-
Before You Go To University
TSR Wiki > University > Freshers > Before You Go To University
Before you go to uni
These are some things worth doing or at least considering before heading off to uni:
- Make sure you have everything you will actually need and use. Check out our what to take to university list for ideas.
Accommodation and belongings
- Check information from your uni about what you can and can't take (eg mini-fridges, kettles, etc).
- Mark all of your valuables with UV security pens so you can identify what's yours should it get stolen.
- Chat about your university accommodation in your university sub forum
- Chat about accommodation in general on the TSR Forums
Finance
- Don't wait until you get to university to open a bank account. Go to your local branch between getting your confirmed place and going off to uni. This removes delay and ensures you will get your student loan into your account as quickly as possible when you start your course. Remember to tell the loan company about your new account details by changing your details online.
- Shop around for your bank account and remember to find out whether they have a branch near your uni!
- Discuss student finance on the TSR Forum
Health
- Make sure you get are up-to date with immunisation - especially for measles, mumps and meningitis.
Freshers' Week
- Many unis publish Freshers' Week schedules on their websites or on the Students' Union website (you might also find people who know about them on TSR). Finding out what’s happening might give you a head start on what fancy dress outfits you need!
- Check out our Freshers' Week Tips
Reading lists
- Some University Depts put their Reading Lists online at Blackwell's Reading Lists website. Others will send you information about Reading Lists in your welcome pack once your University place is confirmed after Results Day.
- Remember, even if its on the Reading List, you dont necessarily need to buy it. Most books you will only read once. So, borrow them from your home local library to read over the summer and use your Uni library once you get there.
- With this mind - dont ask relatives for Bookshop Gift Cards as 'going to Uni' pressies - you'll never use them.
- Good places for discount or 2nd Hand books are Ebay, Abebooks, Alibris, Oxfam Online or for new ones, Amazon. Make sure you get the right 'edition'.
See all our articles for people going to uni
We have a number of articles on starting university and general student life.
