Important Things To Do Before Starting Your University Degree

If you’re moving to university soon, then I wish you the very best of success. Whatever your reasons for studying at university, we hope you meet all of your personal goals. But before you embark on this exciting chapter of your life, there are some important things you need to do concentrate on first.

Here are just a few of them.

If you’re in need of some extra reading to help you best prepare for university, check out How To Get Into University and Preparing To Go To University Away From Home.

Sort out your accommodation

If you’re hoping to stay in your university’s halls of residence, be sure to get your name down early. While first-year students will get priority over those who have already started their courses, you will still need to register your interest. Of course, you don’t have to stay within the grounds of your university if you don’t want to. Use a student accommodation provider if you want to live off-campus, but consider finding somebody to share with to cut down on costs.

Make sure you’re financially ready

The first thing you need to do, of course, is apply for student finance if you need that monetary support for your course fees, accommodation, etc. Follow the previous link if you still need to get this sorted. The second thing you need to do is open a student bank account. While you could get your student loan paid into your regular account, some banks offer perks to students, so it’s worth shopping around. And finally, now is the time to budget your life. Make as many savings as you can now, and cut down on your worst spending habits, as you will then be better prepared financially when you start university.

Reach out to other students

You can usually do this through Facebook, so check online to see if your chosen university has a page where contact can be made. This is a good way to introduce yourself, find housemates if you want to share accommodation, and start friendships. Going to university can be a scary experience for some, but if you have those contacts already in place, you will have an easier time of things during your first few weeks in a new place.

Sort out your packing list

There will be items that you will be instructed to bring with you, including certain books, your laptop, and the necessary documentation required by your university. However, there will be other things you should remember to take, so check out this list of essentials, and add them to your packing list ahead of time. The better prepared you are, the less panicked you will be in the days leading up to your move to university, so do yourself a favour and organise yourself now.

Spend time with family and friends

Admittedly, this isn’t easy at the time of writing, as we are still in the midst of a pandemic situation. It might that your university start date has been affected too. Still, if it becomes possible for you to do so, enjoy the company of your loved ones as much as you can, as you will have fewer opportunities to do so when you’re away. The memories you create might also help to alleviate homesickness, and you will have fewer regrets about missing out on time with the people who are important to you.