B o r i n g S tu f

HOW TO

Use a Washing Machine If there’s one thing I regret not asking before I started university it’s how to use a washing machine. To save you the embarrasment of calling your mum from the laundrette (like I did), here are some simple tips on how to use a washing machine. You’ll be smelling funky fresh in no time.

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f Th e B o r i n g S tu f

Home If you’re lucky enough to have your own washing machine, you’ll notice a drawer in the top left corner, right above the drum. This usually has three compartments, with each section containing a little symbol: P r e - W a sh

F a b r i c S o f te ne r

Was h

The first is usually “pre-wash”. Don’t worry too much about it: it isn’t really necessary for your standard wash. Likewise, the second compartment fabric softener, is optional: you don’t have to use it, but it makes your clothes smell nice. The “wash” compartment, however, is vital. This is where you need to pop your washing powder. Be careful though: some detergents, especially gel ones, need to be placed into the drum instead.

Make sure to read the packaging. Once you’ve done this (and put all your dirty clothes in), turn the dial to 40. This is usually able to get everything clean, and having it on a slightly lower setting saves the environment too. Press ‘Start’ when you’re ready.

Laundrette If you have to use a communal laundrette, you can find 3-in-1 capsules to do your washing with instead of traditional detergent. These do not require you to pour anything into the drum or the drawer, which can be super handy if you’re in halls. Just chuck the capsules into the drum and hit go. Sorted.

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STARTING UNIVERSITY? Whether you’re heading to parties, fixing up an essay or attempting your first cooking venture, Uni 101 is your pocket guide to keeping a level head. Written from one student to another, this guide provides reallife stories, ideas and tips on student living, with up-to-date information on living in halls, joining societies and more. From Freshers’ Week to Finals, Uni 101 will answer all the questions you didn’t think to ask.

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