Kerrie’s 5 top tips for preparing to start University

by Kerrie Watson

You’re probably reading this because you’re thinking about what you can do to make sure you’re as well prepared for university as you can be. Hey, I’m Kerrie and I’ll be going through my 5 top tips for preparing for academic studies as well as preparing for campus-based living at Lancaster University.

1. Ask any questions you have

A lot of students have questions before joining University, whether that’s about admissions, university living or your course. It can be a good idea to email your department or the University and ask any questions you have before moving to university. This can help put your mind at rest as well as preparing you for your studies.

No question is too small or too big. All staff at the University will be happy to help you with any questions you may have about your course or about living in Lancaster.

2. Social Work student advice - how can I prepare?

If joining the Social Work department - Welcome! Many departments will contact you preparing you for your studies. My one top tip for Social Work is to look at the following resource.

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is a great resource to keep in mind throughout your Social Work career. BASW is home to the document that will guide you through your Social Work career, the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). This document is all about expectations for you throughout your Social Work training and career. It can be really useful to familiarise yourself with the framework.

Before coming to university, I was worried I hadn’t prepared enough for my studies and done enough external reading (if I’m being honest, I did none). The University and department are really welcoming and helpful and don’t expect you to do much work before coming to university.

3. Work out budgeting

I hate to be a bore, but most students need to budget, otherwise it’s going to be a long week of beans on toast for you! It can be difficult to manage your money when you come to university. When you get that first instalment of your loan into your bank it can be very tempting to go on a shopping spree. However, my advice is planning your money in a weekly or monthly budget.

I budgeted by working out what costs needed to be paid from the first instalment of my loan. For example, I worked out the cost of my accommodation and then took this amount off the overall sum of money I had.

I then divided the left-over amount by how many weeks I had left till the next loan instalment. Try not to spend it all at once. Having a weekly budget can be really good for dividing it into weekly shops and socialising!

4. If possible, visit the campus!

It can be great to visit where you are going to be spending the next few years of your life! The university usually has campus open days where you can visit accommodation and get a feel for what it is like to be living at Lancaster. This can give you the chance to ask questions you might have about living and studying at Lancaster. It can be a great opportunity for you to understand where you’ll be doing the majority of your learning and get to meet some of the lecturers you’ll be involved with.

Understandably, at the time of writing, it can be difficult to visit Lancaster University in person, which is why Lancaster University also offer a virtual campus tour. Here you can visit Lancaster University's Alexandra Square (the centre of campus), all the study spaces the University has to offer, the accommodation along with all the other great facilities Lancaster University has to offer.

5. How to manage your time

It can be difficult going from living with your family to moving into university with a flat full of different people. When you move into university you may feel overwhelmed and be unsure about how to manage your time socialising, doing work and having some ‘you time’ as well. It can be good before beginning University to get into a little routine of taking some ‘you time’ regularly. Find what relaxes you most. When you find what relaxes you most, when you find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed take some time to do what you enjoy!

It can be as little as watching an episode of your favourite Netflix show, going for a walk or listening to your favourite playlist. I found that watching an episode of my favourite show always gave me that ‘me time’ I needed.

And finally, good luck and welcome to Lancaster!

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Kerrie is a second year undergraduate at Lancaster University, and is studying Social Work.

Lancaster University employs students to create authentic content from a student perspective. All views expressed in this article are those of the students, and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of Lancaster University.