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tips for uni

can you guys give some tips on how to prepare for going to uni and also tips for while you're there

Hi there,

Congratulations on beginning your university journey! I hope you will love it!

Here is a list of things to do and prepare before going to university:

Finances: understand your budget, study your current financial situation, look into grants and part-time job opportunities.

Student accommodation: secure your student housing before classes start, make sure to reserach if your university provides accommodation and if not, make sure to join Facebook groups to find available rooms or potential flatmates.

Prepare academically: make sure to complete all of the reading before classes start and familiarize yourself with the assessments.

Connect: join social media groups where you can connect with current or future students of your desired university, make sure to ask about their experiences at the chosen institution.

Here is a list of tips for while you're at university:

Time management: balance your studies with your social life and make sure to submit all work before the deadlines.

Attend lectures: I know university can be overwhelming so skipping classes might be tempting, but attending lectures and seminars is crucial for you to understand the course.

Social life: make sure to join clubs, societies, sports teams or the gym, as it's a great way to meet people, find new interests and try new experiences.

Stay healthy: whether you have to budget or take advantage of all the social opportunities, please eat well, get regular exercise and enough sleep, this will help your overall well-being and academic performance.

Prioritise mental health: don't hesitate to reach out to the well-being team or your tutors and lecturers whenever you're struggling.

Please remember that besides academics, university is also about personal growth and exploring new opportunities.

I hope you will enjoy it!

Best of luck,
Melanie
LSBU Rep

Reply 2

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post by raspberryrat

can you guys give some tips on how to prepare for going to uni and also tips for while you're there

Hi @raspberryrat ,

Here are my tips on preparing for Uni!

1- Set a budget. This is much easier to do before you go as once you are there you will be so buys doing other things and you may not have time to do this. Try and find out roughly how much loan you will be receiving and how much your rent will be and from this make a budget that you can stick to. This makes it much easier and also helps you to stop going over budget!

2- Choose your accommodation if you haven't already!! I think at most Uni's you can choose now so it's worth having a look now so you know where you will be living!

3- Join Facebook groups. Before you come to uni it is a good idea to join groups for your university and some have accommodation group chats and course ones too so it's a great idea to join these and start chatting to people. I managed to meet some of my flat mates before I moved in too which was great and helped calm my nerves on moving in day!

4- Make a packing list and lists of everything you will need for moving to uni! This makes it easier when it comes to August and September time and you already feel prepared. It's also good sometimes to spread out buying things as it can get expensive but bear in mind you will have to store it all until September!

5- Get some homely items for you room. Whether this is printing out pictures or just getting some nice blankets and items that remind you of home as this is so nice when you feel a bit homesick. It also makes your room feel like your home.

These are some of my tips for when you first move in:

1- Get to know the area. Walk around the town and the campus to familiarise yourself with the uni and new city that you are living in! It's great to get your bearings and also helps you to feel more at home in your new city if you know it fairly well.

2- Unpack your room. It's easy to leave some of this for a few days but you will feel so much better if you try and get as much done on your first day as again it just makes it feel more like home which is especially good on the first night or in the first few days as you might feel homesick.

3- Attend welcome week events. The freshers fairs and sports fairs are great and it gets you involved and also allows you to get to know your way around some of the uni buildings a little bit better. I would also go to any course related welcome week events too as this is a great way to meet lecturers and friends that will be on your course!

4- Say yes! Try and say yes to as many things as you feel comfortable doing and put yourself out there. This can be tricky but freshers week is the perfect time to do this as everybody else will be and everyone wants to make friends during this time.

5- Join a society! These are great ways to meet people and get out of your comfort zone a little bit while doing an activity that you enjoy. It's also great to get you out of the house doing something fun when freshers week dies down. The social are great too so I'd say it's definitely worth a try!

I hope some of this helps! :smile:

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 3

Richmond Hiba

Original post by raspberryrat

can you guys give some tips on how to prepare for going to uni and also tips for while you're there

Hi!! I have some tips I wish I’ve been told before starting university. Firstly, how it’s essential to stay updated on important university communications by checking your emails regularly to avoid missing out. Organize your time efficiently using tools like Google Calendar to keep track of your schedule and tasks, ensuring you don’t overlook any responsibilities. Take full advantage of the resources your university provides, whether it’s academic support, career services, mental health counseling, or extracurricular opportunities. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, so don’t hesitate to seek help when needed, whether it’s asking questions in class or connecting with fellow students. Navigating social dynamics may feel challenging at first, but with time, you’ll find your place and form connections with your peers. Lastly, manage your finances wisely by budgeting carefully and stay consistent with it. Embrace the experience, stay proactive, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. You’ve got this!

Hiba
RAUL Student Ambassador

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

I’m going to be honest with you, university is not all it is hyped to be… you have to learn to enjoy your own company regardless of how social you are…

Reply 5

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post by raspberryrat

can you guys give some tips on how to prepare for going to uni and also tips for while you're there

Hey there 😀

Here are my top tips for preparing before university:

Secure Accommodation Early: Try to secure accommodation as soon as possible to have more options available. Finding a place that meets all your needs and feels comfortable is important.

Pack Light: Avoid taking too many belongings with you. I learned this the hard way by packing too much and realising I did not need half of it. Remember, you are not moving to a deserted island and you can always buy things you need once you are there.

Join Freshers Groups: Joining Facebook or WhatsApp groups for incoming students can help you start socialising before you even arrive. Making friends beforehand can significantly reduce stress and ease the transition into university life.

And here are my tips for making the most of your time at university:

Socialise Early: Make an effort to socialise as much as possible, especially during the first few weeks when things are more relaxed. Leaving your comfort zone and meeting new people can lead to great friendships that will enrich your university experience.

Explore University Opportunities: Take advantage of all the opportunities your university offers. Many students are not aware of the incredible opportunities available to them. Personally, I participated in workshops, internships, language courses, and even went on trips abroad. On top of it all, I am currently doing a year-long student exchange in Spain. University is the perfect time to try new things, gain valuable experience, and make lifelong memories.

Seek Help When Needed: Do not hesitate to ask your personal tutor or lecturers for help whenever you need it. They are there to support you. A student-friendly university will provide the support you need, so never struggle alone. Whether it is a difficult assignment or mental health concerns, there are different support teams available for you.

I hope it was helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Best of luck,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 6

UCLan Student

Official Rep

Original post by raspberryrat

can you guys give some tips on how to prepare for going to uni and also tips for while you're there

Hey there, there are already some great tips in this thread so I thought I would share some of my own!

Before you go

•

Pick accommodation - definitely have a look around on open days / offer holder days and see which ones you prefer!

•

Packing - try not to over pack for when you first move in, you can always buy bits once you are there!

•

Take time to relax - starting uni can be a busy time so make the most of the summer break to relax!

Once you're there

•

Make the most of opportunities that come your way - this is a great time to try new things!

•

Find your way around the area - moving to a new area can be really exciting so take some time to explore and find some favorite brunch spots!

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Don't forget to ask for help - moving away can be a daunting prospect but UCLan has great wellbeing services which are there to help you. If you need to, be sure to ask for help at your university as keeping yourself healthy is the most important thing!