Is 2020 the year that you will be making the big transition into university student life? If so, there’s no doubt you are filled with excitement and anticipation of what’s to come, but there is also a fair amount of stress and worry that can be wrapped up in the process. It’s a big moment in your life, it’s normal to want to make sure it’s all perfect and that it sets you on the path for the future you envisioned.
With that in mind, we’ve gone ahead and put together a list of tips that can help you to transition into student life with ease.
The first tip is to start by picking the best university for your career goals, your learning style, and your lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in studying psychology, business, or law, it’s important to thoroughly research and consider your options before making a decision. Try not to get too caught up in what the most popular schools are among friends; rather do your own research, ask your own questions, and really dig into the heart of the decision. Let’s leave room for exploring other school activities; join a club, support an interest, or wear some UC premium apparel to cheer on the Bearcats or whatever school you attend.
A great tool you can use in the process is the University Compare website. Conduct a search on universitycompare.com and you’ll be provided with a list of universities in which you can then compare criteria such as the average entry tariff, the estimated salary of graduates, its location, how many courses are available, and its ranking on the university scale. It can be a great starting point in your university selection process.
Start by Picking the Best University for You
Take Time to Choose the Ideal Student Accommodation
If your choice of university requires you to move away to a new town/city, it’s a good idea to start researching student accommodation as early as possible. Remember, there are hundreds, if not thousands of others doing the exact same thing, so you want to grab a decent place before they all get snapped up.
Factors to consider when picking the ideal student accommodation include:
- Location in relation to the campus
- Transportation to and from campus
- The cost of the housing
- The amenities
- Safety and security
- The space you will have
- Does it offer enough privacy for you to do your school work?
- Shared versus private accommodation
- Wi-Fi capabilities
- Whether it has on-site dining or access to a kitchen for your own cooking
- The presence of outdoor space
- The proximity to shopping and entertainment
- And, when it will become available
The final tip is to make sure you give yourself adequate time to settle in before school starts. That means moving in a week or two before your classes start so you can get a feel for your new surroundings, get used to the commute to school, and get to know your flatmates, if applicable.
It’s also wise to tour the campus and explore it in order to familiarise yourself and prevent getting lost those first couple of weeks.
Give Yourself a Chance to Settle in Before School Starts
Ready to Take the Plunge
By following these simple tips, you will prepare yourself for university life and ensure that you’re ready to take the plunge with relative ease.