OK, you have your place at Uni but you now suddenly have realised it's time to prepare yourself for a big change in both your academic and personal life, but exactly how do you prepare? What do you need to start thinking about? How will you manage your money? Will you be able to get on with the new people and teachers you will meet? How will you manage your social life and keep it in balance with your studies? Don't worry, these are questions that practically every new student asks themselves, however, with some planning you can put your mind at ease. There is in fact quite a lot that you can do pripr to taking up your place and in the first week or two. Before you go You should have recieved an induction or introduction pack from your university although it is possible that your establishment may only provide this on arrival during Fresher's Week. Read it thoroughly, perhaps not down any questions you may have and to whom you should address them; fill in and return any forms they send and jot deadlines in your diary. Take heed of any information on background reading or required materials relevant to your subject and do it! Check the web site of your Uni as there may be a few useful snippets in the student support section. The induction pack will probably include a list of suggested items to pack along with any books and other materials such as paper, pens, folders, storage boxes for notes and so on. Think carefully about what you need on a day to day basis. The temptation is usually to take everything including the 'kitchen sink' but you need to be selective. OK, you will need more stuff than when you go on holiday but don't overdo it. You can always get your parents to post missing items or but things that you have forgotten once you get there. Another point to remember is that if you're planning to take a telly or equipment to record TV programmes as they're being shown - you'll need to be covered by a valid TV licence. If you're moving into halls of residence, your university will normally dates and times to arrive at your chosen accommodation. Since You'll probably be arriving at the same time as loads of the other new residents who'll be your neighbours for at least the next term it's a perfect opportunity to make new friends! If you're living in private accommodation, you will need to sort out the moving in day with your landlord by yourself. When you went for your interview or perhaps on an open day, you will probably have found out where your faculty building is and probably where the library, bookshop and student's union are - if not, it's worth familiarising yourself with these on the map that is in the intduction pack. Suss out your new surroundings as soon as possible, Fresher's week should allow you ample time for that. Also make sure that you know where to find the Student Services Department. Oh yes, it's also a good idea to check when and where you need to be to sign up for Fresher's week events and for your course! Plan your travel in advance, even if your parents are driving you. If there is a deadline to meet on your first day, consider doing a 'dry run' to see exactly how long it takes to get there. Then add a bit of time as a contingency. If you are going by public transport, you can probably organise it on line. It is easy enough to buy coach and train tickets. Settling in The first few days at university will undoubtedly be manic - if not, you are either very calm or not engaging with the whole experience. you will need to get used to the routines of your new accommodation (if you've moved away to study), finding your way round the campus (or town if the uni is not on campus), registering for your course, joining societies and generally getting to know others. Plus of course deciding which Fresher's week social events to attend! You'll need to join the university library and probably the student union. It's a very good idea to register with a local doctor and dentist aswell because it will not always be practical to visit your existing ones. The student welfare services can probably make suggestions as to both. It doesn't actually take long to settle in, you'll know the place and the routines like the back of your hand by the end of the first term so don't fret if you have problems finding your way around during the first few weeks. Be sure to allow plenty of time to get to lectures, tutorials etc and keep the campus map handy until you are fully confident with the site layout and how long it takes to get around. Most new students are so busy in the first few weeks that they don't feel homesick, but if you do, you need to realise that it's perfectly normal when you've moved away to study. Student welfare service usually have trained consellors who will be able to help if you need someone. Generally, when you have made a load of new friends, are established on your course and having a social life, it passes. Transitions in life are always the most difficult times. And this is a big one but with some preparation and making an effort to get to know the place and new people, will make it easier to deal with. Do you want to stay relaxed and find a proofreader for your essay? 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