There are plenty of things to sort and organise as you prep yourself for university life and start moving into your new home. And while enjoying freshers’ week and making friends are no doubt top of your list, there are other things you’ll need to sort too.
From registering with a new doctor to finding out how to get a student discount card, there’s a lot to do. And frankly, it can be a bit overwhelming. Even though you’re in a new place and fending for yourself, you’re not alone. A lot of students aren’t sure of all the things they might need to do when they arrive in a new city; so we’re here to help.
We created the ultimate checklist which you can follow to ensure that you haven’t missed anything important. Read on and head into the next chapter of your life with confidence.
General Organisation
Let’s get started with the fundamentals. Organising your accommodation and doing the boring stuff such as paperwork first will ensure that you’ll easily glide through other tasks and activities later. Here are a few to prioritise:
1: Unpack and make your room feel like home
Start off small. Simply unpacking and arranging your clothes, books and other things from home can make your room feel like your own. Don’t just unload your stuff and leave it there. Take a methodical approach to unpacking and put the right things in the right places. This means you won’t lose anything important minutes before that great party you might want to go to.
2: Keep a note of your address
It’s easy to forget your address when you’re in a new place you might not be familiar with. So noting it down on paper or your phone will help you get a cab or use Google Maps. It also helps out when you’re filling out tons of registration forms during the initial time at uni.
3: Download any apps you might need
As you settle in, remember to download utility apps to your phone. These range from dedicated university apps that you might need for classes and socials to everyday tools like Uber, Deliveroo and the Unite Students app. Using them can help you manage uni life at any time and from anywhere.
4: Make sure your uni email is set up and working
Classes begin soon, so setting up your university account should be a high-priority task. Complete all online registrations and set up your university email address so you can get all emails related to your course and other uni events.
5: Check whether you need a TV license
If you’re planning on watching TV in your room or in a communal area it’s important to get a TV license, or you end up with a fine. You’ll also need to subscribe to any live services such as Netflix, Sky TV, Amazon Prime etc. so you can enjoy your favourite content from the comfort of your own room.
6: Do your first food shop
Once you’ve set your room up and rested a bit, you’ll probably be feeling snacky. While takeaway works in a pinch, they can really take a hit on your wallet if you rely on it regularly. Head out for your first grocery run and stock up on the essentials. Items like bread, eggs, milk, pasta, vegetables, cereals, fruit and some snacks form the centre of a well-rounded pantry so it’s good to stock up on these ASAP.
Things to do at your halls
Having a good atmosphere in your home will have a major impact on your overall uni life. Here’s how you can prepare for life in halls.
7: Get your flatmates’ numbers and create a group chat
You’ve probably already had a few chats with your flatmates, but there’s more to student life than just socialising. Living with different people can be unfamiliar territory for a lot of students, so it’s a great idea to discuss chores, storage and rotas early. Get in touch with all of your flatmates and form a group chat. This a great place to iron out the logistics and can be useful to arrange parties and social events too.
8: Find the facilities in your halls
Getting comfortable also means knowing what’s available around you. When you have the time, acclimatise yourself by finding the facilities in your accommodation. You might find services like a laundry room, gym or study space in the building or nearby. Our Student Experience team is on site to assist you with any help you may need, or check your property page for more info.
9: Organise the kitchen and living spaces
In a shared living space, items get misplaced or lost. Planning out storage areas with your flatmates and allocating everyone their own cupboard and fridge shelf can avoid confusion and arguments. You might also want communal cupboards for items that everyone uses. Establishing boundaries and schedules for chores like cleaning, dishwashing, and the use of common areas can also help you keep things tidy and comfortable.
Things to do at uni
There’s a lot to do, outside of just having fun when you arrive at uni. Make sure to check off these tasks:
10: Work out your journey from halls to uni
Depending on where you’re living, you might need to plan your commute. Before classes start, it’s a great idea to find the best options for public transport and walking routes so you can do your morning coffee run and reach your lectures without any fuss. This will also help you get an idea of everyday commuting costs.
