Now that you've accepted your uni place, you may be wondering what’s next? We've compiled a list of some tips important for settling into university.
Updated: 29 Apr 2025The period of time before starting university in September is one that’s both exciting and scary for new students. You’ve probably heard lots of stories and rumours about what’s to come but the truth is that university is what you make of it, which means that it’s an experience for everyone.
Wondering how to settle into university for your first year can cause a lot of uncertainty. But, with these university tips, you'll be ready to tackle first year and beyond.
One of the most important university tips for getting settled in is to not be afraid to put yourself out there. It can seem daunting but every first year student will be in the same boat - not knowing many people, or any, and being eager to meet new people. You can meet loads of people within your hall, through lectures, in study groups or through any social events run by societies.
A crucial part of university life is learning to manage your money. If you don’t manage your money, you’re quickly going to run out of funds for food, rent, socialising and resources for your course.
Luckily, there’s lots of ways you can prevent this from happening. First of all calculate how much you need for your living costs and what you will have left over as spending money. You can get budgeting apps that can help you, or if you're a whizz with spreadsheets, you can create your own.
If you love to shop, remember to make the most of student discounts. Students are entitled to discounts at a large number of shops, restaurants and bars so be sure to make the most of this when lockdown restrictions are eased.
When buying books for your course, try and find older students who are selling their books second hand, as these will be a lot cheaper than bookshop prices.
Having good mental and physical health is essential for succeeding at university. Studying, socialising and managing your time all require you to be functioning at 100% and there’s a few things you can do to ensure you’re working at your best.
Before you leave for university, learn to cook some basic, healthy recipes so you’re not living off beans on toast. Sign up to the uni gym, a local gym or create an exercise routine that you can stick to throughout your week. As well as taking care of your physical health, exercising regularly and eating properly will safeguard your mental health.
If you’re struggling at any point, make sure you talk to those around you. Remember that your university will have a support service that you can access at any time if you need help with your mental health.
Moving out of your room at home that you’ve become so familiar with will feel strange. The beauty of customising your new room at uni, however, is that you can make it feel like home.
Taking your bed linen, customising the walls with posters and drawings, or simply taking some furniture from your room with you can all ensure your new room doesn't feel like a far cry from home.
Registering with a GP early will save you and hassle of having to do so later. You never know when you may fall ill, or need to see either a doctor or a nurse for any medical reasons.
Registering with a GP is usually a very simple process, done so either online or in person at the GP itself. If you look on your university’s website, they may have some local GP services that they recommend.
You’ve probably heard lots about Freshers' Week already. If you’re a big partier, then this is probably one of the things you’re most excited about, but if you’re not much of a drinker then don’t let the stories worry you.
Freshers week is basically just a week organised by the university to ‘break the ice’ between new students. A typical freshers week includes activities that involve alcohol, along with plenty that don’t such as cinema trips, games nights, paintballing and so on.
Don’t feel like you have to drink to fit in. Remember that by doing activities you actually enjoy, you’re more likely to meet like-minded people who you can become friends with.
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