Whether you’re enrolling at the University of Oxford or a uni in Nottingham, it can be tough knowing what to expect. With that in mind, here are our top tips on preparing for your first year at university:
Find accommodation that suits you
Most students prefer to live on campus during their first year, although some may prefer the options off-campus.
Consider your budget and the factors that are important to you, such as catering, proximity to campus and the availability of en suite facilities in your room. Look for information on the university’s accommodation page, check out student reviews, and ask friends who currently attend the university for advice.
Sort your finances
Work out your budget before you move to university, factoring what you'll need to save for food, accommodation, transport and bills, as well as how much you need to set aside for books and leisure. Remember that you’ll spend more on accommodation in cities like London.
Sign up to clubs and societies
Clubs and societies are great places to socialise and meet new people at university. This can be particularly beneficial for international students who are looking to settle in quickly.
Sign up to any society you think you’ll have an interest in. Nobody’s forcing you to continue attending if you don’t enjoy it, so it’s a win-win!
Speak to your advisor
Your academic advisor will be a key figure in your university journey. They’ll be your first point of contact for issues related to your course, so it pays to get to know them in advance. It will pay dividends in the long run.
Get work experience
If you’ve got time before your degree starts, work experience in the field you’ve chosen to study can be invaluable. As well as giving you an idea of the role you wish to pursue, it could also be the driver behind you choosing another career path if the work you end up doing isn’t fulfilling enough.
