Hey everyone! In this blog, I am going to run through the dos and don’ts for preparing for uni! Of course, how and what you prepare will be different for everyone, but I definitely think something can be learnt from my experience. So, grab a beverage and have a giggle at some of the silly things pre-uni me did.
Do…
Think about the best order to buy and bring things in
Many students worry about what to buy and bring with them to their uni accommodation, but another question is when to do so. For example, I packed up my whole bedroom, and went out and bought approximately 787527 tins of baked beans as I thought I would need everything (absolutely everything!) and that I would live off the student staple.
However, in my first term I was then inundated with beans and left with a tough question: do I wear the summer clothes I brought (despite it being November) or do I trek through the rain to buy a clothes horse so I can wash and dry my winter clothes?
I, unfortunately, had to choose the latter, but had I considered not only what I would need but when I may have chosen to buy a clothes horse prior to my arrival and to bring summer clothes at a time when I wouldn’t get hypothermia. (P.s. I would personally say every time is the right time to bring a furry friend like this one but unfortunately, most uni accommodations don’t allow them ☹)
Give yourself a refresher course
The summer before starting University is a loooooong one. So, it’s natural that your knowledge of your course may get a little bit rusty. I found it so frustrating when I knew that I had heard of the terms the lecturer was saying but that it was taking me a while to register what they were.
In my first term at university, I made myself a glossary of key terms that made understanding lecturers far easier. I wish I had done it sooner to better help me adjust to the jump to degree learning. Of course, you should enjoy your summer and have a break from revision. But in the last few weeks leading up to starting your degree, I think a refresher course would be beneficial to many. Check out some of the University’s free courses.
Talk to your flatmates about the flat before you arrive
If you live in University accommodation, in your first year before your arrival you will have the opportunity to form a group chat with your new flat/housemates. This is a very exciting time, and many take the opportunity to get to know each other.
In my first year flatmates group chat, we talked about music taste, favourite vines and memes, food – basically everything. Well… almost everything. We didn’t talk about what we would all be bringing for the communal areas like the kitchen. This led to us arriving the first day with 10 giant bottles of washing up liquid but only one small pack of dish sponges. Of course, it was very funny at the time, but it can be good to talk about practical stuff in those group chats to avoid things like this.
Do make your room homely
For many, the move to uni is a big one. It may be the furthest they have ever moved or even the first time they have ever moved. It is a big adjustment for everyone, but there are definitely ways to make it less difficult. One way to make your new home feel like it’s truly yours is to make it like your old home!
For example, bringing your bedding from home, or your photo frames can just make this adjustment a bit more natural. One thing I did was buy the same laundry detergent my family used so that my clothes and bedding would smell as they did at home.
Don’t…
Don’t stress yourself out too much!
In the lead up to uni, you will have many concerns and worries and lots of people giving you advice (including me, apparently). While preparing for the next stage of your life may be nerve-racking, try your best not to stress. Maybe even make the process fun! I remember me and a friend made a day out of buying some necessities (like toiletries) and had lunch too.
And remember the process won’t be perfect. Things may go slightly wrong and you may forget something but in the end, it will all be okay. Ultimately, you will be in a place you love, studying a subject you love.
As I said earlier, how and what people prepare will be different as, of course, people are different! But I think no matter your interests, background or needs – everyone should avoid carrying home a clothes horse in the rain… Good luck!
Read more student advice about preparing for uni
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