University Check List

Have you done everything you need to do before the big move to university?

With the excitement of getting into university, it's easy to allow the excitement of finding your flatmates and discovering who will be performing at freshers to take over what you really need to do before you move to university.

Here is a list of things I remember needing to arrange before the big move

Register

Seems easy enough to remember, but you should regularly check your emails to see whether you need to fill in any details to confirm your place and your details in order to study at the university. If you're not in student accommodation then you need to tell the university where you will be living, otherwise you will be required to pay taxes. You may also be asked to upload a passport style photo for your university student card.

Accommodation

If you got your first choice, then it's likely that you've already applied for accommodation so remember to check your emails for confirmation of where you will be staying. If you got into your second choice then you'll need to apply for accommodation, try to do this as soon as possible as those who got their first choice there will have already been allocated most of the rooms available.

Buy what you need

For help on what to buy, do read my previous blog for a full list!
http://bethweatherhead.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/university-what-stuff-do-you-need-to-buy.html

Student Finance

Make sure your student finance has been confirmed and check to see what dates you'll be getting your loans to make sure you'll have adequate funds to pay rent and food etc. If your accommodation has been confirmed make sure you update your term time address. When I got confirmed my accommodation I didn't change my term time address to my specific room and building, and because of this my letters from student finance got misplaced and it caused a lot of hassle.

Student Account

I'd recommend getting a student account as they allow for you to have overdrafts which is a common requirement for students. I use the co-operative bank, they allow a huge overdraft and I've had no problems with them. It's all very well getting your student finance sorted but without an account for those loans to go into then it's all rather pointless.

Railcard and/or Bus Pass

If you're planning on traveling to and from university a few times during the year then I'd highly recommend getting a railcard, it doesn't cost much and lasts you three years, which is ideal as that's the usually length of time for a degree! You save up to a third off rail fares and get emailed about money off various attractions and restaurants around the UK.  

If your accommodation is a good distance away from the university campus, then it's likely that you'll need a bus pass. You will probably get notified if this is the case. Alternatives are to take your bike, however bike theft is common around university halls.

When do you move in?

Simple really, make sure you know what date you move in to allow yourself to prepare for it. Universities will contact you with the date they wish you to arrive so you can collect your keys, if you can't arrive on that date for whatever reason then you are expected to notify them.

How will you get there?

Make sure you know how you're getting to university on your move-in date. You will have lots of stuff to bring so you will probably need a car. It may be a good idea to find an alternative person or car to take you, just in-case.

Work for your course?

If you're a super lucky student (sarcasm) then you may be emailed with a list of books to buy or work to do before your course starts. Keep checking your emails for this and search for those books ahead of time as they're not always in stock.

If there's anything I've missed then please let me know below in the comments- thank you!