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Useful Information

Consider location, interests, and long-term career goals.
Choosing the right university and course requires deep research into your own interests, course content, university location, campus environment, and graduate prospects. Visit open days, check university rankings, read student reviews, and ensure the entry requirements suit your predicted grades. Ask current students if possible and use UCAS’s comparison tools for guidance.
Essentials include documents, kitchen items, bedding and personal items.
Besides clothes and toiletries, pack essential documents (ID, acceptance letter, student finance details), bedding, basic kitchenware, a laptop, chargers, and supplies for your course. Remember comfort items: photos, familiar snacks, or decor to make your space feel like home. Check accommodation rules before buying electricals.
Welcome week full of social events and induction activities.
Freshers' Week, held before term starts, helps new students settle in. It includes social events, fairs, club sign-ups, and academic inductions. Participating is a great way to meet people, learn about opportunities, and familiarise yourself with campus life. Don't worry if you don't enjoy every event—go at your own pace.
Be proactive—use clubs, events, and shared spaces.
Making friends often starts in shared accommodation, societies, and seminars. Attend welcome events, say yes to group invites, and join clubs or sports. Most students feel nervous initially—reaching out (even for small things) helps break the ice. Keep in touch with people you connect with and don’t worry if your group forms gradually.
Halls, shared houses, and private rentals are most common.
University-managed halls are popular for first years, offering an instant community and campus support. Shared houses and private rentals offer independence but require you to manage bills, cleaning, and sometimes contracts. Ask current students about pros and cons, and always visit properties before signing anything.
Track income, essentials, and balance social spending.
Make a list of all income (loans, part-time work) and fixed costs (rent, bills, food, travel). Use banking apps or spreadsheets to monitor weekly spending. Plan for social events, but prioritise essentials. Try supermarket own-brands and avoid impulse buys. Seek budgeting advice from student services or online guides.
Learn the basics—read appliance signs, set a weekly routine.
Most accommodations provide shared laundry facilities—read instructions carefully and sort clothes by colour. Change bedding weekly, take out rubbish, and wipe down shared surfaces. Set a chore rota if sharing. Good housekeeping keeps your space healthier and might impact your deposit return.
Stay busy, communicate with home, but be social.
Homesickness is normal. Keep in regular contact with friends and family, but try not to retreat. Get involved on campus, join clubs, and explore your city. Build small routines for comfort and talk to someone (a friend, tutor, or support service) if feelings persist.
Academic, wellbeing, careers, and money help are available.
Universities offer a range of support—academic advisors, disability services, mental health counselling, careers guidance, financial help, and student unions. These are free and confidential. Find out how to access them in your welcome pack or university website.
Register as soon as you arrive for health support.
Many universities have a campus doctor or will recommend a local practice. Register online or at arrival—this is vital if you need prescriptions or fall ill. In an emergency, NHS 111 or 999 are available. Learn where to access mental health support as well.
Loans cover fees and maintenance; extra grants may be available.
Apply for your loan via Student Finance. You may be eligible for extra bursaries or scholarships based on background or grades. Some funding does not need to be repaid—check eligibility early. Loans are repaid only after you start earning over a set threshold.
Always cite your sources and use plagiarism checkers.
Universities treat plagiarism seriously. Whenever you use someone else's idea or direct quote, cite the source using your course’s referencing style. Learn to paraphrase and use university resources or library tools for referencing and originality checks.
Visit the Freshers Fair or Student Union website.
Most universities have a Freshers Fair where you can sign up for clubs and societies. Alternatively, browse the Student Union website. Try something new or stick with familiar interests. Clubs are a great way to meet diverse people and learn new skills.
Start with basic recipes and batch cook.
Master a few easy dishes (like pasta, curries, stir fry) and batch cook to freeze portions. Use online student recipe sites, plan food shops, and try supermarket own brands. Don’t be afraid to ask flatmates for tips or cook together to share costs and skills.
Lectures are large group teaching sessions; seminars are for small group discussions.
Lectures usually involve a professor delivering material to a big group. Seminars are smaller and focused on debates or discussion. Attendance is expected even if not always compulsory—both are vital for learning and networking.
Bring your student ID, ID documents, and address proof to a bank offering student accounts.
Student bank accounts often offer free overdrafts and incentives. Compare banks online, then book an appointment with your chosen bank—bring your offer letter, photo ID, and proof of address. Manage your account online or via mobile apps for easier budgeting.
Check uni job boards, careers service, and local student-friendly businesses.
Many universities have job portals and advertise roles on campus. Cafés, shops, and events often hire students. Prioritise roles with flexible hours and confirm your work won't interfere with your studies or visa restrictions if relevant.
Seek support early—wellbeing resources and peers can help.
Stress at university is common. Use time management tips, break tasks into smaller steps, and don’t hesitate to talk with tutors or wellbeing teams. Peer mentors and online resources offer advice too. Maintaining a healthy routine and social life helps.
Learn public transport routes and use student travel discounts.
Most UK cities have student discounts on bus, rail, or bike hire schemes. Download local transport apps, get a railcard for national travel, and always check uni sites for discounts and tips. Walking or cycling can help you learn your surroundings quickly.
Stick with friends, lock doors, and save emergency numbers.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Travel with friends and use well-lit routes for late journeys. Don’t let strangers into buildings and keep valuables secure. Program campus security and emergency services into your phone.