The first few weeks of college can be pretty overwhelming, especially if you're moving away from home for the first time. Grocery shopping, sorting classes, getting to know people AND trying to avoid waking up with the hangover of a lifetime… it's a lot of responsibility.

As with anything in life though, there are a few cheats and tricks that can make things a whole lot easier for you.

Here are a few of our faves…

1. Avail of ALL the freebies
Colleges are a goldmine for free stuff at the start of term. Stock up on goodie bags and welcome packs for free snacks, vouchers and stationery. Plus get takeaway pizza galore at society welcome meetings.

 

2. Amplify the sound on your tablet using a plastic cup
For a phone or iPod, simply stand it inside the cup.

 

3. Take notes in different coloured ink
This will aid your visual memory and help with recall come exam time.

 

4. Raid the yellow sticker section at your local supermarket
Food that's nearly at its "best before" date but is still perfectly fine to eat is often sold at knockdown prices, so look for the yellow stickers. Try to get there before the evening rush to get the best picks.

 

5. No plates for pizza? Use this handy trick.
GENIUS.

 

 

6. Laptop overheating? Fear not.
Allow more air circulation by placing it on a drinks tray or egg box. Plus, this way it can still rest on your lap.

 

7. No more warm beer
Use the paper towel trick!

 

8. For easier reheating of leftovers, here's how to fit two bowls in the microwave
Happy days.

 

9. Get hangover savvy
Fill up on food before drinking, not after – your liver will be too busy breaking down alcohol to break down that 2am kebab. Also stay hydrated and take a multivitamin every day to keep fighting fit. Ed knows the rules.