Your Ultimate Uni Prep Checklist: What to Do Before September
Going off to university is something to get excited about, but you may be off to a rocky start if you don’t do everything you need to before September. By being as prepared as possible, you can reduce any anxiety you have about moving away and ensure a smooth transition into this new and exciting chapter.
Write a List of What You Need
Don’t leave packing until the last minute! It’s all too easy to miss something important, but putting a list together in advance can help you be prepared. Section your list into categories like:
- Essentials: chargers, extension leads, ID, important documents
- Toiletries: shower gel, shampoo, toothbrush, perfume
- Home Comforts: bedding, photos, fairy lights
- Clothes: everyday wear, warm layers, and some comfortable shoes
Don’t be worried if you forget something, you can always get essentials from local shops. Ask your friends what they’re packing too; they might think of things you haven’t.
Plan a Budget
Seeing your maintenance loan appear in your bank account is exciting, but you need to refrain from spending too much all at once. By deciding on budgets before you set off to university, you can prevent worrying about money stress on top of exams and assignments.
Getting a student bank account is another way to stay on top of your finances; these come with different perks, which often include an interest-free overdraft, cashback, and money-saving deals. These aren’t mandatory, but they can make your life at university a little easier. Many banking apps also give you the option to categorise your spending, so you can see where your money is going each month, allowing you to adjust your budget where necessary.
👉 Tip: Download student discount apps like UNiDAYS and Totum. They can help you save a surprising amount over time.
Register With a Local GP and Dentist
If you’re going to be spending more time at your new university address than your home address, then registering with a GP is something you should do early on. The same goes with dentists. It’s one of those things that is easy to overlook until you really need it.
Use the NHS GP Finder to find the closest practice to you.
Get To Know the Town/City
If you have time to visit your new area before officially moving, definitely do it! If not, then simply doing some research can ease some of your anxiety.
Look at travel routes, like which bus you need to take to get to campus, and what the quickest way to walk to town is. Check out what’s in the area, such as the closest place to do a cheap food shop and where you can enjoy a drink with friends. If you have a chance to speak to anyone who’s already at the university, ask them any questions you have about the area.
Learn Some Easy and Cheap Recipes
More students than you might think don’t know how to cook when moving for university. If you’ve never really cooked your own meals before, then this can feel daunting, but practice makes perfect. Even if you are a star cook, keeping recipes cheap while at university can help you stay within your budget.
Think:
- Pasta with different sauces
- Jacket potatoes with easy toppings
- Stir-fries
- One-pan meals
These kinds of meals are cheap, filling, and perfect for your new schedule. Just remember to keep an eye on nutrition, it’s easy to overlook when you’re adjusting to student life
Final Thoughts
If you’re anxious about moving away for university, this is completely normal! Starting university is a big change, but a little preparation goes a long way in helping you feel confident and in control.
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