University Finances. You don’t want to be on the phone chasing up the students loan company during fresher’s week when there are much better things to be doing. Check that it is definitely sorted out with all the proper documentation, and find out what day it is expected to arrive and into which bank account. If you haven’t already, it might be worth setting up a student bank account, as they have some advantages for students such as large overdrafts – but remember, that overdraft will need to be paid back at some point!
Learn to cook. If you’ve never really cooked before, university is definitely the time to pick up some basic skills. Even if you’re already competent in the kitchen, it’s a good idea to practice some cheap recipes that can be made in bulk. You can either make yourself popular on the first night by cooking for a large group, or split it into smaller portions and freeze it, ready to go into the oven or microwave as and when needed.
Pack effectively. Make a list of all the things you think you’re going to need, and try not to leave all the packing to the last minute. If you’re living in university accommodation, remember to check what is already supplied, as that might save you having to bring certain things. If you already know who you’re going to be living with, it might be worth agreeing on who will bring certain items – so you don’t end up with five kettles, five toasters, and forty plates.
Organising yourself. If you’ve never been a particularly organised person, now would definitely be a good time to start. There will be things going on all the time, both socially and for your course. Using an organisation app or getting into the habit of keeping a diary updated will help to make sure you don’t miss out on anything. Another worthwhile thing to do is make a budget. The student loan comes in a lump sum and might look like it will last forever, but trust me, it won’t. Work out how much you can spend a week and try to stick to it.
Check social media. Most universities will post any important updates that you should be aware of on their social media channels, so if you’re a social media user it’s probably worth keeping an eye on these. If you feel like it, there are often groups set up by other students where people who are going to be on the same course or in the same accommodation can chat and make sure there will be a few familiar faces on the first day.
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