Preparing for university is an exciting yet demanding journey that requires significant planning and organisation.
If you’re a college student preparing for university soon, or you’re just deciding the right path after college, there are specific steps you should take to ensure you’ll be prepared as you enter university life.
Luckily, we made this complete guide to preparing for university, and we are happy to share it with you!
Know Your Course and University
Before you embark on your university journey, it’s crucial to research and select the right course and university that aligns with your academic and personal aspirations.
Consider factors such as location and proximity to your home, course content, university reputation, and potential career opportunities. You can also attend university open days or explore virtual events to acquaint yourself with the campus and meet faculty members.
Prepare Your Finances
While this isn’t the most exciting part of preparing for university, this is possibly the most important one.
If you need help with your tuition for university, research on potential scholarship opportunities and financial aid from your university, the government, or other external organisations. Check here if you’re eligible for student finance/loan from the government.
Additionally, set a budget for all your other necessities including living expenses, food, transportation and more.
Secure Your Accommodation
Once you’ve prepared your budget, you can now start looking for a suitable accommodation within, or near your university.
Most universities provide student housing options, but they can fill up quickly, so apply early. Alternatively, you can explore private accommodation choices, such as shared apartments or student residences.
Be Prepared to Live Alone
Living alone away from your family can be a challenging experience for some. As you enter this chapter of your life, independency is key.
Ideally, you should know how to cook and be able to clean for yourself. These skills are important to live comfortably in university and you can make use of them as you graduate.
As exciting as it might be to live away on your own, be prepared to miss those home comforts!
Make A List of What to Bring
Once you’ve secured your accommodation, you should be aware of the things that you’re allowed to bring, as some allow students to bring appliances while others do not. However, some appliances may also already be provided by them, so make sure to check.
After that, you can start to make a list of all the things you need to bring to your new temporary home. Here’s an example of things you should bring when you’re going to university:
- Devices (laptop, mobile phone, chargers, power bank)
- Appliances, if applicable (stove, microwave, washing machine, fridge, kettle)
- Clothing (shirts, pants, jackets, shoes, socks, slippers)
- Kitchen utensils (plates, cups, spoon, fork, knife, cooking utensils)
- Bedroom essentials (mattress, bedframe, pillows, blanket)
- Other essentials (school supplies, toiletries, cleaning materials, medicine kit)
Get A Health Check
As you’ll be staying in university for a long time, it’s a good idea to get a health check before you move out to ensure that you’ll be in the best health condition. In some cases, this is even required by your university before you enter.
You might also want to consider registering with a local GP in your new location or checking in with the health services that your university offers.
Start Studying
You’ve finally finished preparing all your necessities for university – finances, accommodation, and a health check. Now, all that’s left for you to do is to be prepared academically.
Read recommended readings, revisit key subjects, or refresh your knowledge of subjects relevant to your chosen course. This way, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll be studying way ahead of time.
Conclusion
Preparing for university is a meticulous process that requires thorough research and planning. Preparation is the key, and following these steps will ensure you a smooth transition into university life.
However, if you’re feeling like university isn’t the right step for you, you’re not alone. University isn’t for everyone! There are plenty of alternative routes that you can take after college. Our certificated and free government-funded courses are just waiting to be discovered. Remember, there’s no wrong or right path to take; your future depends on you!
Best of luck!
