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18 ways to prepare for university

You're about to head off on one of life's big adventures: university! Here's what you can do to make sure you are fully prepared for it all...

Holly Sawyer
by Holly Sawyer
Last Updated:
22 Apr 2024

University is filled with different opportunities and provides you with a completely different living style. Adapting early on will be crucial. Over this summer it would be productive to spend some of your time preparing for this brand new adventure.  

Here are 18 suggestions to help you on your way...

1. Get a Netflix subscription (or Amazon Prime or Disney+...)


We all know that you aren’t going to spend every waking hour working anyway. So finding a top notch service that can offer you a vast range of films and television programmes to watch at any given time? Yes please.

And the great thing about these services is how they recommend certain content for you based on your watch history, so you never run out of programmes to watch.

2. Learn how to order online shopping


It’s more than likely you'll end up group ordering with the people in your halls for those weekly food shops, so getting the hang of the different websites is a good place to start.

Instead of panicking about what your expiry date is on your debit card, learn the routine now and figure out what you actually need to buy rather than what you would like.

Learning to budget and order online making the most of the offers now will benefit you considerably when the time comes and it's essential.

3. Suss out the bus routes


Unless you actually have a car when you're away, you will most likely be bussing it everywhere. Thankfully the internet exists so you can find the correct routes that you'll be using on an almost daily basis, and you can make yourself aware of the correct pricing and the quickest busses. It’s boring but it will make the process a whole lot easier when you’re away.

4. Look at gym memberships


If you want to get into shape whilst at university, it would be a good idea to look at the different memberships available through your uni. Most of them have different facilities available for a whole range of sports.

The student discounts offered are substantial too, so you're effectively paying a lot less than you would by going through an external gym. That is of course if you actually use your membership, which for some of us might not happen as often as it should…

5. Learn how to save money


Money does not grow on trees, and you can’t rely on the bank of mum and dad to help you out whenever you need. But there are several good apps that you can use to help you budget along the way. Getting things like a food card will prevent you spending essential money on a Friday night out, so investing in these sensible alternatives may save you in the long run.

6. Start washing your own clothes


When you give your clothes to your parents they don’t magically return to you shiny and new, there is sometimes a complicated routine behind that pristine jacket. Learning these simple skills will certainly aid you when you are away, preventing that embarrassing phone call to home later to explain why all of your white shirts are now pink.

7. Accumulate a vast film collection


Of course Netflix doesn’t have every single film option available, so taking those classic collections on your shelf now will offer that one bit of comfort when you aren’t feeling so great. Starting now and adding to it over the summer can lead to a rather tremendous film collection, fit for you and all of your friends on those lazy days and cosy nights-in.

8. Get used to your own company


Being away from home isn’t all going out and socialising, especially when your friends all have different timetables. So finding different hobbies and things you enjoy doing on your own can help prevent feelings of loneliness.

9. Buy ring binders. Lots of them!


It’s amazing how many pieces of paper you will accumulate over time, spreading from your desk like a work infestation. Investing in a variety of ring binders is a simple and easy way to stay organised in your dorm room. Staying clean and organised is especially helpful when exam season kicks in, and you conduct a wild goose chase to find that crucial note from four months ago.

10. Learn the art of video calling


Talking on the phone to family and friends doesn’t always do the job, so when you can’t be with them, video calling is a great tool that will almost become routine for you. It’s very useful when you are multitasking, so you can be hands-free, or even showing them exactly what you are up to. And it’s FREE.

11. Find a pet alternative


Sadly animals of almost every kind are not allowed in student accommodation, so finding an alternative for those loving creatures is a necessity. Cuddly toys and layers of blankets can provide a slightly comparable comfort to the love that a pet offers you, and can allow you to relax and indulge yourself once in a while. Of course these toys do not demand feeding or constant attention, so really it’s a win-win situation.

12. Get into a routine


Because this summer break is so long, it's easy to lose any kind of routine you may have had before. Writing up a daily schedule can give you a purpose for each day, rather than lying in bed for the morning then comfort eating for the rest of the day. It’s also very motivational, and adds that sense of fulfilment when you can say you have actually achieved something.

13. Look at the modules for your course


Doing some background research regarding your degree isn’t as nerdy as it sounds, I promise. If you have some optional modules then thinking about what you enjoy the most can make that process a lot less stressful. Plus, it insures that what you choose is something that you will actually enjoy.

14. Do the washing up once in a while


Most halls will not have a dishwasher, so adapting to the old fashioned way of doing it yourself is something that many of us will have to do on a daily basis. Leaving out all of your dirty plates until someone else cleans them is not going to work, and will probably just leave your flatmates seriously annoyed.

15. Update your CV


Finding a job whilst at university is an excellent idea, because it will provide you with a good work ethic and something to fill those empty hours with, not to mention the extra money you will gain. This is something that many first years will all be doing at once, so updating your CV and really selling yourself is a great idea to put yourself in a good position.

16. Learn to drive


When applying for different jobs or work experience, many potential employers will look for a driving licence, so having one will really enhance your job prospects.

If you haven’t already, learning to drive over the summer is a fantastic idea and one that will allow you to fill the empty hours in your day. Driving is a lifetime skill so learning now when your schedule isn’t so busy will also benefit you in the long run.

17. Remember how to make friends


You may find yourself locked indoors for most of the summer, or spending time with the same people you have for all of sixth form. When you find out your uni accommodation, many universities have Facebook pages open for the new students to find who they will be living with, giving you an easy chance to learn more about these people, and allowing you to make friends before the awkward introductions kick in.

18. Don’t panic


When thinking about university you may be filled with terror, but the likelihood is that you will look back on these years with an extreme fondness. After all, this is your prime, and making the most of these moments is what counts. So don’t worry if you don’t feel ready yet, because you will be when the time comes, and you will be okay. Just make the most of it. 


Next: read our ultimate guide to student finance.

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