Preparing for life at university

It’s important before you even step foot on campus to be as prepared as possible, as this can help to reduce stress. Have a checklist of all the things you need to do before you start the first semester. Some things to consider include: 

• Accommodation and travel: It's best to try and get your accommodation sorted as early as possible so that it is one less thing to be concerned about. Will you be staying on campus, somewhere near the university or remain at home? If it is your first year you will usually be a priority for on-campus accommodation, but this option should be open to all students too. If you aren’t staying on campus there are other options to help you find accommodation including SpareRoom, accommodation for students and university-based services. For travelling/commuting to university it is worth considering what is the best option for you. Is it worth having a railcard, season ticket or a bus pass? A lot of universities also have rentable bike services most of which of discounts on packages for students. Alternatively bringing your own bike can be useful (but make sure to get a good lock). Most universities will try and discourage individuals from driving to campus, especially in first year, except in special circumstances. If you are living off-campus and already own a car you'll need to consider things like parking and driving restrictions.
• Student finance and bursaries: Money worries are common for students. For home students there are several things to consider about funding. As standard, the government have two loans which you may be eligible for: a Tuition Fee Loan to help pay the course tuition fees and a Maintenance Loan to help pay for living costs. Many students will be eligible for these, but you can check on the GOV.uk website. Depending on your situation you may also be eligible for additional support through things like bursaries. These are provided by both the government and universities and are dependent on a lot of factors. For more about additional support you can check the GOV.uk website and speak to your university about what they offer. It is also important to note that many students work while studying to help supplement their income. If you are going to work you could look at jobs within the university or students union as these roles often offer more flexible around your studies. If you can’t get a job with the university or student union, look for roles that can work around your student lifestyle. For more information about working while studying you can check out the UCAS and Save the Student websites. 

• If you are an international student, you can find out more information about funding your studies here. 

• What to take with you: When heading off to university, first check what resources/amenities your university provides, for example most accommodation will have the basics like a kettle or a toaster which will mean you won’t need to carry them with you. Some universities will also have options to buy or lend certain items (like bedding or laptops). Check with your university about what they offer specifically. Lastly do bring some home favourites to make your new space feel more comfortable, but don’t carry your entire room with you, it will be a lot to pack and repack when you leave, also there’s a likelihood you’ll by some new stuff while you're there.
• Manage your expectations: University can be one of the best times. You get to make new friends, see new places, have new experiences, all of which is great. But it’s also important to manage expectations about what university might look and feel like. It’s not all parties and hanging out with mates, there will be a lot of work to do and at some points you may even find yourself struggling. Being well informed about your university and listening to the experiences of others are great ways of helping you to expectation set. Student Space from Student Minds has a great article which goes into more detail on this which you can read here.

Once you reach university it might all start to feel very real which may in turn impact your mental health, here are some things to remember/consider when you get there: 

• Making friends/building connections: At university there will be plenty of opportunities to make new friends, whether that be in class, in your accommodation or through events and societies. Remember that pretty much everyone at university is in the same or a similar situation to you (not knowing many people and wanting to make new connections). Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, say hi to people and start conversations over things like shared interests, courses you’re studying or your university experience. Don’t be concerned if you don’t make friends straight away. Sometimes finding your people takes time, just don’t give up and keep putting yourself out there.
• Knowing where to get support when you need it: From time to time you may find yourself needing some help, whether it be academic support, wellbeing or another issue. Universities have structures in place to help you when you need it, so don’t be afraid to ask where university specific support can be found. Student Space also has a great resource for finding university specific support which you can check out here. Alternatively if you would like to look for support elsewhere you can check out our get help page which has helpful resources including ones specifically for young people. 

• Making the most of opportunities: University is about more than just what you study, it presents a great opportunity to try new things and gain new skills. Be sure to dedicate some time outside of your studies to making the most of university and being a student. Check out the societies fair, join a sports club, get involved with campaigns both on campus and in the local community. Don’t be afraid to try something new and if it’s not for you that’s okay. But,you might just end up finding a new passion or future job opportunity. 

• Have a plan/schedule: Routines can be very good for our mental health as they allow us to build healthy habits. While you don’t need to have every second of every day accounted for, it’s important to set time aside for important things like resting, cooking, studying, exercising etc. To ensure that you have a good study/life balance and be more productive and prepared for things like deadlines and assessments. Find a routine that works for you and your lifestyle. 

• Do what's best for you: While a lot of fun, university can also present a lot of challenges and pressures that you may not have been ready for. It’s important that you prioritise your health and wellbeing while at university to ensure that not only you do your best but also that you feel good and enjoy yourself. Self-care can present itself in many ways, it could be choosing to stay in instead of going on a night out, cooking a favourite meal at the end of a long week and so much more. Making sure we are taking care of ourselves is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. 

For more support with university, you can check out our university and mental health: tips for student's page or check out Student Minds website.