Going to university is one of life’s major milestones. Things will change a lot when you make the move.
You are going to have a lot of fun and learn a lot, but there are some lessons you should learn before you go. If you want to have a successful start to your student life, then prepare yourself with this how-to guide.
Find Your Accommodation
Before you even plan on moving to university, you will want to make sure you have accommodation, whether it’s on campus or elsewhere. You will need to make sure that you look at homes for students and young graduates that are both within your budget, but also within walking distance of your university or at least on a main public transport route, so you can get to and from fairly easily.
Plan Your Move
Packing for your move will take some planning. You are going to have to decide what you need to take with you and what you can leave behind.
Depending on where you are moving to, you may need some furniture. Not all student housing is fully furnished. Bringing big items with you can cause a headache at the end of the year. You do not want to have to lug a wardrobe back and forth in the summer.
Look for local storage before you move. Stored Away provides storage for students during the holidays. They will drop your furniture off at your new accommodation in September too.
Make Friends Online
Thanks to social media, you should be able to make friends at university before you even start. Connecting with your future housemates is a good idea and makes things easier on the first night.
Look at your university’s website to find any clubs or associations you can join, and then get in contact with other members. Settling in will be much easier if you know a few people before you get there.
Get Your Finances Sorted
Student loans, student bank accounts, and grants can all feel overwhelming. It can be a lot to take on board. Get these things sorted before you go so you are ready on day one.
Shop around to find a good student bank account. This is a competitive area of banking so you should be able to find one with some nice perks. Get all your student loan information together too.
Have a plan in place for when the loans clear in your account. You need to know where the money should go and when. Do not spend the money on nights out.
Learn the Art of Adulting
Taking care of yourself is a full-time job. Most students go to university woefully unprepared for the household chores that await them.
Cooking and cleaning are two daily jobs that you need to know how to do. Your parents will be pleased if you start practising early and prepare a few meals or tidy up around the house. Make washing your own clothes your responsibility from now on to get a head start.
Start Budgeting Early
Being a student can feel like you have holes in your pockets. Money disappears quickly if you are making purchases without a plan in place.
You should start budgeting before you start packing. Work out how much money you will have each week or month, and then calculate your outgoings. You may have less disposable income than you think. By planning your finances, you will hopefully stay out of debt.
With the right amount of planning and preparation, any task becomes easier. These top tips will help you prepare for student life – one of life’s biggest challenges, getting a degree.