Dan Marshall - Stuff Students Should Know: Learn Essential Life Skills

STUFF STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW

Copyright Summersdale Publishers Ltd, 2019

Text by Florie Moran and Sophie Martin

Illustrations by Kostiantyn Fedorov

All rights reserved.

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Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any loss or claim arising out of the use, or misuse, of the suggestions made herein.

TO.............................

FROM........................

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Youve worked hard filling out your university application and youve been accepted! So whats next?!

This book is designed to offer the lowdown on university life and the lead-up to it. From finding accommodation to top lecture and exam tips, youll be the go-to advice giver and number one student know-it-all.

Not only that, this book will also help you transition into a fully functioning adult as you will learn how to cook delicious healthy meals, budget like a pro, and find out what your post-uni options are.

Of course, university isnt all work and no play, so theres a chapter dedicated to fancy-dress ideas, drinking games, and activities to keep you and your friends amused when you arent too busy studying and working for some extra cash.

So read on and prepare to become the student who knows all the stuff a student should know.

A NEW BEGINNING

In this chapter you will find out how to:

Choose the best accommodation for your requirements

Know what to pack

Meet new people

Organise your admin

Personalise your room

HOW TO

CHOOSE YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Go onto your university website and follow the links to the accommodation information. There will probably be a few first-year halls to choose from and, even though they might look the same on the outside, they will all have different features.

Try to come up with a list of the things you want your new bedroom to have. Although it may only seem like four walls and a roof over your head, there are lots of things to bear in mind. First, work out your spending limit. Second, think about the options that are most important to you. Would you feel more comfortable having an en suite, or are you happy with a shared bathroom? Are you looking to save a little money on accommodation and so would like a roommate, or is it important that you have your own bedroom? Would you prefer the easier life of catered dining, or would you rather cook for yourself?

Once you have made your list, check it against the information in the room advertisements. Obviously you might have to compromise on one or two things as the perfect halls sadly dont exist, so working out your priorities will give you a clearer picture when researching your various options.

If possible, attend an open day and take a tour of some of the accommodation on offer. If a room takes your fancy, imagine yourself living there surrounded by your belongings and home comforts. Depending on the university in question, accommodation can be allocated in a variety of different ways: it may be by personal choice, by questionnaire, by a shortlist of your favourite options, or totally randomly. Remember that, wherever you end up, the accommodation team at the university will be on hand to help. If you arent happy, the staff will offer alternative accommodation. Theres often a lot of shuffling around at the beginning of term so never feel like you are inconveniencing anyone. Itll be your home away from home in no time!

Once youve confirmed your accommodation, many universities have an app you can download onto your phone so that you can connect to others who will be in the same accommodation as you. As well as making it easier to break the ice when you first meet them, you can use the app to help you plan who will bring kitchen utensils and equipment to be shared so that you can cut the cost of having to buy everything yourself.

HOW TO

PACK

For anyone who doesnt live a minimalist lifestyle, the main challenge of packing to go to university will be fitting everything into your suitcase or the car boot. Keep in mind that most people overpack when they first move away from home for fear of forgetting something vital. But remember, pretty much all universities are close to shops and city centres so, if you do forget something, it really isnt the end of the world. Try to pack as if youre going on a long holiday and not emigrating permanently!

DOCUMENTS

Lets get the boring things out of the way first. Youll need to bring your important documents with you and keep them safe while at uni. Think about investing in a lockable storage box or a secure filing cabinet. Heres what youll need to have with you:

Passport

Driving licence (if you dont yet drive and need a form of ID for going out, think about getting your provisional licence, as it is far less valuable than your passport if you happen to mislay it)

University acceptance letter and official correspondence

Student loan information (so you know what you will be receiving and when)

Accommodation details and contract

Bank details and bank card

National insurance details

Student discount cards (e.g. 1625 Railcard, NUS card)

Insurance documents if relevant (e.g. health insurance for international students)

Any important medical information or correspondence, including details of your home GP, to show your new GP at university

HOW TO

SELECT GADGETS

Gadgets are a little more exciting than documents, but these arent just for fun. Technology is an important part of university teaching and learning, whether youre studying the humanities or the sciences. Dont worry if you dont own a laptop or tablet though, there will always be computers in the library and dotted around campus. There will also usually be university services that can lend you laptops or other necessary technology. Consider bringing:

Laptop, computer or tablet

Mobile phone and charger

Extension cables (dont underestimate how far away the plug might be)

Memory stick or hard drive

Desktop printer (not totally necessary but it means you can avoid the queue if youre close to a deadline!)

Speakers and headphones

Games console (if thats your thing)

Adapter plugs (for international students)

NB: Depending on their value, it might be worth taking out some insurance for your various devices. Most rooms provided by the university come with basic contents insurance, but its important to check beforehand.