Leaving for University

In the next couple of weeks if you’re starting university then you will probably come across many different people with different accents, dialects, backgrounds and personalities. We’re in the same position so here’s our freshers’ guide to surviving the first few minutes to the first few weeks.

1. Preparation…

Here’s a guide to all sorts of things you might want to consider taking, or will definitely need to take:

Documents

• Passport
• Passport photos
• Driving licence
• Health information (e.g. vaccination dates)
• University confirmation documents
• LEA information (DON’T FORGET TO SORT OUT YOUR FINANCES)
• Cheque book/card

Clothes and fabrics

• Your usual daytime clothes
• Swimming costume
• Joggers
• Towels
• Hat, gloves, scarf
• Umbrella
• Slippers
• Trainers, shoes, boots, maybe a pair of evening shoes
• Bedding (bedsheets, blankets, pillows and cases, duvet and cover)

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash, hand wash and/or soap
• Flannel
• Shower cap
• Cotton pads and/or cotton buds
• Body/hand lotion
• Cleanser, toner and moisturizer
• Sanitary towels / tampons
• Hairbrush and/or comb
• Hair bands, clips, elastics, scrunchie

Kitchen stuff

• Food to your own preference (e.g. pasta, noodles, chocolates)
• Pots and pans
• Glasses
• Mugs
• Cutlery (Knife, fork, spoon, wooden spoon)
• Plates (Small and large)
• Cereal bowl
• Washing up liquid
• Sponges/ wiping cloths
• Tea towels
• Washing up power/tablets
• Stain remover

Assorted useful stuff

• Jewellery
• Make-up
• Hot water bottle
• Money/wallet/purse
• Medicine (Paracetamol, cough syrups/cold remedies for freshers’ flu)

Electricals you may want to take:

• Kettle
• Mobile phone
• Mini fridge
• Straighteners
• Curlers
• Desk lamp
• Stereo
• MP3 player
• Laptop
• TV (don't forget your license!)

Things to help you study:

• Previous notes, books, notes, website addresses, contact numbers
• A4 lined paper
• Pens, pencils
• Sharpener
• Eraser
• Calculator
• Dictionary
• Folders
• Ring binders
• Pencil case
• Diary

Things to make you feel cosy and comfortable (e.g. to feel at home)

• Photos
• Pictures drawn by loved ones (Awww)
• Cds, tapes, DVDs, Books, Magazines (You will probably not have time in the first week to use all of these things but they will help later on)

Don't worry if you forget anything small - you can always pick things up later!

2. When you finally get there..

• First, go to the building from where you need register, obtain any important information, ID cards and keys.
• Second, follow the timetable given to you which may include time to unload and unpack or meet and greet other students.
• Third, there will come the time to say goodbye to parents, siblings and friends (if they have to see you and forgotten to go to their own unis), don’t get too sad but it’s normal to feel emotional and is part of the experience.
• Fourth, everyone is in the same boat (or in your case same building trying to make friends), try to start talking to as many people as possible and socializing but don’t forget to be yourself....

3. Surviving Freshers Week

There will be loads of events planned for freshers. Try to get yourself involved in as much as possible but be cautious whilst there will be many temptations to drink, smoke or even try sex, whatever happens be careful and cautious Only do what you feel comfortable with, because what may seem exciting, fun and right now may result in awful consequences later on. During all this don’t forget:

• to attend Freshers Fair where you can get involved in as many or as few societies as you wish
• to attend your first tutorials, lectures or seminars
• to HAVE FUN!!!

- By Mandychoco and Naieya