Informative The Pursuit Of Higher Education: How To Get Ready For University

We will share:

• University and student statistics
• How to get ready for university
• A few extra tips for getting started in university

The Pursuit Of Higher Education

Attending university and obtaining a degree has always been seen as the stepping stone to a successful career and life. Over the years, despite increases in university fees and an overall rise in the cost of living, the value of higher education and obtaining a degree has remained the same and many still pursue it. According to HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency), in 2022/23, the total number of students in the country was 2,937,155, an increase from 2,857,855 in 2021/22. Of the more than 2 million students in 2022/23, 1,888,450 were undergraduate students pursuing their first degree.

Attitudes towards pursuing higher education remain somewhat positive. This can be seen in a 2022 survey by The UPP Foundation and Higher Education Policy Institute where 52% of respondents believe that “the advantages of getting a university degree outweigh the disadvantages”.

Here are some of the key findings in relation to how the cost of living will affect higher education in the survey:

• 71% agree that the cost of living will prevent people from going to university, however, the support for students receiving financial support from the government stands at 52%, which is further reduced to 10% who believe that students should be in the top 3 groups to receive support.
• 65% agree that university students will have to work part-time to cover their costs of living.
• 20% of parents do not expect to contribute financially for their children if they were to attend university, expecting them to either get loans or support themselves.

How To Get Ready For University

You’ve been accepted into your dream university! This comes with both excitement and nerves, especially when you consider all the preparation that will go into this transition. It is a lot but it is possible to make this process easier and even enjoyable!

Leaving the nest

One of the biggest worries every new university student has is leaving their home, which is perfectly normal. Leaving home means stepping into a new role of independence that you may not be used to. Furthermore, it could mean having to live on your own or living in shared accommodation with complete strangers. It all seems scary but you can prepare yourself.

Firstly, make sure that your accommodation has been arranged (this will be discussed in another section). Make sure you have sorted through your belongings ahead of time and decide what is essential to pack. It is best to categorise everything for easier packing i.e. have document, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and wardrobe checklists. It is also smart to start practising being independent. From budgeting to handling your own laundry, it is best to get a grip on your responsibilities beforehand.

Luggage and all things in between

Packing for university is quite a task. From sorting out what to pack to buying new items, a lot goes into packing but before you get there, make sure that you have proper luggage. High-quality luggage, such as travel hand luggage bags, are investments that can carry you through university.

Accommodation

Students have the options of staying at private-owned or university student halls, private housing or staying at home. During your application process, you most likely did research on the available student accommodation and once successfully accepted, made sure to confirm your place. University student halls can be great choices for first-year students as this allows them to interact and build connections with other students.

Choosing accommodation ultimately comes down to your circumstances and preferences on whether you want to live alone or share with multiple people. It may be best to choose accommodation that is not too far from your campus and is located in an area with easy access to public transportation, supermarkets, doctor's offices and more.

Familiarise yourself with your environment

Explore your accommodation, local community and university campus. Knowing where your lecture halls and campus offices are beforehand will help you feel less overwhelmed once you officially start classes. The same applies to exploring your community. Make sure that you know where the bus stops, train stations, and supermarkets are, along with where your local doctor’s surgery is.

Budgeting

One of the hardest parts of being on your own will be managing your finances. Whether you will be working while studying or receiving an allowance, it will be crucial that you properly manage your money to ensure you don’t find yourself stranded in the middle of the month. Set up a budget detailing how much goes to your rent, transport, groceries and toiletries. It is important that you have money set aside in case of an emergency and also have extra to go out with your friends. Part of budgeting includes shopping sales and using discounts. Student discount codes and Back to School discount codes can go a long way in helping you save on a number of necessities.

One thing you can do to have your finances under control is to open a student bank account. Student bank accounts typically do not have monthly fees and can offer special discounts, interest rates and more. Based on Save the Student’s latest survey on student banking, the following banks are the most popular among students:

1. Santander
2. HSBC
3. Nationwide
4. NatWest
5. Lloyds
6. Barclays
7. Halifax
8. TSB
9. RBS
10. The Co-operative Bank

Remember to take care of your mental health

In a 2022 Student Mind survey, 57% of students self-reported having mental health issues. You will be experiencing big changes as you transition into university. As you adjust to first year at university, take on more responsibilities and possibly deal with financial challenges, this can lead to decreased mental wellbeing. Partaking in self-care, exercising, socialising and utilising mental health services can help. Familiarise yourself with your university’s mental health and student support services early on.

Extra Tips For Starting Uni

Here are some extra tips to get you ready for your new journey:

• Like your luggage, you will need a quality backpack for your day-to-day. When looking for the best bags for university students, remember to consider the quality, size and functionality.
• The goal should be to have one laptop throughout your studies, which means investing in good tech. This can be expensive but there are ways to save along the way. You can use Technology & Electrical discount codes, look into refurbished laptops, do research on the price for an HP laptop and check out our post on the best laptops under £500 in the UK.
• Buy the necessary stationery ahead of time. Using Business, Home Office & Stationery discount codes will cut down the costs on notebooks, pens, highlighters and more.
• If you can, get a head start. You can check out some online courses to gain some foundational knowledge on your course and you can use Education & Learning discount codes to save on these classes. Many platforms allow lifetime access to the courses once you have paid, so you can use them throughout as extra support. Read our blog on Lynda vs Udemy vs Coursera to help you choose.
• Go through your course material, such as textbooks, as preparation. Textbooks can be pricey, so check out our Books & Magazines discount codes for savings.
• Start making friends. This can be through social media or any social events your university will have organised for first-year students before the start of the term, such as Fresher’s Week.

Preparation Tip No.1: Get Ready To Have Fun!

Now that you have an idea of how to get ready for university, you can ease back a little and allow yourself to get excited! It is a time for new adventures and experiences. Remember to experience the best of what university life has to offer responsibly and keep a close eye on your wallet. Browse our offering of Food & Drink discount codes, Fashion discount codes and Entertainment discount codes to help you save on all your student must-haves.