Uni life

1.

Plan your accommodation accordingly.
This can be a long process so make sure you decide whether you will be commuting to university from home, live in student halls or rent private accommodation. If you decide to live in student accommodation or flat/house-shares, it's best to reach out to the Accommodation Team and start planning as soon as possible.

2.

Plan your finances.
Make sure to secure student finance, student loans and a student bank account to avoid financial trouble. Also start thinking about budgeting (how much money spent per week on groceries, entertainment, etc).

3.

Complete all the reading.
Your tutors and lecturers may share a reading list and it's best to complete it before classes start as they can help you have a better understanding of your modules and assist in referencing your assignments.

4.

Study the area.
Make sure to find out what's the public transport like around the university and where are the nearest stores, entertainment zones and job opportunities.

5.

Check out the university's entertainment.
All universities have numerous events, clubs and societies so it is doubtful you will ever feel bored. But make sure to check out if there are any specific events or groups you find interesting and would like to join.

6.

Spend time with friends and family
University will change your schedule so it might be difficult to see family members or friends, so make sure to spend lots of time with them before you leave.

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Take time to look at your University's map/layout. This will be on their website, and is a great way to make yourself more familiar and comfortable with your campus. Some schools may be across different buildings and there may be a choice of different libraries, so it is worthwhile having a look at where things are before you move. This will make you feel much more confident finding your way around in your first few weeks!

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Familiarise yourself with the support that your University has to offer. From money advice to health and well-being, it is likely that your chosen University will have a range of services that are always good to be aware of.

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Read about your students' union , who will host fairs and events and will be on hand all year for student support. Look into societies and sports teams at your University and see what interests you before you go!

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Create a packing list of everything you think you will need and if you can start shopping for it early! This spreads out the cost and also means you know you have plenty of time to get everything you need.

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Join Facebook groups. Most universities have Facebook groups for each year so I would join these! There are also usually course specific groups and then accommodation groups so join these too so you get a chance to talk to some of your course friends before you go!

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Apply for accommodation so you know this is sorted. Some universities let you apply when you have an offer, some you have to wait until your place is confirmed after results day so check this as you want to ensure you have the best chance of getting the accommodation you want.

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Sort your student finance out early. If you don't, you will feel stressed not knowing if you will get it in time to start so you may as well sort it as early as possible.

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Look into the societies that your university offers and see if you want to join any of these! You will get a chance to look at them again at the freshers fair but it's still a good idea to look and see if any appeal to you.

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If you can, go to an applicant open day if your uni offers these. It's a good way to look around the university and meet potential people who you will be at uni with!

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Decide if you think you will need a part time job. If you do, I would look into being a student ambassador as it's a flexible way to make money! Or, look into the kind of job that would be suitable for you, although this is a job for nearer the time.

1.

Accommodation - I'd definitely have a look around the different university options at your uni and see what suits you and your budget best! It's where you're going to be living for the year so it is important that you get it right!

2.

Join the Facebook groups - these are a great way to meet people that are going to be studying on your course and means you'll know a few people on your first day!

3.

Finances - getting your student finance sorted early means you'll get your loan on time.

4.

Offer holder days - these are a great way to meet your course tutors and ask any questions you may have.

5.

Focus on your current studies - The idea of university can be exciting but don't forget about what you're studying now!

6.

Get in touch - if you have any questions about your course or reading lists, get in touch with your university to find out more about these!