The weather may only recently be starting to feel like summer, but the reality of the Autumn term is now only just a few short weeks away.
As August draws on, your mind may already be thinking about your return to university – with reading lists prescribed by your lecturers and the ever-growing checklists of things you need to buy.
For the sake of this article, we’ve pulled together a list of the things that you could and should be sourcing now, in preparation for the year ahead. While every course will have its own reading and practical materials, the majority of this list will apply to students regardless of which university they attend and what they are studying.
Course Materials
The easiest place to start as you prepare and get ready for the year ahead is with your course. Most lecturers will release a reading and course prep list ahead of the new term, giving students an opportunity to read up on important subjects and source both the books and tools they will need in the first weeks of September.
A great tip when it comes to sourcing books in particular is to reach out to students in the year above who are doing the same course as you. The chances are that they, or even older students who have now completed their degree, will be only too happy to sell books that they no longer need to younger students. This can save you a great deal of money – and you may even find some of their handy lecture notes in the margins around books and course materials!
Another thing we recommend doing ahead of September when it comes to your course is identifying your coursework deadlines and exam dates, and writing them all into a calendar to give you an overview of the academic year ahead.
Clubs and Societies
Are there clubs and societies that you were a part of last year that you want to join again?
Perhaps there’s something new that has caught your eye and that you’re keen to get involved in this year?
Whatever it may be, making sure that you have the equipment needed to take part in that club is an important part of your preparation for the year – and will save you from having to source more expensive equipment at the last minute.
What’s more, if there are societies that you’re unsure whether or not you want to join, use your downtime to do some more research – and even to try different sports and clubs in your local area. If, for example, you are wondering whether to take up tennis or cricket, spend some time trying it at your local club before you commit yourself to the university team.
Your Portion of the Home Checklist
Whether you were in Halls of Residence or a private rental during your first year of university, the later years of study are an opportunity to really plan which household items you need and split them up between your housemates.
First-year halls and flats are always full of students who have all brought their own pots and pans, unsure of what they will need and who will bring what. However, as you move into your second year and beyond, take the time to band together and separate a household checklist into individual parts.
You can then prepare for the upcoming year by taking your list to Ikea or your preferred store and buying what you need to contribute towards the house!
Don’t Forget the Nights Out!
Socialising is a big part of Uni life – as are the nights out, themed and otherwise.
If you’re someone who likes to go all out on dressing up themes and really throw your creativity at different dressing up themes, then why not use the summer break as a time to get some of your outfits sorted in advance?
The more time you give yourself to source different things, the easier it will be to save money; visiting local charity shops and even sifting through family members’ outdated wardrobes to find the items you need.
Important Things to Remember
This is where we list all the things that seem obvious but that, in the wake of packing and the chaos of preparing to leave for a new university term, can easily be forgotten.
Things like your ID and your driving license, bank cards, student ID, and railcards should all be on top of the important documents list.
It is also important that you remember all the chargers you need for your technology. Laptops and tablets that you use for course lectures, smart watches, sports watches, and other personal accessories all need charging with continued use – and buying new chargers can get expensive!
Other important documents include:
· Accommodation contracts
· Student finance information
· Information relating to a bursary if you expect to receive one
· A set of passport photos for new student ID cards and other potential applications
· Student contents insurance relating to your new address to protect your possessions
If you plan on getting a job at university to help fund your study, it might also be worth taking your passport with you as typically this will need to be scanned to verify your identity and right to work in the UK.
How Should You Spend the Final Weeks of the Summer?
As the university term grows nearer, you should be blending course preparation with relaxation and with downtime spent alongside friends and family.
While returning to university feeling prepared and ready for the new term is important, it is also vital that you enjoy and relish your time away from study – pursuing other interests and passions.
So, enjoy these last couple of weeks of summer – but don’t let the new academic term creep up on you unannounced!
