It’s finally here. In a few weeks, you’ll be starting on the next big adventure of your life. So, what should you do to prepare yourself? For the most part, all you need to do is be yourself, but there are a few other things that might come in handy. Here are our tips to see you on your way as you take your first steps at university:
1. Get a student bank account
You might already have this covered, or you might have a junior bank account, or you may not have one at all. If you don’t have a bank account with a card that lets you make withdrawals, it’s time to get one. Every bank offers their own student accounts, so make sure you shop around and find out what you can get. They’ll all have different terms and conditions, and most come with perks – everything from free Amazon vouchers, to gadgets, to 16-25 railcards – so see what suits you. Speaking of which…
2. Get a railcard
If you’re living away from home and you don’t have a Young Person’s Railcard, then get one. For £30, you’ll get a third off your train travel for the year, and if you’re travelling a long way to university – or even if you’re only going an hour or two away – you’ll likely make that cost back in one or two trips home. Well worth it.
3. Pay attention to the suggested reading list
Yes, you might feel like you want one last free summer before you delve from A Levels straight into your university course. We have to say though, if you’ve been given a suggested reading list, don’t ignore it. It’s a great taster of what you’re about to study, and you’ll be so much more confident if you check out even just one or two books from the list. Take a couple of days out of your pretty long summer, give them a whirl, and you’ll set yourself up with a solid head-start on your course.
4. Make a folder for your admin
Inevitably, you’re going to have a lot of admin to take with you when you go to university. Between the student loan letters, opening a bank account, accommodation forms, and course timetables, the paperwork can pile up pretty fast. If you make an organised folder so that you know where everything is, then you won’t lose it in the big move, and you’ll have it on hand whenever you need it in Freshers’ week.
5. Pack
We can’t really say this enough. Pack, pack well, and pack in advance. Don’t try to shove your entire life into a bag the morning you leave for university. Make a list of what you need, and be thorough about it. Consider what you’ll need from room to room. What do you need in the kitchen? What do you need in the bathroom? Organisation will help you with the move, and it’ll make things easier as you settle in at university. You’ll feel more confident, and maybe even miss home less, if you at least have all the things you need for day-to-day life.
University is the next big stage of your life, and undoubtedly one of the best. It can be an intimidating journey, but it’s essential to recognize that you’re not alone in this experience. The initial nerves are completely natural, yet it’s important to remember that your fellow peers are grappling with similar emotions. As you embark on this path, make a conscious effort to establish connections with your roommates – these individuals are navigating the same uncharted waters as you are. By fostering a sense of camaraderie, you’ll find a supportive network to lean on, share experiences with, and collectively thrive in this new chapter of life.
If you’re the sort of student who wants to take full advantage of everything on offer, then check out our opportunities at Enterprise today, to gain fantastic work experience while you study.
