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Student life
One of our Personal Advisers has taken a humorous look at preparing for university and student life. Read her tips for settling into student life and you might be surprised to find some things you didn’t think of.
Before you start university
- Buy/acquire second hand cooking utensils.
- Learn to cook and how to use a washing machine.
- Fill in an accommodation preference form.
- Accommodation with en-suite is expensive and your money could definitely be put to better use!
- Look around the university before you go there. Visit www.opendays.com to find out more but make sure you book early.
- Do some background reading on your choice of course but don’t buy all the recommended textbooks because you may be able to find them second hand on campus, saving more money! There isn’t much of a second hand market in law books as legislation changes means books date quickly.
- Know how to get to the university and the halls of residence.
- Find all the documentation you may need e.g. NHS Medical Card to register with a doctor and dentist.
- Visit all relatives to say goodbye - they might give you money!
- Ask parents/relatives to give you a lift there.
In the first week
- Register with your department.
- Attend first lecture.
- Find the library.
- Register with doctor and dentist.
- Attend Freshers’ Week and join clubs and societies that interest you – It’s a good time to meet people.
- Explore the surrounding town/city that is now your home for the next few years.
- Get a student discount card.
- Open a bank account.
- Budget ahead for the term!
- Work out a routine for cooking, cleaning and buying food.
- Make the most of the activities available.
Academic life
- You will be taught differently from school or college.
- Contact time with lecturers will depend on the subject you are taking.
- You will be expected to work independently.
- Teaching will be in lectures, seminars and tutorials.
- Make sure you have chosen a course you enjoy so that you keep motivated.
- Organise your time.
- Make the most of the facilities.
Social life
- Make friends by joining clubs/societies/student union.
- Get to know the people in your hall of residence/student flat – even if it means making the first move!
- Take part in student activities such as Rag Week (where students raise money for charity).
- If you’re home sick or having difficulty settling in, don’t suffer in silence – speak to the student union or university welfare office.
- Once you have made friends think about who you would like to share a house with in the second year and consider:
- how many you would like to share with
- their hygiene and cooking skills
- the possessions they can add to the house
- the size, location of house and number of bathrooms
- who will be responsible for bills and damage?
- The university will advise on living out in the second year.
Useful Websites
You Go Further
This site is great for understanding student life. Here is a perfect place to make friends before you go. You can find expert advice on budgeting, housing, health, travel and jobs.
NUS - The National Voice of Students
NUS (National Union of Students) is a voluntary membership organisation which makes a real difference to the lives of students and its member students' unions.
Student UK
Provides advice on a range of university life issues.
Push
Independent guide to UK universities.
Unofficial-Guides
University guide and forums.
Real Uni
Student alternative prospectus.
Open Days
The university and open day directory.
Brightside UNIAID
Provides ideas on how to cope with the financial side of student life.
Last updated: 20/06/11
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