Starting university is an incredibly exciting experience, but at the same time, it can be a little overwhelming. But don’t worry! We’ve put together a comprehensive list of all the worries you could have before starting university, and some tips to help minimise those fears:
1. Leaving home for the first time
One of the biggest worries you’ll probably experience in the run up to university is the moment you will have to pack up your belongings, say goodbye to your family and friends, and head off to university.
No more relying on mum or dad to order your favourite foods in the weekly shop, or wake you up in the morning like a personal alarm. You’re finally free to make your own decisions, but are you prepared for it, and will you miss home?
StudentTenant.com response: Don’t worry about being completely self reliant, or moving away and missing family and friends! You’ll certainly get into the swing of things pretty quickly once you’ve moved into your university accommodation.
It’s going to be a busy first few weeks when you move into your student house and you adjust to student life. Before you know it, it will be half term, and you’ll be heading home to see your family and friends.
Bonus: If your university isn’t too far from home, you can always head back for a long weekend if you need a break from the university lifestyle. Make sure you buy an 18-24 railcard, so you can save money if you’re planning on getting a train home!
2. Running out of money
The fear of running out of money isn’t uncommon, and certainly isn’t only applicable to students at university. Sure, you can try your hardest to not spend money, but eventually you might find yourself breaking open your piggy bank for your last £20 in shrapnel.
StudentTenant.com response: If you're concerned about your finances, and how you’re going to be able to afford to live at university, then you should consider creating a strict budget before moving into your student accommodation.
Consider how much you’re expecting to receive from your student loan so you can work out how much you can spend on things like food, bills, accommodation and transport. Prioritise what is your most important outgoings, and go from there. We’d recommend prioritising accommodation and bills before you think about how much you’re going to spend at the shops. Organise your income and outgoings to make sure they balance out, and make sure you’re only borrowing money when it’s essential!
Of course, if you’re struggling to make ends meet, you should consider getting a part-time job to boost your income.
3. Time management
Will I be under pressure at university to meet my deadlines? Will I have enough time to complete my university work? You’re probably already worrying about how you’re going to meet the demand of university work; essays, presentations, and group work.
StudentTenant.com response: By taking the time to arrange your priorities, you can give yourself the best chance of staying on track and balancing everything you need to do.
Here’s what we recommend you do to better manage your time:
1. When you receive your timetable, make a note of when you’re in lectures or seminars, and assign time to yourself to complete any work outside of your university contact hours.
2. Create a life schedule, so you can effectively prioritise and organise what you need to do. Make sure you note down any work deadlines and assign time to complete these tasks.
3. Avoid procrastination or distraction. Now that you’ve created a strict timetable, you need to make sure you keep close to it, and you’re using that time effectively. Remember, the sooner you finish your work, the sooner you can get away from your university work!