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THIS PAGE DETAILS some of the things you may need to think about before starting
at university or college as even with a confirmed place on a higher education course,
there's still lots to arrange and preparation is key.
Making sure that your finances are sorted before you leave for university or college
is vital. You don't want to end up with serious difficulties regarding paying for
essentials such as accommodation (if not taken care of already), food, bills, and
course books and equipment.
Set up a bank account - may banks offer special rates or incentives for students
but it's worth forgoing a gimmick to get a longer-term benefit such as an interest-free
overdraft or lower charges.
Make sure you know how and when any awards, loans or bursaries (plus any parental
contributions) will be paid.
Also find out how and when to pay tuition fee payments to your chosen institution
and accommodation payments to the relevant landlord.
Make sure any legal issues are taken care of. Insure your possessions in case the
worst happens - many insurers offer special policies for students.
If you are planning on taking or making use of a television (or PC with a tuner
card) while at university make sure that it is covered by a TV Licence.
You should also make sure that banks are aware of your student status for tax purposes.
Checking the suitability of your accommodation is vital as well as knowing how and
when it needs to be paid for.
Also check if the cost of accommodation includes electricity, gas, water and insurance
and, if living with others, get agreement on how the bills will be split.
It's also a good idea to check for the presence of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide
detectors and find out when any appliances were last checked.
Once you arrive on campus knowing how to get out and about is vital as being late
for seminars or lectures will not make a good impression.
You can check bus and train timetables (many are available online) or use a map
to find a good route if walking. However, although walking may save money, please
be aware of the safety issues surrounding this. Until they find a safe route or
someone to walk with, driving or using public transport may be better options.
If financial problems or homesickness strike, contacting parents may be of the utmost
importance.
Most teenagers will already have a mobile phone or plan to take one to university
or college, but if not, a landline is recommended for safety reasons, as well as
for communicating with each other.
It would also be wise to set up e-mail accounts where both of you know the other's
address, so you can keep in contact.
You are almost certainly going to forget something they need, especially if you
don't plan, so start to write a list of things to take in advance.
- Eating, drinking and cooking
Requirements here will depend on the accommodation arrangements made. Find out what
equipment and facilities are provided and plan accordingly.
You may have heard about the all-important rescue packages constantly sent from
parents to students when they run out of food and money, but having utensils to
cook the contents with is also important!
- Preliminary reading/practice
There can be nothing worse than turning up for a course unprepared, whilst everyone
else knows what they are doing.
To save any embarrassment, it's a good idea to make sure whether there is anything
you need to do before attending your first lecture.
Reading lists and initial tasks are often sent to students by institutions before
the start of term.
Check that your accommodation has fire/smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and
that doors and windows have secure locks on them.
It is surprising how many students are burgled, but cannot claim on insurance because
the locks are not of the required standard.
It may be the first year that you will be eligible to vote, or you may have voted
before, but you will need to register at your term-time address in order to get
the appropriate voting information.
- Other things to think about
There will probably be many other aspects of attending higher education that need
much thought, but the items on this page should be a good starting point.
Being prepared protects you from unexpected problems at a time in your life when
you should be focusing your attention on studying hard and enjoying yourself.
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