How to Start Preparing for University Before Results Day
Results day can feel like D-Day for many young people. Years of hard work lead to one moment when your scores are revealed to the world. It’s nervy, but once it’s over, many of you will have university life to look forward to. It’s no longer provisional; it’s happening. It’s important to get the ball rolling with your preparation early to avoid any last-minute panic.
The weeks between getting your results and starting university are now more useful than many students believe. You do not need your results to sort your student finance, think through where to live or start figuring out what you want for your room. A lot of your September preparation can be done now, without any of the pressure results day can bring.
The Admin Side
Student Finance is the thing to tackle first, and the one most likely to cause some issues if you wait. Check that your application has been submitted, your evidence is uploaded, and your bank details are correct. Delays in receiving your loans are far more stressful than a little admin before you need the money. A quick check today is worth more than weeks of chasing student finance in September.
If you already have a booking with Universal Student Living, read through your tenancy agreement properly. Note when your contract begins, what is covered in your rental price, and the key contacts for your property. It sounds like we’re giving you homework, but it’s homework that could save you a red face on move-in day.
Healthcare can be something that falls through the cracks entirely. Before you leave home, identify the nearest GP surgery to your new base and contact them when you arrive. In some cases, this will be your university’s designated health centre; in others, you’ll need to register at a local practice. Additionally, make note of any repeat prescriptions and ensure you have enough to last you a few weeks at university while you make new arrangements.
Start the List Before You Need It
When you begin thinking about what you want to take to university, do so in a room-by-room manner. Your bedroom will need bedding that fits a university mattress, which may be a different size to what you have at home. Your kitchen will need enough basics to get you through the first few days without resorting to chicken paste and crackers (been there, don’t do it). Bathroom, cleaning, storage: all of it piles up quicker than expected, and all of it is easier to plan for when you are not also unpacking boxes and meeting your flatmates for the first time.
UNPACKED have partnered with us to take a good chunk of this off your plate. Their student starter packs bring together kitchen essentials, bedding, bedroom basics and laundry items in one package. This can be delivered to your door on the day that suits your schedule. We’ll bring you all the details about UNPACKED over the coming months, so keep an eye on our blog for more.
Move-In Day Itself
How you’re getting to university is another thing to consider. Students travelling from overseas or by train and coach often arrive knowing they’ve packed far too much or far too little. This is because packing for a place you’ve never lived in is difficult. If you are driving, think about who is coming with you and how many boxes can fit in your car. Will one trip be enough?
Move-in day also tends to bring various distractions, from meeting your new flatmates to collecting keys and welcome packs, and more. If you’ve stayed on top of your packing, things will feel less stressful.
Waiting is the Hardest Part
Results day is almost here, and that means your university journey is almost upon you. When it arrives, things will move quickly, and decisions will need to be made. The students who handle this time best are those used the time they’ve got to prepare for those things that don’t require a grade. Best of luck to everyone receiving their results in the coming weeks and months; we’re right behind you all.
If you’re still searching for your perfect location, take a minute to browse our range of UK student accommodation.