11: Get your bearings on campus
With a lot of buildings and potentially a huge uni campus, finding your lectures can be challenging. Explore the campus during freshers’ week to help memorise your route. Also, remember to pay attention during campus tours to learn the names of lecture halls and seminar rooms. This can really speed things up when you’re staring at an online schedule and trying to remember where that building is.
12: Attend the freshers’ fair
Some of the best uni insights and will come during freshers’ week. Don’t skip out on this amazing time as it’s a great way to jumpstart university life by joining societies, meeting new people and picking up freebies. The sheer scale of these events can be a bit daunting. Check out our tips for maintaining your zen with mental wellbeing during fresher’s week.
13: Find a study space and get your bearings
Libraries can often be some of the best places to study and meet with your study groups. It’s a great idea to scope out the library or accommodation study space, and find a good place to work - whether it's a quiet corner or a collaborative space. You and your friends will spend countless hours researching, studying, and writing assignments here, so understanding the library/study layout and resources will help in the long run.
Things to do for your course
While the idea of uni life is exciting, you need to keep an eye on academics from the start as well. Remember to complete these tasks:
14: Check out your lecture schedule
While parties are fun, remember that the core reason you’re here is to learn. Get acquainted with how your course schedule is set up. This includes everything from daily timetables to exam dates and semester modules. Having the whole picture will allow you to create a study plan that suits you so that you ace all your coursework without any stress.
15: Go to course inductions
Course inductions are an important part of establishing a good academic base. These help you grasp and fundamentals of not just what, but how you’ll be studying. During these sessions, you’ll also connect with course mates and teachers. This is an excellent opportunity to start building a network with people who share your academic and career interests and get a wider perspective on your study material.
Things to do in your city
While many people just see the uni as the centre of their life for the next couple of years, the city around you shapes your life in a huge way. Here are some things you should consider in getting acquainted with the culture of the whole area:
17: Get your bearings
Understanding how your city is laid out is incredibly useful. While one might argue that you’d get used to the area over time, exploring in your first few weeks gives you a great edge in getting around. Not only will you cut down on commuting times, but you might find some great hidden gems across the city, from cafes and bars to parks and museums.
18: Register with a doctor and a dentist
Make it a priority to register with a GP as soon as you get to your accommodation. You never know when you might need to see a doctor, and with all the parties that happen during freshers’ week, ’s a good idea to be prepared for freshers’ flu. Look into joining a dentist too. You might also find some great discounts on a student plan.
19: Look for a part time job
With a limited budget, a lot of students question how to find a part-time job as a student. While finding one can be challenging, it’s not impossible. No matter what you prefer, there are tons of options such as waiting tables, bartending, or working at a nearby grocery store. There are also staffing agencies that provide temping work. People are always looking for confident staff, so project that when you apply for positions around your area.
Things to do to manage your money
Sort out your finances as you start uni with these tips:
20: Complete your student finance registration
Registering for student finance support helps you sort out any financial support for tuition and living expenses. Remember to do this ASAP as you can’t get your maintenance loan until this is complete.
21: Workout a budget
If not planned out properly, living as a full-time student can be quite expensive. Make a detailed plan of all expenses including tuition, rent, food, utilities and others to get an idea of how much money you’ll need every month. Sticking to a budget will reduce any unnecessary financial stress that can affect your mental wellbeing.
22: Sort your student discount card
Your student ID card is your gateway to most uni facilities and events, not to mention student discounts! Get one as soon as you can and remember to take care of it. There are also student memberships such as TOTUM and UNiDAYS which offer incredibly useful discounts. Remember to register for these too.
23: Download banking apps to keep track of your spending
Finance and banking apps such as Splitwise, Revolut and Monzo can help you manage your finances in a much more methodical way. These track your spending habits, which can help you manage your budget and stay on the right side of your overdraft.
24: Set an overdraft limit
While student overdrafts are often available with student bank accounts, it’s best not to use it if you can avoid it. Set a hard cap on your overdraft limit and preferably only use it in emergencies. This will protect you from getting into debt while you’re studying.
25: Get a student bus pass or railcard
Getting a railcard or a bus pass is a great way to save on commuting, exploring and visiting friends and family in other cities. Make the most of the savings to visit nearby cities, beauty spots and tourist destinations.
