Everyone feels nervous starting university. It’s a new experience, a new place to live, new people and a new course. It’s your decision - do I sit in my room and wait for people to come to me, or keep my door open and make my new flatmates a cuppa? Everyone’s in the same boat, so jump in.
Most 'freshers', or first years, live in Halls of Residence - purpose built student flats, located on campus or nearby. They are a popular choice due to their location, facilities, and security. Halls can be catered or self-catered, and prices range from £35 to over £100 per week.
Some Halls are run by universities themselves, whilst some are privately owned. Many universities will also help first years find their own, privately rented houses or flats by holding 'mixing days', where you can meet potential new flatmates.
After the first year students usually choose to live in the private rental sector – university Accommodation Offices offer advice and support with this, and have lists of approved landlords.
Don't worry, it's normal to feel a bit apprehensive - and whilst independence is an important part of university life, there are plenty of people to support you.
If you do have any concerns, the best place to start is your Student Services department, who can help with things like accommodation, finance, health and even finding a job. You will usually have a personal tutor as well, who will be able to help with any academic queries.
Don't forget there will be plenty of new people around to talk to as well - on your course, in your societies or sports teams, and in your accommodation if you are moving away from home.
You’re not alone - talk to people and in no time you will make new friends…and feeling alone will be a distant memory.
Taking a gap year before starting university can be a valuable chance to learn about the workplace, the world and yourself. It can be a great way to enhance your CV, build confidence and enhance skills, such as leadership or teamwork, that universities and employers look for.
You may wish to work, volunteer, or even broaden your horizons through a year of travel. Before you take the plunge and book that round the world ticket, make sure you do your research. The following sites will get you started:
General information:
DirectGov site
Real Gap site
Inspiration:
Year in Industry
Lonely Planet
Rough Guides
Things to sort out:
Foreign office travel advice
Identity and passport service
European Health Insurance Card
Local knowledge:
Another travel site
Few students experience any security issues while they are at university, however, here are a few ways to keep you and your possessions secure. Most Halls of Residence will have a secure entrance, meaning that only you, your flatmates and guests will be able to gain access. In private accomodation, if you live in a shared house or flat, this may be less formal but talk to your housemates about the importance of closing windows and locking doors, and making sure you don't lose your keys can really help!
Contents insurance, which will protect your possessions, can be relatively cheap; many insurers offer student rates from as little as £2.00 per week which is worth investing in, especially if you have brought a laptop or other expensive items to university with you. You can use the following sites to compare different deals:
Confused.com
Gocompare.com
During your time as a student you may find that you leave parties after dark or have late lectures or seminars. To ensure you don't get stuck when its time to go home always have a plan about how you will get home. Making sure you have a taxi number if you think you might need one, or even if you don't, can be really helpful. To find out more about personal safety visit the websites below:
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Home Office
Direct.gov
There will be times when you're under pressure as a student - such as coursework deadlines or exams. A little bit of stress is normal, but you don't want it to turn into a lot of stress!
The websites below have some good stress busting tips, and don't forget you can always talk to tutors or Student Services.
The Site
Student Beans
The Student Pocket Guide
Becoming involved in a society or sports team is a chance to make friends and gain valuable experience. From cheerleading to chess, from football to fundraising, there is a club out there for you.
Students' Union
At the heart of our social life is the Students' Union offering a full line-up of events including theme nights, live music and comedy.
It is, however, more than just a bar. Services include welfare advice, clubs and societies, financial advice, food outlets and shops.
The Union is run by the students, for the students, and is dedicated to making sure you have the best time possible.
Whilst it can be tempting to live off ready meals and instant noodles, good nutrition is an important part of staying fit and healthy at university (an can even save you money). To give you some ideas for tasty meals on a budget take a look at the websites below:
Beyond Baked Beans
Student Recipes
Student Cook
Things our students wish they had known before starting university
I wish I'd known that I should have read the labels in my clothes before I'd washed them
I wish I'd taken my old school tie - it would have really helped at the school disco night at the union!
I wish I'd made a budget before buying loads of new clothes
I wish I'd remembered photos of family and friends from home for my first weeks
I wish I'd learnt to cook before I went to uni - pasta gets really old really fast
I wish I'd taken better care of my halls keys - they do snap!
I wish I'd taken an alarm clock - getting up for those 9 am lectures can be tough
I wish I'd taken more than seven pairs of socks - washing day came around really quickly
I wish I hadn't taken my car, it was expensive and I didn't need it
The first days or weeks at university can be an exciting time, some students, however, may find that they experience some homesickness.
It is normal to think about your friends and family from home if you have moved away, but remember there will be lots of support available through your university through dedicated teams, or have a look at the websites below for suggestions
The Site
Uni360