September is ages away … right?
Getting everything in order before heading to university can be a lot of work. So, here are some key things to look into that will get you as prepared as possible for university.
Banking
UK banks offer specific accounts for students. It’s definitely worth signing up to one of these before September because they have a lot of benefits! Interest-free overdrafts, discounts, railcards, gift cards and even cashback are some of the perks major UK banks like NatWest, HSBC, and Santander offer. Signing up for these accounts is straightforward and essential to do before heading to university.
Student Finance
Every student in the UK is eligible for a tuition fee loan from the government. This will be paid directly to the university to cover the costs of teaching (£9,535 from September 2025). The maintenance loan, that you’ll use at your own discretion, is calculated by considering household incomes and locations. This loan differs across the UK; Welsh, Northern Irish and Scottish students can be eligible for grants as a portion of this loan, whereas English students are not. Here’s the UK Government’s website, which details a step-by-step guide on how to apply for student finance! We also teamed up with the University of Kent to deliver a webinar dedicated to Student Finance. Check it out!
Part-Time Job
Subsidising your student loan with part-time income is very common, and is also a great way to start budgeting your finances, gain professional experience and begin building your CV. These topics are explored as we consider Life as a Student in a webinar. Some popular job roles for students are retail assistant, delivery drivers, bar staff, baristas and events staff. These jobs allow students to prioritise their studies and have a social life because of their flexibility. Some of the top part-time employers for students are Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Costa Coffee and Café Nero. Do your research of the area and send your CV to a few different establishments.
Health
Moving to university usually means relocation. To keep yourself in tip-top condition, you will need to find and register at a new GP Practice. Mixing with lots of new people often leads to colds and viruses spreading, so it’s a good idea to get ahead and have a doctor nearby! Make sure you notify your old GP that you’ve registered somewhere else so that there’s no confusion.
Accommodation
There are so many different accommodation types at university – halls of residence, private accommodation, house/ flat shares. Look into all of the options to see which one is best for you. Different universities have different systems in place when it comes to applying for accommodation, with the most popular residences being competitive - so be prompt with your applications.
Packing
Organising to move all of your stuff from one place to another can be laborious, time-consuming and actually quite confusing! So, here’s a list of some essential items to pack when moving to university:
- Bedding & Linens; Duvet, pillow(s), bed sheets, towels.
- Kitchen Essentials; Plates, bowls, cutlery, mug, pan, storage containers, tea towels.
- Toiletries; Shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, toilet paper, laundry detergent.
- Study Essentials; Laptop, charger, notebooks, pens, desk lamp, week planner.
- Tech; Phone, charger, headphones, extension leads.
- Clothing; Casual and formal clothes, comfortable shoes, winter coat.
- Personal Items; ID, bank details, medical prescriptions, passport photos.
- Optional Extras; Decorations, umbrella, exercise gear, air fresheners.
Individualised Research
Each university is different and so is each student. Look into your course’s specific requirements. Sometimes you’ll be expected to do some research or reading before you begin studying. So, check your reading lists! For those of you looking at taking part in a sports club, you may be advised to attend a preseason camp at the university even before you start your first year. So do your research!
Preparing for university can seem like a lot of work, but it’s definitely something to be excited about. Here’s a helpful webinar where we sat down with Bangor University, Leeds Trinity University, University of Kent and Newcastle University to discuss what you should do when Preparing for University. Here’s another with Imperial College London, King's College London, University of Oxford & University of Southampton where we discussed Preparing for a Russell Group University.
Be proactive, do your homework and find the best options for you. With these steps, you'll be ready to hit the ground running by September!
