If you’re heading to university this September, you probably have a bunch of questions that need answering before Freshers Week. We’ve put together a handy list of things to do for your first year of university.
Sort out finances
You should have gotten a head start on applying for student finance when you began hearing back from your chosen universities. Applying for student finance early means you will have your tuition fees covered for when you start university, and you’ll have the first instalment of your maintenance arriving to your bank account to help pay your first terms rent.
If student finance isn’t enough to stretch for the academic year, it might be a good idea to search for a part-time job. University is the perfect time to work on your credit score so aim to get some energy bills under your name. Additionally, there are loans available for students with poor credit if you find you need extra financial help before your next student finance instalment.
Sort out accommodation
Most first year students decide to stay in university halls which are managed by the university. Living in student accommodation is a great way to make friends and meet other people in your year or on your course. There are other options too – for example, you could choose to privately rent a house or apartment. These latter options for student housing in london (or wherever you are studying) are popular with mature students or students going into their second or third years.
Cook a meal
If university is the first time you’re away from home, it’s probably time to try out your culinary skills – you don’t want to be living off Pot Noodles for three years! Buy a cookbook and try out easy recipes or ask your mum or dad to teach you to make your favourite meals.
Eating takeaway all the time can get expensive and with student finance loans already limited, you don’t want to waste every penny you have on it.
Connect using social media
Follow your university on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get the latest updates and news before you arrive for Freshers Week. There many be separate groups already set up for your course, your year group, or your student accommodation. It’s a great way to make friends and get to know your course mates.
Student discounts
There are plenty of student discounts and services out there so get applying! If you’re travelling by train a lot, you can apply for a 16-25 Railcard which cuts the costs by a third. There are other tools like NUS cards and UNIDAYS which offer a range of discounts for clothing shops, gadget shops, food places, and more.
There’s lots happening in the lead up to moving for university and whilst some parts may seem scary, don’t forget to enjoy it. Universities tend to have student unions so if you’re ever unsure or have a question, don’t be afraid to ask.
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