Preparing For Uni: What You Need To Know

Before you know it the fall will be here, and it will be back to university all over again. When it comes to preparing for uni, this is what you need to know, no matter what year you are.

So you’re just about to take your first steps of independence and adulthood; you’re going off to uni. This is going to be the most exciting years of your life, but it can also be terrifying when you don’t know what you’re doing! But that is where we’re here to help, here’s a list of things you need to know when it comes to preparing for uni, and some other things you should know that you won’t be told anywhere else.

Learn to cook!

Yes, you’re going to be getting a lump sum of money dropped into your bank account every couple of months, and it might be the most money your bank account has ever seen. It might seem like a lot of money at first, but you’ll be surprised how quickly it will leave your bank account again. As tempting as getting a take away every day will be, the cheapest way to feed yourself will be by cooking, so help yourself before the big move and learn to cook! Here are some easy recipes that will make everyone want to eat your food.

Budget

This brings us to money. You don’t want to be the only person not going out for the next weeks and only eating rice because you’ve spent all your money. This will probably be the first time where you are completely in control of your money, food, and bills, so make sure to learn how to manage it. Don’t forget to open a student current account as well, as this will lead to interest-free overdrafts if you’re really short on money, and can come with some great perks like free railcards!

Pack the essentials

While you can always buy some stuff once you arrive at your new uni accommodation, it will make your life so much simpler if you come with the absolute essentials. Here’s a list of the things you’ll need when preparing for uni that you probably haven’t thought of.

Socialise

If you’re worried about not making any friends in your first couple of weeks at university, why not help yourself by joining university facebook groups and start chatting to people through there. If you’re moving into halls, join a group for that accommodation and you could find your flatmates, or if you’re interested in a particular sport, join their facebook group and meet people that you could be doing trials with. Everyone is in the same boat so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!

Try new things

This applies more to your first couple of weeks at uni, but this will be the easiest way of trying loads of new activities for free throughout your whole lifetime! Your university is going to have loads of different societies for your every need, and if they don’t why make a new one! Preparing for uni is all about broadening your horizons, so why not start this journey with a new hobby!

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Mental Health check

This is probably something that you won’t even think you’ll have any problems with, but starting uni can bring a lot of changes and stresses that you weren’t prepared for, and it can be overwhelming. Make sure that you’re looking after yourself, by getting enough sleep, eating well and making the time so that you can relax and have some time to yourself.

Don’t start with lots of expectations

It’s easier said than done, but you need to remember that uni isn’t going to be exactly how you imagined it. While it can be an amazing experience, sometimes it might take a while for you to be able to fully appreciate it. Remember that it’s ok not to have met your best friend straight away, or that you don’t actually want to go clubbing four days a week even though everyone else seems to want to. Finding your place is important, and even though things might not be like what you thought they were, it could turn out even better!