Heading off to uni is a special time in a person’s life. It’s often the first real taste of freedom that you get. Depending on where you live, you may have no choice but to go to a university far away. Most teenagers can’t wait to get as far away as possible to start this new stage of their lives.
There’s a lot to consider when you’re moving away to study, especially if you’re more than a quick journey home.
Sort Out Your Accommodation
You’ll remember your first student accommodation forever (for better or worse). It’s important you choose the right place to live. Most universities have purpose built accommodation for new students and student’s who don’t live in the area will be given priority. There are many companies that specialise in student accommodation such as Iglu Accommodation. If you’re planning on finding private accommodation, do your research on the area and ensure that the place you choose has all the relevant safety features.
Get To Know The Area
Moving to a new city is an amazing experience. You have a whole new place to explore. It’s worth doing your homework and finding out the best places to eat, socialse and shop as well as the areas you should probably avoid. Make sure you know how to get around the city via public transport.
Arrange Your Finances
As a student, you’ll have more money to spend than you probably have in your life so far. You won’t realise how little is actually is until you’re older. You’re now completely in charge of your own financial life and responsible for paying bills and budgeting. The bank of mum and dad can’t be relied on forever.
It’s best to work out a budget in advance and try and stick to it. Once you’ve accounted for your essential living expenses, you also need to budget for things like travel, text books, going out with friends and food. It’s easy to get carried away when you get to uni and spend a term’s money on eating out, shopping and socialising.
There are many online budgeting tools available online to help you keep track of your spending. Most student accounts come with a lot of benefits that give you free gifts or discounts.
Many students supplement their student loans with a part time job. It’s better to start looking for one as soon as you get to university rather than trying to fight for one during the Christmas period when everyone is looking.
Register With A Doctor
Having access to medical treatment when you need it is very important. Don’t wait until you’re ill before finding a doctor. Register as soon as you get to university so there’s no delay in getting an appointment if you need one. Medical records are mostly electronic now so your new doctor will have access to your medical history.
Register with a local dentist too.
Book Your Tickets Home In Advance
Travelling back home for the holidays can be expensive, as many students will be travelling at the same time. Get the best deals by booking well in advance and taking advantage of the discounts offered.
Studying away from home can be exciting, but also scary. Try to make it as stress free as possible by doing your research in advance and being sensible about certain things, then you can enjoy yourself.
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As someone who is in her last year of university and studying away from home I definitely agree with your tips. It is so important to explore the place as it makes it easier to get used to the new situation. First few weeks are always hard but it definitely gets better.
Antonia || Sweet Passions
This is great advice for all those about to head off. Especially the Doctor one, I would not have thought about that at all!
It’s a hugely important time in people’s lives, being prepared will really help x
These are great tips for someone heading off to uni. I graduated a loooong time ago now, and didn’t move away to uni, instead commuted from Leeds to York. I think some of these tips would still translate well to a commuting student, e.g. budgetting and getting to know the local area.
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
This is such great advice for anyone leaving home to go to uni Kayleigh! It’s always good to be prepared x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I went to university that was 3 hours away from my parents. During my first year, I lived in the dorms & it was only for first-year students. It was great & I ended up moving into an apartment with 1 of my friends from the dorm.
I also agree budgeting is very important when you’re at university!
I’m not going to uni, but these tips are great for my friends! I didnt even think about registering with a doctor. Thank you for sharing
Em x
I’ll hopefully be going to uni in around 3 years and am looking into moving somewhere else. This post was really helpful for me so thank you for sharing! ❤️
I’m definitely sharing this with my oldest! She’s in her junior year of high school so the beginning of the college process has begun. Every school she’s been interest in is pretty far from home.
Such great tips! Wish I had this advice when I was going.
Registering with a doctor early is great advice – although you might be fit and healthy (and doctors love getting students on their books as they are low maintenance and still get paid), it’s worthwhile joining for all the activities students get up to – I injured myself in a sports society and being registered locally meant I could quickly get referred for physio.
And love the tip about booking travel in advance- wish I thought of that!