Preparing for your first year at university

Now that we're well into the summer break, we can imagine that many of you will be starting to prepare for your higher education courses in September. Whether you're completing a traditional university course or a degree apprenticeship, there's a lot to think about and prepare for. We understand that this time in your career can be overwhelming, but luckily for you, we've compiled some of our best advice in this blog. 

• Familiarise yourself with the campus: You should take a virtual tour of the campus. It will help you become familiar with its layout, buildings, libraries, and student services. Also, it will help you navigate the campus with ease once you start classes.
• Review your course schedule and syllabi: You can check out your course schedule and syllabi in advance. Familiarise yourself with the required readings, assignments, and deadlines.
• You can connect with your roommates. If you're living in a dorm, you should reach out to your roommates and roommates before you move in. If you make a connection before you move in, it will create a supportive living environment for you.
• Get to know your faculty and advisors: You should reach out to your faculty members and academic advisors before the semester starts. Introduce yourself, ask any questions you may have, and seek guidance on course selection or academic support resources.
• Create a study schedule: You can plan out your study schedule and allocate dedicated time for each subject or task. Also, Establishing a routine will help you manage your time effectively and stay on top of your coursework.
• Familiarise yourself with campus resources: Explore the various academic and support services offered on campus, such as the library, writing centre, tutoring services, and career centre. Knowing these resources will help you access support when needed.
• Build a support network: You should attend orientation events, join clubs or student organisations, and engage in social activities to meet fellow students with similar interests. Building a support network can provide a sense of community and help you adjust to university life.
• Take care of practical matters: Set up your university email and familiarise yourself with the university's online platforms and systems. Also, make sure to take care of any administrative tasks, such as submitting required documents or paying fees, before the deadline.
• Prepare for independent learning: University often involves a higher level of independent learning. Also, you must develop effective study habits, such as note-taking techniques and time management strategies, to thrive in this environment.
• Take care of yourself: You can prioritise self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well-balanced meals, and staying physically active. Remember to balance your academic commitments with social activities and personal hobbies to maintain a healthy and fulfilling university experience.

Most first-year students either choose to commute to university or stay in halls of residence. There are benefits and drawbacks to both of these options, but you should take some time to weigh up what will work best for you. 

If you choose to commute to university, you should start to plan your route and get to know the area. We recommend getting your hands on a student rail card and booking your tickets in advance to save money. Here is what one of our commuter students has to say about her experience so far: 

"I personally really enjoy being a commuter student! Train rides are great for catching up with emails, writing to-do lists, listening to podcasts or taking some time to chill." – Lucy, a first-year student at Pearson Business School. 

You can hear more commuting tips from Lucy in her blog here.

If you have planned to stay in student accommodation, there are many options to choose from. You can choose from catered or self-catered halls as well as halls that are more sociable or quiet. If you can, it's a good idea to visit the accommodation to get a feel for the area as this is where you be spending a lot of your time! 

Almost all university courses will require you to do some pre-reading. Most institutions send out their reading lists before the start of term, so we recommend that you check these out and get a feel for what you will soon be studying. Getting ahead will help you in those first few busy weeks whilst you're settling in. 

During your enrolment period, universities will also be sending you details on navigating their academic resources and online learning environments, so lookout for this information; it will be incredibly helpful. 

University can be an expensive experience, but having a budget in place will significantly help your finances. If you are new to budgeting, take some time to consider what you may need to spend money on during your time at university. This could be: 

• Food 
• Travel 
• Accommodation 
• Stationary 
• Academic resources 
• There are also many student discount apps, such as Unidays and Student Beans, that can help you save money on hundreds of retailers.

Before your start date, there will be lots of opportunities to connect with other students attending your university. The period right before your start date is a great time to talk to your peers; it's an exciting time, and everyone will be in the same boat. Look out for information on Facebook groups, Discord channels and many other social media platforms. 

As a student, there are a few essentials that you will need as part of your course. Your chosen university will highlight this in the enrolment period, but here are some of our recommendations: 

• Laptop/desktop computer 
• Stationary 
• Passport/ID 
• Phone and charger 
• Headphones 
• Textbooks 
• Notepads and paper 
• Want to learn more? Find articles about preparing for university in our blog.