Disclosure: The Graduate Samaritan is a free independent blog supported by its readers; this post may contain affiliate links that may earn a tiny commission to help the blog sustain itself, thank you for supporting this independent blog! (full disclaimer here)
In this guide, our UK Graduate Samaritan shares practical student life tips to help you thrive academically, build a solid social life, and take care of your mental health to be successful at university.
University life is one of the most exciting and transformative periods of your life — but let’s not sugar-coat it. It can also be overwhelming at times.
From academic pressures to social expectations, figuring out how to achieve university success can feel like a puzzle. Is it all about working hard?
Not quite. True academic success at university involves smart planning, good habits, and knowing how to enjoy the journey without getting lost in the chaos.
Whether you’re a fresher or a returning student, these top 10 tips will help you make the most of your time and be successful at university. 🎓
✅ 1. Prepare for Lectures Ahead
Maximise Your Study Time
Those early morning lectures can be tough, but preparing ahead will make them so much more bearable.
Most universities post lecture slides in advance — skim through them the night before and highlight unfamiliar terms or concepts.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Preview lecture slides in advance
- Highlight tricky terms and research them
- Write definitions in your own words
When you walk into class prepared, you’ll engage more deeply and grasp complex topics more easily.
📚 2. Never Skip Lectures
Boost Your University Success
Sure, it’s tempting to rely on recorded lectures and stay in bed — but nothing beats being present in class.
Attending lectures helps you:
- Absorb information better
- Stay engaged in university life
- Avoid procrastination and stress
Being there in person keeps your routine consistent and opens up student engagement opportunities. Remember, showing up is half the battle!
💸 Did you know? You can get a free Amazon Prime Student Account for 6 months!
🎓 Amazon Prime Student: The Ultimate Uni Perk!
- 🚚 Free Next-Day Delivery
- 🎬 Amazon Prime Video
- 🎶 Prime Music
- 🎓 Student-Exclusive Offers
📵 3. Don’t Let Social Media Distract You
Stay Focused on Your Academic Goals
Social media is one of the biggest distractions for students. Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat, notifications can quickly derail your focus.
Tips to stay on track:
- Log out before class or study time
- Turn off notifications
- Keep your phone out of reach
While social media is great for staying connected, don’t let it eat up your study hours.
👉 You might like our guide on How to Stop Procrastinating at Uni – Top Study Motivation & Time Management Tips.
🗣️ 4. Engage in Academic Debates
Become an Active Student
University is about deepening your understanding — and engaging in academic discussions helps you do just that.
Ways to get involved:
- Ask questions in lectures or seminars
- Share your thoughts with classmates
- Email your lecturer or attend office hours
These interactions sharpen critical thinking skills — essential for academic success.
📅 5. Stay Organised and Keep Up with Assignments
Manage Your Time and Tasks Efficiently
One of the easiest ways to feel overwhelmed is to let assignments pile up. Stay on top of coursework with:
- A student planner or digital tool (Notion, Trello, Google Calendar)
- Weekly review sessions for lecture notes
- Breaking large assignments into smaller tasks
Regular progress beats last-minute stress every time.
🔗 Recommended: Check out our top picks for the Best Books to Build a Successful Mindset at Uni.
📝 6. Start Essays Early for Better Results
Avoid the Last-Minute Rush
We’ve all left essays to the last minute — but starting early makes a big difference.
- Clarify the assignment: Ask your professor early if anything is unclear.
- Research daily: Break research into small, consistent sessions.
- Create an outline: Organise your ideas before writing.
Early planning leads to stronger arguments and less stress.
👉 You might like our step-by-step guide on how to write an essay at university level to get higher marks.
🧠 7. Refresh Your Knowledge Regularly
Reinforce What You Learn
Your brain is like a muscle — it needs regular training. To keep your knowledge fresh:
- Review notes weekly
- Make flashcards or quizzes
- Use mind maps to connect concepts
Consistent review helps with exam prep, builds confidence, and deepens your understanding — making you a better student overall.
🔗 8. Build a Strong Network at University
Connect With the Right People
University is also about making connections. Networking opens doors to academic support and career opportunities.
Build your network by:
- Making friends on your course
- Joining societies or clubs
- Attending events (career fairs, guest lectures)
- Connecting with tutors or alumni
These relationships can support your learning and your future.
👉 You might like our guide on How to Network Professionally at University.
🌟 9. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
Develop Soft Skills and Build Your CV
Don’t just focus on grades — join societies, volunteer, or participate in competitions. These experiences:
- Build leadership and teamwork skills
- Improve time management
- Help you make new friends
- Look great on your CV
A balanced university life fosters both personal growth and career readiness.
🥗 10. Take Care of Your Wellbeing
Prioritise Mental and Physical Health
University stress is real — and your wellbeing should always come first. When you’re healthy, you perform better academically.
- Stay hydrated: Carry a water bottle.
- Eat nutritious meals: Fuel your brain and body.
- Stay active: Even a quick walk reduces stress.
- Look after your mental health: Reach out to wellbeing services when needed.
👉 You might like our guide how to improve your student wellbeing at university.
Take care of yourself, and the rest will follow.
University Essentials 🎓
We have crafted ad-hoc essential lists for various facets of university life!
- Student essentials, a day on campus;
- Study from home essentials, the simple the better;
- Student accommodation essentials, most useful & forgotten;
- Kitchen essentials for university, self-catered halls and student flats;
- Coolest gadgets for university students, innovative and useful; (perfect gifts!)
❓FAQs – How to Be Successful at University
Most students should aim for 15–20 hours of independent study weekly, depending on course demands.
Time management, active learning, and maintaining your mental health.
Absolutely. Lecturers expect and welcome questions — it’s part of your academic growth.
Yes — even minimal involvement builds soft skills and helps with stress relief.
Yes. Staying organised reduces anxiety, improves performance, and helps you stay on track with assignments.
✨ Final Thoughts on How To Be Successful at University
Success at university isn’t about working harder — it’s about working smarter.
With the right habits, consistent effort, and balanced self-care, you can create a university experience that’s both fulfilling and successful.
Whether you’re studying for top marks or simply looking to enjoy the student journey, these tips are here to support you.
By taking small, consistent steps, you’ll be setting yourself up for long-term success. Go ahead and take on university life with confidence.
You’ve got this!
(Bonus paragraph) The Best Student Discount! 💸
Want to save money and enjoy exclusive perks? Unlock big savings with Amazon Prime Student, you can get 6 months FREE—and that’s just the beginning! Here’s what you’ll get with your free trial:
- 🚚 Free Next-Day Delivery on all your essentials—because who doesn’t love fast shipping?
- 🎬 Amazon Prime Video: Stream the latest films, TV shows, documentaries, and even live sports events.
- 🎶 Prime Music: Listen to ad-free music, playlists, and podcasts to stay focused while studying.
- 🎓 Student-Exclusive Offers: Get discounts on uni essentials, textbooks, and more.
And, if you love it (which you will), you can keep your Prime membership at half price until you graduate! 🎓
Ready to start? Follow this quick step-by-step guide to set up your Amazon Prime Student account:
- Visit the official Amazon Prime Student, landing page.
- Click on “Start Your 6-Month Trial” and then hit “Try Prime Student”.
- Sign in if you already have an account, or create one quickly.
- Enter your university email address (ending with .ac.uk).
- Provide your expected graduation year.
- Add your payment details (don’t worry, the first 6 months are totally FREE!).
- Verify your email (Amazon will send a confirmation to your uni address).
- Enjoy your Prime perks!
Don’t miss out on these incredible benefits—sign up today and get your free 6 months of Amazon Prime Student now!