First Year, New Chapter: How to Build Good Habits from Day One

By Nicole Petersen, Early Career Specialist and Project Manager (Young Talent), South African Graduate Employers Association

 

First year, new chapter: Being away from home

Starting your first year at university is a big deal. New freedom, new people, new pressure – and for many South African students, real financial and emotional challenges too. The good news? You don’t need to have everything figured out to succeed. Your first year is about building habits, finding support, and learning how to bounce back when things get tough.

Here are our top tips to help you make the most of your first year on campus – academically, socially, and personally.

 

1. How do I manage my money without stressing every month?

Let’s be real: budgeting isn’t exciting, but it is empowering. Whether your studies are being funded by your parents, a bursary, NSFAS, a loan or a side-hustle – building a budget and sticking to it as best you can, will help you stay on top of spending.

Top tips:

• Track your spending for the first month — even small things like snacks and transport add up.
• Separate needs from wants. Food, data, and transport come first.
• Cook with friends or roommates instead of going out to eat, to save money.
• Divide your income by weeks — not months — to avoid running out early.

Remember: Struggling financially is not a personal failure. It’s common, and support exists. If your budget reveals you’re facing a financial shortfall, keep reading.

 

2. What support is available if I’m struggling to make ends meet?

Most universities offer student support programmes, but many first-years don’t know about them — or feel shy to ask. These may include:

• Food parcel or meal voucher programmes, such as UP’s Food Parcel Project and UJ’s Meal Assistance Programme
• Emergency financial aid, such as UCT’s Students in Distress Fund and Wits’ Registration Assistance Fund
• Campus food banks or subsidised cafeterias, such as NMU’s Student Health Services Nutrition Programme.

Important: These services exist because student hunger is real. Using them is a smart survival strategy, not something to feel ashamed of. Reach out to the Student Support Services on your campus if you need help.

 

3. How do I keep up with my workload without burning out?

University is less about being “smart” and more about managing your time. Try this:

• Use a digital or paper planner and block out lectures, study time, and rest.
• Start assignments early — even 30 minutes a day helps if you start early enough.
• Break big tasks into smaller steps to avoid panic.
• Treat studying like a job: show up consistently, even when motivation is low.

Pro tip: Rest is productive. Sleep and breaks improve memory and focus.

 

4. Do study groups actually help?

Yes! They’re one of the strongest resilience tools you can build. Study groups work because:

• You learn faster by explaining concepts to others
• You stay accountable
• You don’t feel alone when work feels overwhelming.

Many students move away from home to go to university. Study groups not only help you learn, they help you establish a new support network when your high school friends and family are far away.

Pro tip: Form groups early in the semester, keep them small, and make sure they’re focused (with time to laugh too).

 

5. What campus facilities should I actually use?

You’re paying for more than lectures – use what’s available. Getting involved helps you feel connected, especially if you’re from out-of-town. And students who feel connected are more likely to succeed. Look out for:

• Academic development centres (writing, maths, study skills)
• Counselling and mental health services
• Student societies, sports clubs, and cultural groups
• Residence advisors and peer mentors.

Pro tip: If you’re not sure where to start looking for the student facilities you need, visit your campus careers service. The teams there will usually be able to point you in the right direction.

 

6. How do I build resilience so that I’m prepared if things go wrong?

Chances are your first year will have its share of let-downs and disappointments. And that’s okay.

Resilience habits to build now:

• Move your body: walk, gym, dance or sport
• Talk to someone when you’re struggling (friend, mentor, counsellor)
• Don’t let one bad mark define you – feedback is fuel
• Celebrate small wins, not just big results

University is not about perfection. It’s about persistence, and learning from mistakes and failures.

 

Final Thought: You Belong Here

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or unsure – you’re not alone. Most first-years feel this way at some point. Success isn’t about having no problems; it’s about knowing when to ask for help and keeping going anyway.

Your first year is the foundation. Build it with support, balance, and belief in yourself. You’ve got this.