If you’ve nailed a spot at uni then you’re probably feeling a mixture of excited, nervous, and maybe even a little bit lost. You’re on the brink of starting something completely new and even though it’s going to be the experience of a lifetime, it’s a lot to take in. So, let’s try and get a few things sorted before you go so you’re not left panicking on your first day.
Accommodation
Before anything else, you need somewhere to live. If you’re staying in uni halls, it’s simple because everything’s usually sorted for you. If you’re going private, there’s a bit more to think about. Check what’s included in the rent, if bills are covered, and what the area’s like. You’ll want somewhere close to campus and not too far from shops. It’s worth having a look at deuestates.co.uk to get an idea of what’s available near your uni. Once your room is sorted, you can relax a bit knowing you’ve got a base to move into.
Money
When your loan comes in it’s important not to feel like money is endless and spend it unwisely. If you’re not careful, it won’t last long and you could end up in serious trouble. Make sure you’re thinking about rent, food, books, travel and social time. You’ll find the costs mount up quickly! Where possible, put away small amounts of money in case there’s an emergency and actually look at your banking app to stay on top of what you’re spending.
Essentials
There’s a lot of essentials you’ll need to think about before you leave home, so it’s a good idea to get them ready now. Grab your student loan details, your ID, passport and any uni documents and keep them all together so you don’t lose them. It’s also a good idea to take photos of them on your phone so you’ve got a backup. It’s also worth thinking about registering with a local GP office when you get there so that you’re covered in all departments. The sooner you sort them, the better!
Packing
As humans we all love our creature comforts, but that doesn’t mean you’ve got to pack your entire bedroom either. Think about the things you’ll genuinely use. Things like bedding, towels, toiletries and some bits for the kitchen. Then, once you’ve got those things packed you can think about a few things to make it feel homely like a small plant or a couple of photos. Not only is it less to pack, but it’s less to unpack the other end too.
Food
Nobody is saying you’ve got to become a chef overnight, but you’ll now have the responsibility of feeding yourself. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to learn how to cook a few simple meals so that you’re not constantly wasting money on takeout. Think about simple dishes like pasta, curries, or even a roast dinner. You never know, you might find that you actually enjoy cooking for yourself!
Friends
If there’s one thing that all uni students have in common, it’s the worry that they’re not going to make any friends. The thing to remember is that you’re all in the same situation, and it’s the perfect chance to make new friends. Make sure to research when and where the welcome events are and actually attend them! You may not gel with everyone right away but getting yourself out there will help you make some lifelong friends.
Independence
For the first time you’re getting a large dose of freedom, and even though you might have been craving it for some time, it can be a strange feeling at first. You’re now responsible for everything, from cooking to cleaning, even to making sure you get up on time. You’ll make mistakes, you’ll shrink clothes or forget to buy food but it’s all part of the experience. Most of all, it’ll make you a better person for it.
Health
Finally, uni can be pretty intense. Between studying, meeting new people, and balancing your new independent life, it’s easy to find yourself feeling burned out. That’s why it’s important to prioritise your health. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals and if you’re struggling with your mental health, talk to someone. Every university has support services you can make use of, so make sure you do if you need a bit of support.
Once you nail these eight things you’ll be ready to start your new university adventure! Above all else, enjoy your experience and have fun!
