Surviving the first year at uni with this strong guide

Arranging University Accommodation

With your First year at Uni beginning you usually start by sorting your accommodation application once you have accepted an offer on a course.

Many first-year students tend to stay in halls of residence. Managed by the university and present an easy way to meet new people. Usually a large block of flats, housing hundreds of students with individual furnished bedrooms, organised around corridors or apartments with shared kitchens. In some cases, bathrooms are also shared.

Privately rented houses or off-campus university accommodation are good alternatives; favoured by mature/postgraduate students.

If you choose to stay local to home with your university choice, this means you can save on your costs by living at home still.

University housing applications normally come with a few choices like:

Catered or Self-catered

Sociable or Quiet

Single or Mixed-gender halls.  

It’s never too early to think about your preference. Allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Contact your university’s accommodation office to enquire about any accommodation open days and to explore your options.

Sort your finances before university

It’s probably not the most glamourous of tasks to sort before university but it is one of the most important. First year at uni and getting this sorted before fresher’s week can help you budget for the year ahead.

First thing, set up a student bank account. Many major banks offer these and have benefits such as 0% interest overdraft facility, cash back offers, save the change etc. Each bank is different so ensure you look around for the best deals. Check out our blog on the bank accounts available for students

If you’re planning on receiving government-funded student finance, the next step is to get in touch with them to get the ball rolling. It can be a lengthy process do ensure this is a priority.

Once everything is in place you will then know how much funding you’re entitled to, you can add this to any other income you’re receiving and you can start budgeting. Make a list of all your outgoings, phone bill, transport costs, accommodation fees, amenities (food, utility bills, course materials) as well as luxuries (clothing, socialising, visits back home) this will help you keep track.

Be wise with your money!

The initial costs of books, other course-specific items and rent can be a shock, but learning to budget your money will mean a lot less stress later on.

When shopping check out all the shops, maybe swap brand names to the shops own to save some money

Check out online for 2nd hand books, some students tend to sell their books to get some money back when they leave uni.

Set up a savings account. This way you can keep your student loan money away from the money you may be earning. (cause you’re getting a job while you learn, right?) Most importantly set yourself a spending allowance.

What to take as you start your first year at uni

We have created a checklist covering all the basic items and essentials you will need for your first year at Uni. You may think you have everything but it is the smaller things you take for granted – you will forget like toilet roll!

This is just a small guide so do not stress if you find you have forgotten something you can pop to the local shop near campus to pick it up.

Food

It is worth stocking up on the essentials before making the drive to uni. Things to think about grabbing are the non-perishables like pasta, rice, tinned food etc. These will last you ages and you can cook plenty of simple quick fix meals.

Cooking Essentials 

Making all your own meals will mean you need some cooking essentials. Things like pans, spatulas, cheese greater, can opener, pizza cutter, plate, cup/glass etc. You can pick up Uni start packs from places like Argos, Ikea, Amazon and Dunelm for example. Also, we have been told a favourite choice is an air fryer and good quality Tupperware to store your food in.

Toiletries

This one is simple, shower gel/soap, toothbrush and paste, razor, shampoo, toilet roll and towels.

Cleaning products

Anti-bacterial spray for your counters, bathroom cleaner and toilet cleaner plus separate cleaning cloths.

First Aid kit

Having a first aid kit on hand is a great essential for your room. Within this kit you will need plasters, Savlon, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Flu capsules and Antacids. You do not need to buy brand named ones the stores own cheap version is just as good.

Bedding

Your room in halls is not going to be like a hotel. You will need to take pillows, duvets, sheets, and bed linen (duvet covers and pillow cases). Additionally, anything you need for a comfy night sleep.

Stationary

Getting a range of pens, pencils, notebooks, folders and post it notes to have ready to keep you organised.

Chargers

Do not forget the chargers/power supplies for your devices you are taking with you – phone, watch, laptop, etc. Additionally, an extension lead is a handy item to grab and USB sticks/external hard drive.

Check out Travel options

Be sure to check out the train service. It could have offers for students on travel cards. Rail cards can give you 1/3 off train ravel all year round, can be used at peak travel times (min spend applies). You could upgrade to first class for less, giving you the options of power points and a desk if you wish to work while you travel.

