Hi,
I was the first one in my family to go to university so it was quite daunting going into something where no one else had knowledge on it and know this would have been super useful for me if I had this, so I hope this helps.
Tips and Advice Be aware that a lot of your degree will be you doing independent work (may be a bit different depending on the course you do) so you have to be able to manage your time well if you want to make sure that your life is balanced and that you don't burn out! A good way of doing this is getting a planner or a diary and maybe having some colour co-ordination for stuff so it is broke down. Some things I would include would be when assignments are due, when you plan to see friends or are doing social activities as this can make sure you are splitting your time well. You could also break down what parts of assignments you can get done when however I would recommend doing this after you have been there a bit to figure out the best pacing of stuff for yourself.
Try and join any official Facebook groups before staring as this is a great way of being able to connect to people ahead of time this could be flat mates if you are moving away, course mates or people who are wanting to join the same society or sports team as you.
Remember you are allowed to feel daunted by this chance it can be a big step for people and there is a difference from doing your A-Levels it is something you are going to have to get use to but you will it just takes time.
You won't get along with everyone and that is okay - I feel like this is something you are more aware of if you are living with people and this sometimes can be that people have been brought up differently to you which you have to remember as not everyone thinks the same as you do.
Some tips for settling in your first few weeks would be:
1. Have a walk round your campus (if your university is campus based if its a city more just explore what buildings you will be working in) try to figure out where things are this should hopefully limit how many times you get lost.
2. Bring home comforts (bedding, photos anything that reminds you of home) this is a great way of helping you to settle into your new place.
3. Be brave - talk to people everyone is nervous and your all in the same boat and you never know you might end up talking to a life long friend!
What to BringSome examples or key things to bring would be:
Kitchen 1. Basic necessities such as utensils and plates and bowls - I would recommend trying to get some that aren't plain as I find a lot of people have similar which can make it easier to mix up so if you can get a distinctive colour that would be useful.
2. Pans - check with your university if they provide them and if your accommodation has induction hobs - at Edge Hill most if not all accommodation available have induction hobs so if you don't get the correct pans you can't cook using the hob. Mine are from Sainsburys if anyone struggles to find them. I would also recommend if you do have to buy them just buy ones you would actually use for example I just have small one and big one as this can be more expensive otherwise.
Bedroom 1. Many unis usually request for a mattress protector to be used and they can help with if the mattress isn't the most comfortable as it provides a bit of a layer between yourself and the mattress.
2. A couple of duvet sets options would also be recommended so that you put a fresh one on whilst the other is being washed.
3. Organisers - these are great to make the most out of your space.
4. I would recommend getting any decorative pieces once you have moved in as this will then give you an idea of space.
Some General Stuff1. Extension lead
2. Hangers
3. White tac - as this isn't meant to stain the walls
4.Medicine
5. Batteries
Also another tip I found on helping to get some ideas on stuff to bring would be looking at lists in general you can find online but also watching peoples YouTube videos, there are also some who do a repeat a year later and say what they actually used which I think can be especially useful.
You could always ask flatmates if you can borrow anything if you have forgot something I'm sure they will be happy to let you use them.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions
Rebecca
2nd Year Geoenvironmental Hazards Student