Small Things You Can Do To Help Prepare For University

Preparing for uni is such a massive thing, and where are you even meant to start? Here are my ways to prepare for university.

Moving to university can be so daunting, and that’s completely normal! That being said though, it can help if you try to prepare in the few ways you can, whether mentally, physically or in terms of buying things to get ready. So, with that being said: here is my list of small things you can do to help prepare for university.

1. Learn some life skills

If you go to uni unable to cook, clean or do laundry it’s gonna be very difficult to survive. I’m not saying that you have to become a 5-star chef before you go, but learn how to make a basic meal, clean a toilet and sink, wash up a few dishes, and learn how to operate a washing machine and tumble drier. Just ask your mum (I promise she would rather teach you while you’re still at home than try to explain it all over the phone).

2. Save some money

Even if it’s just £100, there are so many unexpected expenses that you need to be prepared for: themed parties, birthdays and dates being just a few. Save up as much as you can to ease your way into budgeting and saving money. Even if you don’t intend to spend it, have that safety cushion there so you don’t stress out too much.

3. Find your local GP surgery

This sounds insane, but it is especially important if you have ongoing health issues that require regular checkups. Look around the surgeries that could become yours, research the doctors and their specialities and pick which one would best apply to you. This will come in handy when you desperately need an appointment!

4. Buy things to make your room comfy

Cushions, a duvet, pillows, blankets, fairy lights, you name it! Buy things that will make your room feel more like home and like somewhere you’ll actually want to spend time. Don’t go crazy, but spend a bit of money and time on it so that it really is a nice place to be and won’t just make you homesick every time you walk into your empty prison cell of a room.

5. Make sure you see all of your family and friends before you leave

You’ll be gone for months and months at a time, so make sure that before you go you see all of the grandparents, the uncles and aunts who you’ll miss and your school friends that you might not see for a really long time. Not only will it make other people’s days to know that you’re thinking about them, but you’ll feel better going off to uni knowing that you’ve said goodbye to everyone and no one will have felt left out.

6. Research the jobs and start applying for them in your new area

If, like most university students, you need a little bit of extra money then why not start researching or applying for jobs before you go. Jobs might go quite fast once you’re there and everyone is looking for them, so why not get ahead of the game? Find something that will suit you in terms of location and job role and send in your CV and cover letter, explaining that you will be moving to the area soon and they will see how driven you are for the job and might hire you! It’s not a guarantee, but it can’t hurt to get ahead of the game.