Preparing For University

Heading to university in September (or August if your course has an earlier start date)? Preparing for university can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking time and there are lots of things to think about such as registration, student loans, accommodation etc. This article will take you through some of the things you need to consider as you prepare to head to university. Remember, your university will likely have a webpage or guide for new students so it may be worthwhile reading through this if one is available.

Make sure you register and pay any fees 

A month or two before your course start date you will receive an email from your university inviting you to register for your course. Make sure you fill this in on time otherwise you may lose your place. It is best to complete the registration form using a laptop or computer and give yourself plenty of time to do it. 

You will probably be asked about your personal details i.e name, address and contact details, emergency contacts, if you have any disabilities or medical conditions, where you will be living during term time and some other information about yourself. 

Next, you will need to arrange payment of your tuition fees. If you are living in Scotland and are studying an undergraduate degree your fees are paid by the Scottish Government. However, if you live elsewhere in the UK or are an international student you will need to pay your own tuition fees. You will need to specify during registration how your fees will be paid. If you are self funding you may need to pay some or all of your fees there and then. 

Apply for a student loan (if you want one) 

If you intend to apply for a student loan or if you are entitled to a bursary, you need to apply for this in advance. The amount you can receive depends on your household income. 

Have a think about whether you will apply for a student loan (remember you don’t have to) and ensure you apply well in advance. This will ensure your loan is processed and approved before you start uni. 

Sort out accommodation (unless you are living at home) 

If you plan to move away from home to attend university you will need to arrange for somewhere to live. Universities have halls of residence available for students to rent a room. You can also live in private student accommodation if you prefer. Your university will be able to advise you about available accommodation. There are also private halls of residence available that are not owned by the university.

Another option is to rent a flat near your university. Remember, this is an expensive option so it’s best to team up with some other students and flatshare (this way you can share the cost). 

How will you travel there? 

Unless you are living on or near the campus in student accommodation, you will need to plan how you will actually get to uni every day (unless you are continuing with online learning). Most students travel by bus, train or underground train (also known as the subway or the tube). If you drive you can take your own car to uni but the cost of parking (and petrol) will be quite expensive. 

Think about which method of transport works best for you. A good idea is to find out which bus stops or train stations are nearest to your university. Then work out how to reach them from your house. Most bus or train companies have route planners on their website which can help you plan your journey. 

Allow plenty of time for your journey, especially if you will be travelling at peak times. You may want to do a couple of practice runs to make sure you know where you are going. 

Do you need to purchase any specific equipment? 

Depending on your course you may be expected to purchase some special equipment. This information will be provided to you either before you start university or during induction week. For example, students studying a science or medical-related degree may need to purchase special clothing such as a lab coat or hospital scrubs. 

Your university may have a shop on campus where you can purchase these items or you may be directed to a special supplier. 

Do you need to do any preparatory reading? 

Some courses may ask you to carry out some reading prior to beginning your course (although this is unlikely). 

However, some universities may ask you to read over their student policies and guides. These contain some important information about your university’s rules, regulations and practices. Ok, I know it sounds boring but some of it actually may be worth knowing about.