There’s so much to arrange before you go to uni, especially if you haven’t even applied just yet. If you know that you want to go and do something good with your future, and that this includes a degree, then you need to get started and be prepared before uni begins. There is a lot to think about, but with the right help you’ll be able to get there in one piece.
When you are preparing your applications for uni, the chances are that you had the support of a tutor, you might have invested in personal statement editing services, and you may have even asked prospective universities for tips on how to get in. Now that you’ve got it, you need to prepare yourself to get there and say goodbye to your parents on your very first day. Here are some of the things that you should consider as you look to finalise your university checklist.
- Figure out where you’re going to live. Most students at university live in the halls for the first year, and these halls of residence are managed by the university and present as a great way to meet other people on your course. There are other options such as off-campus housing or privately rented student accommodation that is more popular with mature or postgrad students. You might even prefer to save on your costs to live at home if you’re attending a local university. There are lots of choices, speak to the university accommodation staff – they will be able to help.
- Figure out your finances. If you have student finance covering your tuition costs, and the cost of living for the years that you are there, you still need to set up your finances ready to start Uni. Try to avoid an overdraft, because nobody needs to be showing off when flashing their cash just to start Uni in debt. Speak to your parents about an allowance to see whether they can help to support your living costs, especially if you prefer to focus on studying and not have a job at the same time. You also need to sit down and figure out how to use a budget effectively so you’re not burning through your student finance too fast.
- Thin down your things. You really have to decide what to take with you, because student accommodation isn’t a whole house. You just need your clothes and your gadgets, and if you’re taking these with you make sure that you have insurance. It’s nice to trust everybody on your floor and in your course, but it’s also nice to be smart and cover yourself. Ask your parents to help you to sort your bedroom out ready for you when you come home from university, and help you to pack. It would also be helpful if they helped you with your initial setup costs for things like a toaster or a microwave in your room.
Uni is a big deal – make it memorable!
