what to expect at University

What to expect at university – the ultimate guide

So, you have received your A-Level results and you know what university you’re going to in September; congratulations!

It’s time to put your school days behind you and look forward to your first few weeks at university. We have put together this blog to give you a better understanding of what to expect at university!

Here are our top five things to do before you start university.

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1. Arrange your accommodation

Most students choose to stay in halls of residence in their first year. This is a great opportunity to meet new people.

If you’re attending a local university, you may prefer to save on costs and live at home.

It’s never too early to start thinking about your preferences, as many hall places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact your university’s accommodation office to enquire about accommodation options.

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2. Sort out your finances

While this may not seem like the most exciting task when preparing for university, it is important to get your finances in order for the coming academic year. Moving away to university will be the first time many students are completely in charge of their own finances.

Securing student finance is lengthy, so be sure to make this a priority.

Once these measures are in place, you can budget your day-to-day life accordingly.

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3. Get reading

Many universities put their reading lists online weeks before their courses begin or will send you the details via email. This will give you an idea of what to expect from your workload, and getting a head start on reading will build your confidence for lectures.

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4. Spend time with family and friends

The summer months are perfect for planning activities that involve spending quality time with your loved ones before university. Depending on how far away you’re moving to study, you may not be able to see them for a few months. 

While you will be busy in the first term meeting new people, homesickness is normal and might kick in once you’ve settled.

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5. Get involved in freshers’ week

Your first year as a student is jam-packed with events and activities to welcome you and help you settle into university life.

Although freshers week in the UK is linked with partying, there are also some serious matters that need attending to. You need to find your way to your campus, attend your induction, register for classes, and get your timetable. 

If you have a disability, introduce yourself to the disability team at your university, as they may want to arrange a 1:1 meeting with you to discuss how they can help.

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