Starting University - How to prepare
Making the move to University
University is a significant milestone. You may be excited at the prospect of student life. Yet it’s also natural if you feel daunted by it. It is a big change and it wouldn’t be surprising if you are having anticipatory worries.
This article discusses the type of issues you may face leading up to starting University. It also includes tips to help you try to manage these.
The emotions of starting University
The prospect of starting University may trigger a range of different emotions. You may feel a mixture of excitement, apprehension, sadness, or fear. As human beings, we often find safety in the routine and the familiar. Yet, for many of us, the anticipation of change can be unsettling.
Going to University will likely push you outside of your comfort zone. This in itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I find that this is a state where we have the greatest potential to grow. However, it may still feel challenging or unpleasant.
Things you may be worried about
Some of the common worries that prospective students have can include:
What your workload will be like;
How difficult your degree be;
If you will make fit in and make new friends;
Finances;
Homesickness;
How you will manage the practical day-to-day tasks.
Traveling to the UK to study
If you are coming to the UK to study you may experience additional challenges:
Cultural differences;
Language barriers;
Loneliness and isolation;
Organising visas and travel.
Tips
It is impossible to plan for every eventuality. However, there are things you can do to prepare yourself for University. Being prepared might help reduce some of the concerns you might have about the transition into uni life.
Take stock of what you already know
Reflect and review what you know about:
Your course - the modules you will cover in the first term and what attracted you to it;
The facilities available to you at University - libraries, lecture halls, and sports centres;
Any clubs or societies you would like to join or find when you get there;
The local area - cafes, bars, attractions, and shops.
Are there any of these things that spark feelings of excitement?
Find answers
Do you have concerns or questions that you might be able to find reassurance or answers to?
Make a list of what you feel uncertain or worried about. Then do some research on each of these things. It won’t be possible to find out everything, but you may feel some comfort by filling in some blanks. You might even come across some unexpected finds that leave you feeling enthused about starting Uni.
Sources of information:
Videos on Tik Tok, Instagram, or YouTube of current students giving guided tours of their uni rooms, the local area, or about student life in general;
The University website;
The Student Union website;
Tourism websites - Entertainment venues, shops, and cafes;
Online maps - Use virtual street views to get familiar with the area;
Contact the University with any academic or accommodation questions you may still have.
Starting university as an international student
Most Universities will have societies for international students. This might be a useful resource for connecting with other people who may be from the same country as you or be sharing similar challenges. International student societies may have a social media group you can join in advance of coming to the UK. If not, look out for a stand at the fresher’s fair.
You may also find the following websites contain helpful information:
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) contains a wealth of information on finances, visas, mental health, and more.
The Charlie Waller Trust has created a downloadable leaflet for international students.
Starting University as a disabled student
Many students attend University with a disability. However, it often brings with it additional challenges to being a student. It is important that you are able to access the support you need so you are able to get the most from your studies and time at University. Sometimes people are not aware they may qualify for help. Disability covers a wide range of issues. Some of these include:
Mental health issues e.g anxiety or depression;
Learning differences e.g. ADD or Autism;
Long-term health conditions e.g. Chrone’s or HIV;
Physical disabilities e.g. affecting mobility or dexterity;
Sensory imparement e.g. visual or hearing difficulties.
If you have a long-term condition that impacts your day-to-day life and/or your studies you may be able to access additional financial, practical and/or emotional support. Some suggestions for additional help include:
Let your institution know in advance if you need additional support in place. For example, an ensuite or a ground-floor room;
Apply for any additional finances you may be eligible for. For example, Disabled Student Allowance. This can be used for specialist equipment, additional transport costs, and none medical help (e.g. a British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter);
Your University should have a disability support or well-being service. It is worth registering with them and finding out how they can support you in your studies. They will probably have a website you can also have a look at before getting there;
There is a useful website and app called AccessAble. It provides information so you know whether somewhere is accessible or not before you get there. You enter your location and the service you are looking for and it will provide detailed guides. You can get information about some universities, cinemas, restaurants, etc.
Connecting with other prospective students
Many Universities have social media groups set up specifically for new students. This can be a good way to connect with others and to feel a part of the fresher’s community. You can ask questions and also see what others are asking or feel concerned about.
Expectations
You may have friends starting University around the same time as you. Friends who appear excited and keen to get started. It may feel as if there is an expectation that you should be feeling this way too. Maybe you are, but it is okay if you don’t. You are about to embark on a significant life-changing event and it is understandable this can feel scary.
Even those that are looking forward to University will very likely be feeling some level of nervousness about it. If you decide to share how you are feeling with friends you may be surprised to hear they are also feeling some level of apprehension too.
