How to prepare for student life

In the weeks before you head off to university, there’s plenty you can do to get ready for student life.

Learn to cook

If university is going to be your first experience of cooking, it’s probably a good idea to test your culinary skills before you arrive!

Set up a student bank account 

If you haven’t already opened a bank account, you can do this as soon as you receive your UCAS confirmation letter confirming your university place. Shop around to make sure you get the best deal that suits your needs.

Get your student essentials

Taking a laptop and other valuables with you? Travelling by train or coach? Want to receive student discounts? You might want to consider these:

•  Contents insurance: if your personal possessions aren’t covered under your parents’ household insurance, then it could be worth getting a separate policy.

•  A travel card: save on train trips by a third with a Young Persons railcard.

•  NUS Extra card: loads of student deals on everything from entertainment to clothes and travel.

Find a student job

Getting yourself a part-time student job can be a great way of coping with student living costs and looks great on your CV.

Connect with your university on social media

Find your university’s official Facebook or Twitter account. You’ll be able to find useful updates about Freshers’ tickets, enrolling and other university preparation!

Decide what to take with you

When moving away from home for the first time, the temptation can be to buy absolutely everything you could possibly need. But think carefully about what you’re going to bring. Have you got enough room in your kitchen to have lots of your own equipment, and what could you potentially share with housemates?