Wednesday 19 August 2015

Advice to Students: What Not to Forget Before Going to Uni!

I have found it necessary for me to do a continuation on my last post on advice to A-level students. The sheer volume of you who read it is a good indication  to me that you appreciate the advice and support.

The pride and joy of my living room
As by now, many of you may have an idea of what university you are going to (if you are going), I would like to put together a short list of things you should sort out. I went to university in London my home city, so lived at home during my four year study. So admittedly even though I had A LOT to prepare, I probably wasn't under so much pressure like my counterparts travelling to elsewhere in the country.

My sister is currently going through this process with many of you, and in helping her with her prep we are having to organise the following:

1. Accommodation
If you are not able to stay at home (or frankly do not want to!), one of the first things you would need to sort out is where you will be living. For most of you this will probably be your first long stay away from your family, and although a foray into adult life, is a very exciting  time.

For your first year, it is best to opt for student halls on your uni’s campus. You really do not want to be dealing with landlords at this point, and also as a first year student you are a priority to your uni’s accommodation service. Accommodation should be easily organised through your university’s website, prospectus, or accommodation guide.
Another food resource is My Student Halls


2.Finance
Student bank accounts offer benefits such as a 0% overdraft, and high street vouchers. It’s best to shop around and find the best account for you. Please just do not opt for bank which has a branch in your uni’s campus. Ask for an information pack from each high street bank. Also, a good source of fair information is Money Saving Expert.




If you are a UK student, you should be entitled to a student loan, which will allow you to pay for your tuition and other study related expenditures.  Check out the Student Finance website for more information. Depending on your circumstance and/or the course you intend to study, you may be eligible for additional grants and bursaries. You will need to consult Student Finance or your course administrator for advice.

Another good source of information is Save The Student

3.NUS Card
Most students in a higher education institution should be entitled to a discount in a number of retailers, when they provide their student card. However, there are many shops that require you to show an NUS card. For just £12, why not get an NUS card, which will give you access to so many discounts online and on the high street, plus much more. Visit the NUS website for more details.

By the way, the NUS, does so much more than offer a discount card. It is an organisation devoted to defending and promoting student rights, so it is worth joining!

4.Travel
If you are studying outside of your hometown or home city, it is definitely worth getting a 16-25 Railcard for a third off all rail journeys. 

You can get one for free if you open up a student account with Santander!


If you are studying in London, take my word for it when I say travelling around the city is EXPENSIVE BUSINESS. Please, please apply for a Student Oyster Card. The scheme is closed at the moment, but will reopen when your university’s registration period has begun. If you find you have trouble applying after your uni’s registration date it will be worth asking for advice at your university’s student services office.  


5.Shopping List
Lastly, you will of course need to do a spot of shopping to help your transition into uni life comfortable. You will need to buy kitchenware, bedroom sets, stationery and books. For things for the kitchen, your room and stationery, I recommend Wilko, Primark and Argos, as they all sell great pieces at affordable prices. With Argos, you can make your order online and pick it up near uni!
It’s also worth looking in a £1 shop or 99p store if you have one near you.  I really believe in cheap and cheerful when it comes to shopping for uni.

Or you can go for something fancier!


For course books, you should wait until you are on campus, because you probably won't know what books you will need yet! Also because most campuses  have a bookshop that will  sell most of your course books. Your tutors are probably the best people to advise you on what to buy where anyway.

That’s it my lovelies. This list is by no means exhaustive as I have gathered my info from memories from ten years back, as well as my sister’s get ready process at the moment, however it’s a start.

My last piece of advice is to make the best of your uni years. It’s very expensive! However it’s not ALL about studying. Learn life skills. Have fun. Make friends. Embrace and love the different people you meet, but do not by any means lose who you are!

You should be fine!




If you would like to ask me further advice on any of the points discussed, or have any uni related angst and would just like to talk, please send an email to souljournersstory@gmail.com.

P.S. Good luck GCSE students. No matter the outcome, you CAN succeed in life. 
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5 comments

  1. Great blog Madeline. Although I'm not a student, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the information. This sort of help is priceless and I wish I have had someone who took the time to direct me in this manner when I was starting Uni all those years ago. God bless you Madeline for the passion you gave for the youth.

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  2. My last sentence is meant to read " God bless you for the passion you have for the youth"

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  3. My last sentence is meant to read " God bless you for the passion you have for the youth"

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  4. Great blog Madeline. Although I'm not a student, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the information. This sort of help is priceless and I wish I have had someone who took the time to direct me in this manner when I was starting Uni all those years ago. God bless you Madeline for the passion you gave for the youth.

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  5. Thank you Patience Prosper! I am glad you have found this insightful. Perhaps, you may decide to study again?? I doubt you'll move into halls though!
    I also would like to thank you for your support on this blog. God bless you and give you the strength to pursue you own passions!

    ReplyDelete

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