Freshers week
Your university should hold a series of events during fresher’s week to inform you of the practical side of things as well as the more fun things on offer. They should also let you know where to turn if you have unanswered questions or if you run into any difficulties during your time at university.
Freshers week is also a wonderful opportunity to meet others who will be in the same boat as you.
Everyone will be in the same boat
The prospect of being in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people might feel scary. However, the vast majority of people will be feeling nervous too. There is a lot to navigate during those first few weeks and it takes a while to settle into a routine.
However, this newness and shared experience can create a sense of camaraderie. Most people will be looking to make new connections to help them find their feet over this period. If you feel nervous at the thought of approaching people, try to remind yourself that many people will be relieved to have someone speaking to them. You already have a common ground just by being a fresher.
Joining in fresher’s week activities and signing up for societies can be a great way to meet like-minded people.
If you are leaving home
The emotions of leaving home
Leaving home is a big step. Especially if you are moving away from your local area or to a different country. You will be leaving behind all that feels familiar. Things like family, friends, local scenery/architecture, and culture.
It may feel like an adventure, or that you’re able to make a new start. Or maybe the thought of leaving behind people and places feels frightening and/or upsetting.
However far you will be away from home, remind yourself that you will be able to return at some point. There are many ways to keep in contact with people at home. Whether that be phone, email, social media, or video calls.
You might find it helpful to write down the potential positives of moving away. This might include things like increased independence, discovering new places, and learning more about the subject you’ve chosen to study.
Homesickness
Homesickness is a topic I have covered in more depth in another article. It contains information and tips for managing this.
Homesickness is a common experience. After all, you are leaving behind everything that is familiar. It can appear in the anticipation of leaving home, soon afterward, or a few months in. A lot of the time this is something that resolves itself. It often takes a bit of time to develop a new routine, for your surroundings to become familiar, and to build the foundations of a good social network.
Getting prepared with practical matters
There are various practical matters that you can sort out that might help your transition into university easier.
Finances
Here are some ideas for managing finances:
Create a budget. Work out in advance how much you will have to spend and what your outgoings are. It is best to be thinking about money before you get there. It can be easy to get carried away in those first few weeks and end up overspending;
Opening a bank account. Even if you already have one, it might be worth switching. Most banks have special student accounts that come with additional perks. It is a good idea to shop around as there can be a lot of variety in what banks offer students;
Student Finance. Make sure you meet deadlines and complete any required paperwork if you applying for student loans;
Insurance. Hopefully, you won’t need to make a claim. However, if the unfortunate happens it will be less stressful if you have cover.
If you are living away from home do you need your own room insurance? Or will you be covered elsewhere, like through your parent’s insurance or through the university?
Do you want your gadgets covered for theft or accidental damage away from your accommodation? You might find yourself carrying items like laptops and tablets between lecture halls, the library, and other locations.
Decide what to take with you to uni
Found out what items your student room or house will contain. This will help you in deciding what you need to take.
Most University rooms are small so you don’t want to be bringing possessions you don’t need. You also don’t want to arrive only to find you are missing some of the essentials. It may be stressful to have to immediately have to go shopping in an unfamiliar place. Your university may have a checklist of recommended items to pack.
Remember to include home comforts on your packing list. This could be things like a favourite blanket, posters, or soft toys that would give you a sense of familiarity and make your room a sanctuary.
Making your own meals
You may already be adept at cooking. However, a lot of students have not yet developed this skill. There may have been no need to.
If you are going into self-catering accommodation you might want to practice cooking before you go. Maybe there is someone at home who can show you the ropes, or a summer cookery course. Learning these skills in advance means there is one less thing for you to have to figure out when you get to uni.
Student Mental Health
University can be a rewarding experience but also challenging times. If you find yourself struggling speak to someone you trust. That may be a friend, a family member, or a therapist. I would also encourage you to speak to your university. They should have procedures in place to assist you. Depending on the institution help may include:
Student support or welfare officer;
Disability support service;
Your academic department;
University counselling services, although these are usually time-limited;
A mental health support line you can call.
Final Words
Remember it’s okay if you feel apprehensive at the idea of being a student. It’s a big step to take.
I want to wish you all the best as you begin your journey to being a student at University. I hope you gain a lot from your experience both academically and personally.
If you find the thought of going to university overwhelming or you encounter difficulties during your time there, you may find counselling helpful.
I offer online sessions across all UK locations to those over the age of 18. This means you have the opportunity to maintain a continuity of support from before you start University, as you are settling in and/or during your studies.
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment please contact me.