Taking a car to university isn’t always necessary but having a licence can be a benefit so don’t rule out taking the test. Parking could be limited and you might have to buy a permit for campus.

Public transport can keep you connected in the bigger cities. Take a look on local bus companies’ websites for student discounts they could offer.

There is always the option of a pushbike to get places quicker and also helping with your fitness. Some universities and student unions run a bike loan scheme so have a look and see if you can benefit from one from your university. Check out any costs of accessories, a helmet, lock & maintenance equipment to see if it’s something you can add in to your expenses.

Reading Material

Many universities put their reading lists online weeks before their courses begin, they might also send you details via email. Giving you an idea of what to expect from your workload and can give you a head start on reading which could help with future lectures.

There is no need to own every book they mention. Identify the core texts and purchase those to start with. Check out 2nd hand options through university groups or Ebay this can help keep costs low. Any other books on the list may be available to borrow from the university library. Don’t forget a lot of research can be done online now as well.

Get to know the area

If you’re moving away to a new area, visit before heading to live at university.

Finding out things like where the campus is to your local big shop (Tesco, Aldi etc) and your local corner shop (for those late-night needs). It’s good to know the location of the nearest hospital/A&E and local doctors just in case you need them. Search for the nearest train station & bus stops.

Take a look around campus and find things like the library, lecture buildings and your accommodation. You could even arrange to meet your house mates there and check it out together and get to know them more at the same time.

Get involved from the first year of uni

The first year at uni is the best time to get involved- the welcome period at university has many events planned designed to help you settle into university life. You can find out information from the student union on what’s happening at fresher’s week. You may be given a flyer when you arrive with information on what’s happening. While you don’t have any course commitments you can immerse yourself in joining societies and sports teams, they can be great ice breakers. helping build rapport with other students. Organisation and time management is key here.

Hopefully you’re all set up for your first year at university and thoroughly enjoy it.

First year at uni, lets start collecting some transferable skills

Here’s an idea of those that can help you develop those transferable skills making you useful to future employers from your First year at uni:

Part-time job: 

As well as a way to earn money, part-time jobs can give you great work experience. It is beneficial to start thinking about this early on during your academic career. This could also come in many forms whether it be in retail, voluntary, promotions or helping with a family business.

Extra skills-related workshops: 

Skills developed outside of your academic career by going above and beyond your core subjects. Have you taken employability-related workshops or attended networking events? Have you taken a first-aid course or evening classes to learn a new language?  All of these will help to develop your core skillset.

Voluntary work/Community Service:

From volunteering at a local charity shop not only in your first year at uni but throughout your time, at a business perhaps on special projects to working in a nursing home, helping others in your own time signifies you’re gaining work experience while giving back to your local community

Governance/Student Body: 

Being involved in student affairs right form the off set of your first year at uni can be important to university life. How about being elected to a student committee or representing the student body as an academic representative?

Event organising: 

Often there are facilities and opportunities to hold events whether it be a small bake-sale to raise some money or a campus bar event. These display skills of organisation, time-management and leadership (often a team is involved to assist in running the event) and will also give you a feeling of success when you see that event come to fruition!

Sport:

Joining a sports team or even coaching your local school’s team can provide a whole set of transferable skills including competitive spirit and teamwork

Society:

Societies are there for students to try something new and meet new people with shared interests. Depending on what you are looking for, they can appear in all different forms from sports to dance or academic societies. 

Media:

Student media is a good way to get involved in the fun part of university. The student paper or radio station are just a couple of ways to get involved in student news that is relevant to you.  Also, creating a blog or regularly interacting on social media both represent an interactive and media savvy individual.

Business/Enterprise:

Many students spot a ‘gap-in-the-market’ during their academic career and act upon it creating a small business opportunity. This is eye-catching for employers as it shows entrepreneurial instinct and someone who is not afraid to act upon their ideas to make them happen.

Remember involvement is the first step, but once you have attended a few sessions then why not take it a step further and take on a leadership position. Such skills create a well-rounded individual and help to make your brand stand out.

Connect with us on LinkedIn to keep updated with other blogs and do contact us when you graduate so we can try to help you find a role that suits