You’ve decided that you want to go to university. You can’t wait to move into halls and start studying – but before that happens, you need to make sure that you are fully prepared.
There are a few things that need doing before you pack your bags, but don’t worry about writing a checklist; we’ve already done it for you.
Here are three things you should do before starting university.
Once you have received confirmation from your chosen university, you can start to arrange accommodation options. There are lots of different options to choose from, including self-catering flat shares, shared halls, and single-gender homes. So, take some time to look at the various options and see what suits you best. You also do not need to worry too much about the accommodation being substandard; modern student housing usually is contemporary and clean, with lots of amenities for you to use.
Once you have decided which type of accommodation suits you, write a formal application. Lots of colleges allocate rooms on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you apply, the nicer your room will probably be!
It can also be useful to learn more about the area you will be moving to. Find out where the nearest transport links are, and consider registering with a local doctor. You should also find out where the campus, library, and student’s union are.
You may also want to learn about the culture in the area. Find out about popular tourist spots and hangouts, and if you are applying for a sports degree, consider looking into sporting events in the area. After all, different cities have different sports – and joining a team could help with admission at your chosen university if you haven’t applied yet.
Are you still unsure where to apply? If so, you can find out more about MSU admissions requirements on CampusReel.
Finally, you can think about what you want to take to college with you. You will need essential living items, such as pillowcases, bedsheets, and a shower curtain, but you may also want to buy a few more things to furnish your room with. If you decide to do this, we suggest buying items in September, as most shops offer a student discount once the term has started.
You will also need items for your course, such as a laptop, a proper satchel, and relevant books. You can find out more about your course requirements by contacting the college you will be attending. If you do invest invaluable items (such as a laptop, or a smartphone), you might want to think about getting renter’s insurance, so you don’t have to worry about them being stolen.
Finally, you might want to bring a few things to help with your social life (such as condoms, or playing cards for drinking games!).
While this time can be tough, it is also important that you enjoy what you are doing. Have fun and good luck!