Studying for a degree is an exciting opportunity in itself, and of course the end game of receiving your degree is the ultimate goal. But there are loads of things you can do along the way to make sure these few years you spend studying with us are some of the best you’ve ever had. Make your time important and memorable!

Join a society

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Joining a society is a great way to meet new people and make friends with people with the same interests as you. There’s plenty of different societies to choose from, and you can even use the ARU Student’s Union app on Apple and Android devices to pay for your memberships. And if there isn’t anything that takes your fancy, you can always set up your own, and we’d be happy to help you!

Volunteer

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Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to build on your skills, meet new people, and find your confidence. There are loads of volunteering opportunities on our website which are either ongoing or one-off commitments. With such a range of volunteering experiences, there is something for everyone. It’s ideal to get relevant experience, making you more employable, as well as making a difference in your community!

Get involved

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With so much going on at ARU and around campus, it's easy to get involved. We run several club nights, Give It a Go activities and events, and other events such as de-stress activities. Most of them are free, or have a low cost. You can keep an eye on the Events Calendar to see what events you're interested in getting involved with.

Get part time work

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If you want some extra money to spend, or you’re looking to gain work experience, give the Employment Bureau a visit. They can help you find part time work to fit around your studies, and post relevant job vacancies on their website. Spending the years you study in a job relevant to your chosen career can help you hugely in securing that job you want when you graduate!

Use the resources

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Make sure you are using what is made available to you to get the most out of your studies. The library has numerous physical and online materials you can use, as well as bookable rooms, computers and printers. Also, make sure you're making the most of your tutors. Ask them for help when you’re stuck, show them your work and talk through ideas. They’re there to help you, so make sure you use them!

Explore

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Make the most of your time here, and explore the city and what it offers. There are so many parks, museums, shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes, that you can easily find a new favourite place to go to with your friends. With an NUS card you can get discounts at many places around your university city, as well as the rest of the UK, and with discounts on travel there’s no reason why you can’t explore the rest of the country as well!

Know who to turn to for help

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Sometimes things get tough, and that’s okay. But it’s important to make sure you get help when you need it. Everyone is here to help you. If it's course related, turn to your tutors for guidance. Study Skills Plus can help you with academic skills like writing if you're finding it difficult. If you’re struggling to manage your finances, then talk to the Money Advice Service. If you’re having trouble facing a mental health issue, go see the Wellbeing and Counselling Service; they offer counselling as well as other one-on-one professional support. For guidance on your future career, visit the Employability Service drop-in or make an appointment. For more general help you might want to book to see one of ARU Students’ Union’s advisors, who can advise you on broad-ranging issues.

However you choose to spend your time, we hope you have an amazing time here!