10 Things You Should Do Before Starting Uni
The countdown to the most exciting chapter of your life has begun with only a short while until the next academic year starts, and we’re here to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey which awaits you.
Before you dive headfirst into the world of lectures, late-night study sessions, and unforgettable memories, there’s a few things you need to remember and get boxed off before the September term begins.
We’ve put together this guide of 10 things to do before starting uni so make sure to carry on reading for an amazing student experience!
1. Sort Out Your Accommodation
Coming up first within our guide of things to do before starting uni is sorting out your accommodation.
A vast majority of student accommodation is on a first-come first-served basis so it’s better to be prepared and book your room sooner rather than later.
There are a few different choices when it comes to where to live, you could stay in your university’s hall of residence, you could live at home or you could stay in private student accommodation.
If you can’t decide between which type of accommodation is right for you, we’d suggest listing out some pros and cons of each and seeing which matches your preferences best.
2. Grab All Of Your Essentials
Before you embark on your amazing student adventure, be sure you have all the essential supplies you’ll need.
Hit the shops and stock up on study essentials like notebooks, pens, highlighters, and all the bits and bobs you’ll need for your student flat.
It’s best to check what you already have, such as if you already have bedding, or pots and pans, tick these off your list before going shopping.
We’d suggest getting all of your university essentials at least a few weeks before, as it’s less stressful and there will be more things available.
With so many people in the same boat, the shop shelves do end up bare, trust us!
3. Research Your University
When it comes to top tips for those starting university, we’d recommend getting to know your campus like the back of your hand before term starts, or at least try and get a vague idea of where things are.
It may be a good idea to familiarise yourself with the campus layout, lecture buildings, libraries, sports facilities, and student support services.
Your university website is a great place to start, as it should feature a map which will show you the key locations like study spaces and food and drink spots.
This will help you find your way around once you arrive and reduce stress – you’ll feel like a campus pro from day one!
4. Take A Look At Clubs and Societies
Each university offers an array of clubs and societies that students can join, catering to various different interests from music to politics to fashion to sports to gaming and so on.
Before the term begins, have a look at online resources and find some that align with your passions, this way you can meet like-minded individuals and create great memories.
You can usually sign up for trial sessions for clubs and societies, so you don’t have to commit to joining and can see if they’re a good fit for you first!
5. Open A Student Bank Account
Next on your pre-uni-checklist is to make sure you’ve opened up a student bank account before starting the academic year.
It’s important to set up a university bank account in advance, as this could delay when you receive your student loan.
There are a vast amount of banking providers out there for those in higher education with each offering different sign up incentives, interest-free overdraft amounts and so on.
It’s worth doing your research and comparing your options to find the best banking provider for you.
6. Establish A Budget
To prepare yourself for your new student life, be sure to take some time to get to grips with your financial situation and establish a budget.
It’s useful to plan your budget and see how much of your maintenance loan you can afford to spend on a week or monthly basis.
If you’re worried about your financial situation whilst at uni, you should also explore potential scholarships or grants which may be available to you.
By making a plan for managing your student expenses, you’ll help to minimise stress and you can focus on what truly matters, enjoying your education and experiences!
7. Sign Up For Student Discounts
Whether you need a food shop before moving into your student flat, some new campus outfits, or tech products for studying, you can make the most of discounts thanks to your student status.
Be sure to take advantage of the huge amount of discounts and deals available to students by signing up to the likes of UNiDAYS, StudentBeans and TOTUM.
To join these student perk apps, you just need to have an academic email address to be eligible so make sure to sign up for some money saving goodness!
You may even be able to save money during freshers week thanks to your student status, so it’s definitely worth signing up.
8. Explore Your Uni City or Town
If you’re moving to a new city or town for university, make sure to get out there and explore before the term starts.
In the weeks or days leading up to the beginning of the academic year, try to familiarise yourself with local spots like coffee shops, student bars, parks, and cultural attractions.
With all the free time you’ll have amongst moving into your student flat before starting uni, why not take this opportunity to become a tourist and discover the hidden gems of your new home?
Not only will you discover more things about your university destination, it will also be a great chance to bond with your flatmates!
We’d also recommend finding out about the public transport system where you live, where your local shops are as well as where your GP surgery is.
9. Learn Some Cooking Recipes
It may be easier than ever to order food straight to your door thanks to the likes of UberEats and Deliveroo, but you shouldn’t live off take out food every night of the week.
If you’re not already a cooking connoisseur, before moving to university try to learn some tasty recipes, there’s so many quick and easy videos on TikTok to help you out.
Unfortunately you won’t have your parents cooking up a storm anymore, so rather than wait until you’ve started uni, try to brush up on your cooking skills in the weeks prior.
Once you’ve got a few student recipes up your sleeve, you can even cook them for your flatmates or new friends once you’re all settled – come dine with me night, anyone?!
10. Spend Time With Family and Friends
Before your university adventure starts, be sure to set aside some time to spend with your family and friends.
It’s likely you won’t see them for a while, especially if you’re an international student or studying far from your home so cherish all the time you have together over the next coming weeks or months.
Enjoy those late-night chats, family dinners, and outings with your closest pals, and if you’ve got pets, don’t forget to give them some extra lovin’ before moving too.
We can’t forget… make sure to throw a goodbye party prior to heading off to your uni city or town, for the ultimate mems!
Thanks to our guide of things to do before starting uni, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on this exciting chapter of your life.
Remember, this is only the start of an amazing experience, so make sure to embrace every opportunity, get ready to make lifelong friends, and expand your knowledge!
What are you most looking forward to about university? We’d love to hear from you @essentialstudentliving.
Wondering how you can make friends as a young adult? Well, haven’t we got just the guide for you!
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