So you’ve had an offer, well done! All that hard work is starting to pay off and you’re about to start a whole new chapter, and while that can be hugely exciting, it can also feel a little bit overwhelming. There’s so much fuss about Fresher’s Week, and having a good time, it’s easy to forget that there’s quite a lot to do when you eventually get there.
So, with this in mind we’ve put together a list of ten things to do before starting uni, for anyone heading off this autumn.
1. SORT YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Once you accept your offer there are a few options when it comes to choosing your student accommodation, and it’s never too early to start thinking about what kind you prefer, particularly as some places in halls are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. GET ON TOP OF YOUR FINANCES
We know that this is the one that everyone puts off, but it’s worth knowing how to budget, particularly as students are famously strapped for cash. Once you’ve completed your registration and filled in your student finance application, you can sign up for student discount with places such as Totum, StudentBeans and UNiDAYS. You can also take advantage of student rail/coach cards. Chances are you’ll need to get a part-time job, so it’s worth starting to look as early as possible as demand will be high.
3. DECIDE WHAT TO TAKE
Choosing what to take when you’re packing for uni will partly depend on where you’ll be living – how big it is, if it’s self-catering etc – but it’s worth thinking about your essentials and what you can live without. It’s a great excuse to have a big clear out, and maybe even make some money while you’re at it, by sticking it on Vinted.
4. GET TO KNOW THE AREA
Unless you choose to commute, or go to a university close to home, you’ll be moving to a new place, so you’ll need to get your bearings; it often tends to be a bit of a blur on uni open days so it’s good to familiarise yourself with where you’re going to be living for the next three years. You could try being a tourist for the day, read up on bars or restaurants you want to go to, and get a rough idea of where your local supermarket/train station/GP surgery is, anything to make you feel more at ease when you move in.
5. LEARN HOW TO COOK
Nobody expects you to be Jamie Oliver, but it would be good to have a few simple meals under your belt. Cooking from scratch will save you money and be healthier too – and it will make you super popular with your housemates! You could batch cook and put some in the freezer so you’re not cooking every night, and there are lots of simple recipes out there aimed at people wanting to cook on a budget; have a look on TikTok for inspiration.
6. GET A HEAD START ON YOUR READING LIST
You don’t have to buy every book on your reading list, the university library will have lots of books, eBooks and online resources for you to use. There’ll also be plenty of second-hand copies around, online or from students in their final year.
7. MAKE FRIENDS
Making friends at uni can be one of the most daunting things about starting university and it’s something lots of people worry about. But your house/course mates will be your family for a while, some may even end up being lifelong friends, and chances are everyone will be feeling the same. Halls of residence often have pages on different social media platforms, and some universities give out details for people in the same accommodation, or on the same course, so you can get involved in a WhatsApp group before you meet up in person, which will help break the ice a little.
8. LEARN TO STEP OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
It’s good to keep an open mind when you start uni, you’ll be meeting new people, living in a new place and it’s a great opportunity to try something you haven’t tried before. There’ll be different clubs and societies to try and who knows, you might always have hated sport at school but then find you’re a natural at bouldering. Or maybe there’s something creative you’ve always wanted to try, or you could end up presenting the uni podcast.
9. WORK ON SELF CARE
Starting university is a big deal, so it’s a good idea to have some things in place to help you cope with anxiety, and any issues that come up. University is a big step up from school/college; the study methods are different, as is the workload, and there’s nobody to remind you to get up, you have to be self-motivated. This is when looking after your mental health is really important; things like eating well and getting enough sleep, not saying yes to every invite and finding an outlet that works for you when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed; whether that’s meditation, journalling, exercise or baking. It’s important to learn how to recognise when you’re feeling stressed and have people around you who you can talk to.
10. LOOK AT INSURANCE
Whether to have student insurance is often something that ends up at the bottom of the list of things to think about when going to uni, but part of becoming a ‘proper’ adult is accepting that often things happen in life that we have no control over. Having the right insurance in place can take away some of the stress should the unexpected happen; contents are covered as standard, but our Pick ‘N’ Mix policies mean that you get to choose the optional benefits that are relevant to you; whether that’s loss of keys, gadget cover or tuition fee cover, so you’re not paying for something you don’t need – after all, you have better things to spend your money on. Have a look at the website and get a free, online quote.
A FEW OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT NEED TO DO…
- Know your new address – This sounds obvious, but before you know it, you’ll be needing it when you’re getting a taxi home, or for when your mum misses you two days in and wants to send you a care package.
- Register with a GP – That Fresher’s Flu is a real thing!
- Print off your timetable – Your schedule won’t be as rammed as at school, but it’s still helpful to have it up somewhere you can just check, at least until you get into a routine.
- Check if you need a TV licence – Don’t assume you’re automatically covered by your parents’ licence.
- Have a great summer! – Make memories, have fun, this is your time.
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