If you are getting ready to start at University soon, it might feel daunting. We have collated some tips to help you navigate this big life step.

• Pack up what you want to take with you in advance so you are not throwing it all in at the last minute. This will help to not forget anything. Making a list first is a great idea
• Choose an organiser and use it! For example, an app for organising on your phone, a calendar, diary, white board, etc. This will help in the early days to work out when, where and what time you will need to be somewhere
• Your phone can also help with planning. You can set up reminders 10 mins before you need to be somewhere or do something. Use as an alarm clock for those 9am lectures. Use Google Maps to help you find where you need to be if your campus is spread out
• Practice some simple cooking options at home and try them out on your family. This way you will have a few good meals you can cook confidently when you get to university. Look up student cookbooks too for more ideas
• If you are not familiar with a washing machine or have never visited a laundrette, spend time getting used to using one. You don’t want all your clothes to shrink or come out pink! Your parents/carers will also be very pleased not to have your entire wardrobe to wash on your return!
• Whatever you do at home to relax or do as a hobby, find the nearest place to do it in your new town/city. Find the details to the local gym, pool, art class or drama group - some of these may run as part of the university's extracurricular activities. This will be helpful for when you need some down time and you'll already know all the details of where and when they are
• Take a picture of your timetable/address/bus route on your phone to have as back-up
• Go to the fresher’s fayre. You may find a group that is perfect for you and it is a great way to make friends
• Balance uni work with uni fun. It does not need to be all work and all play
• Start as you mean to go on. Your behaviour/attitude to university in the first year will most likely continue for your whole course
• Say yes to opportunities, such as volunteering etc. It will look great on your CV alongside your degree and you may meet some new friends or find new interests
• Do not be afraid to ask for help

These links may be useful:

• The Complete University Guide - preparing to go to university
• Save The Student - 13 skills to help you survive university
• Money Saving Expert - Student Guide
• The Student Room
• The Mix - student life
• Diversity and Ability - support at university