So August is finally here, gone are the times when you busted a gut and put in countless hours of mind-numbing revision to get the A level points you need to head off to university and party hard f
So August is finally here, gone are the times when you busted a gut and put in countless hours of mind-numbing revision to get the A level points you need to head off to university and party hard for three years. Let’s call it ‘discovering yourself’ while you gain a degree of course! So lets assume you’ve received your results and you’ve passed. You’re in! (congratulations!) Then the fear kicks in, you’ve gone out and celebrated with your friends from home for what will be probably be one of the last times until Christmas. But what do you do now? What’s next?
Be Organised
After your results you will no doubt be sent a load of information about university, loans and your accommodation if you’re moving away. The best advice I can give you is to be organised. The amount of stuff you are given can be overwhelming, so it’s best to keep all your paperwork organised in a drawer or a file. Trust me, I wish I was given this advice, it would’ve saved me hours of tearing the house apart looking for a certain letter.
Don’t overbuy
By this I mean don’t buy one of everything when it comes to kitchen utensils. Buy your basics such as plates, bowls, cutlery etc, and yes I said plates as in more than one. Don’t be selfish, buy a set of four for when you have friends from home come to stay. When it comes to overbuying don’t buy a kettle, microwave etc yet, your best bet is to wait until you move in to your accommodation and see what is left to buy, because chances are at least one person will arrive with a kettle and the essentials. Then you can decide between yourselves what’s left to buy and who will buy them.
Avoid Credit Cards
Banks are quick enough to offer students credit cards as they know that students are a good investment as we often struggle to pay back the interest. The best thing for students is to open a student account with one of the leading banks that cater for students with interest free overdrafts such as Natwest and Lloyds.
Socialise
One last tip, Socialise. Yes, starting somewhere new on your own is a scary experience and it’s not as easy as just walking up to someone and asking if they want to play like we used to when we were younger. Just remember, everyone is in the same boat as you. The best way is to start with your flat mates on the first night, I suggest having a few drinks and getting to know each other, just don’t get completely off your face as you don’t want to do anything that you will regret and be embarrassed about.
Last but not least, enjoy yourself! Although there is a lot of hard work university will be the best years of your life so take the opportunity to experience everything it has to offer you. Best of luck.
