Top things to know before going to university (in the UK)

Yes, gaining admission into the University comes with so much excitement and a feeling of fulfillment. However, this is only the first step to experiencing the biggest change in your life.

We understand that transitioning from high school to the University could seem overwhelming and daunting, as this may be your first time living by yourself or far away from home. Nevertheless, we have curated a few pointers to help you prepare for your first year studying and to aid a smooth transition.

Check out the top 10 things you must know before going to the University;

Sort out housing needs;

The first thing to consider or sort out after clearing your admission process is your accommodation. You’ll need to sort if you’ll be living in the University hall or renting a flat off-campus.

We, however, advice freshers to stay in University halls to so they can meet other freshers, make more friends and also enjoy the whole freshers’ experience rather than staying off-campus. Yet if you prefer the quiet life off-campus arrangement, then we advise that you sort that out as soon as possible, to help you settle quickly.

Get involved in freshers’ week;

The freshers’ week events are designed to help you understand and settle into the University life before you get hit with some serious academic work.

There will be several activities organized by the students union to showcase different clubs, societies, and sports teams. Even your course department may hold sessions to introduce you to your peers and lecturers.

It is advisable that you get involved in most activities, because the University is arguably the best experience in life, and is also a place where you’ll make friends for life.

Work out your budget;

Since this may be your first time living on your own and managing your expenses, you may want to draw up a budget to keep your finances in check.

Learning the difference between your total expenses compared to how much money you have would go a long way in setting up your budget plan.

Also, while budgeting, we advise that you allocate hidden costs like printing or purchase of room decorations to track your spending.

Join your university freshers’ page;

The best place to stay updated with information as regards accommodation and other registration process asides the School portal is on the University freshers page and chat channels.

More importantly, you also get to meet freshers like you, get firsthand information, and if you’re lucky, you could find your flatmates.

Meeting people who you had been talking to all summer in anticipation for move-in day is usually very exciting, and seeing familiar faces makes the whole resumption process less scary.

Learn to cook simple meals;

Before leaving for Uni, you should take a special interest in cooking, and while at it, you can ask for help with preparing your favorite meals. Better still, you can buy Student cookbooks, available in bookshops or online, then focus on using simple ingredients and cooking on a budget.

Even if you’re in a catered hall, you’ll still need to fend for yourself over the weekend and learning a few simple meals like Spag Bol or Lasagne will enable you to keep up a healthy diet with little stress.

Make a packing checklist;

It is important that you make a packing checklist, so you don’t forget to take the most important things. (Insert link to blog article of things to pack when leaving to the university/university halls)

Make sure you go over the packing checklist over and over again with a friend or someone older to ensure that you’re not missing anything important.

Check out the books on your reading list;

Details about your reading list are often sent via email or can be found on the University’s website weeks before your courses begin.

Your reading list would give you a hint of what to expect from your workload for the semester and getting most of the books listed (especially the core texts) would give you a great head start on reading and also boost your confidence for lectures.

Other books will be available to borrow at the university library or can be sold by older students at a lesser price.

Make your room homely;

The secret to avoiding catching the freshers’ flu, which is most often as a result of being homesick, is by adding personal touches to your room to make it feel more like home. e.g photos of family and friends, posters or even just nice bedding.

Unless you’re going to the same Uni as your best friends, the chances are you’ll miss them while you’re away. So it is advisable to take loads of photos in the summer, to remind yourself of the awesome times you shared until you see them again. Same goes for your family too.

Get ready to put in the academic work;

The main reason you’re actually at university at all is so you can start your degree, and while the university gives room for partying and many other social activities, understanding the balance between academic life and social life would do you great good.

A university is a place of mixed abilities and capabilities, so while you may have been at the top of your class back in school, many others were also at the top of their class, so you are expected to keep proving yourself. It is time to manage your time properly and prioritize your activities as you’ll now have to study more independently.

You’re advised to spend 3-4 hours of work per module outside of class time, either to complete assignments or to keep up with what’s being taught. However, program structure varies, and we also advise that you check out the one best suited for you.

Stay safe;

While at the University, avoid secluded environments, stay responsible on nights out, especially when there’s alcohol involved. Eat well beforehand, familiarize yourself with the area, and keep an eye on your belongings, particularly your drink.

While you may like to try new things, make sure that if you’re going home late at night, only do so in a trusted company or when/if in doubt, steer well clear.