Despite what your ‘witty’ family members might claim, students don’t actually live on a diet of Pot Noodles. But, to avoid the stereotype, it’s not a bad idea to get some staple meals under your belt before Freshers’ Week, as the responsibility of cooking for yourself for the first time can seem a bit overwhelming.
Check out our recent blogs: 7 simple dishes to master before starting university and Sanctuary Students recipes for inspiration!
We’re sure you’ve dabbled in a night out or two in college, but university life can be pretty full on when it comes to partying, so it’s important to know your limits – and when to call it a night.
We also recommend downloading a safety app, so you and your flatmates can check in with each other. We love ‘Circle of 6’, which lets you send pre-set messages to six contacts, and also ‘bSafe’, which lets you share your location with chosen contacts.
Certainly not the most ‘fun’ life skill, but budgeting is definitely something to think about before uni – let’s face it, this could be the first time you have to think about things like rent and utility bills. Before you go, think about where you’ll be spending your money, and how much that leaves you for doing the fun stuff. For example, regularly costs could include:
- Tuition fees
- Course supplies and equipment
- Accommodation – rent, insurance and bills*
- Transport – petrol and car insurance, bus/tube travel
- Groceries
- Gym membership
- Phone bill
*The good news is that at Sanctuary Students we offer all-inclusive bills (including electricity, water and heating), free contents insurance and Wi-Fi, making it easier to manage your money.
It’s also good idea to download a budgeting app, to help you keep track. We love ‘Splitwise’, which will help you divvy up the cost of any nights out or meals with your flatmates.
University’s all about trying new things and meeting new people. If leaving your comfort zone feels a bit daunting, get in some practice this summer – why not join a new sports or social club? You could even take on a part-time summer job or do some solo travelling or day trips in the UK.
Once you arrive at uni, there will be a myriad of societies, clubs and sports teams to join, and doing so will help you settle in and make new friends with similar interests – and also prevent any feelings of homesickness.
University is bursting with opportunities, so it can be hard to say no. This summer, think about what ‘balance’ means to you – and how you can incorporate self-care into your routine. This could be setting aside time for exercise, cooking a nutritious meal, getting some fresh air, doing some yoga, and making sure you get a healthy amount of sleep.
It’s also important that you know when and where to seek support if you’re struggling. Here at Sanctuary Students, we understand you may need a little extra support from time to time. There are plenty of avenues of support you can turn to, including our Student Advice Line from our partners at Health Assured. Find out more about our well-being services.
While it might not be top of your ‘adulting’ list, learning how to use a washing machine will serve you well. Take a moment to learn about the basic wash settings and arm yourself with colour catchers.
What’s more, having clean and uncluttered accommodation is good for your health and well-being – plus, it will improve your relationship with your housemates (not to mention doing well in room inspections!). Check out our top cleaning hacks for students.
There’s been a huge increase in single-use plastic waste since the pandemic started, including face masks, takeaway food tubs, coffee cups, shopping bags and plastic water bottles.
When buying essentials for uni, why not think about reducing your single-use plastic (where you feel comfortable doing so)? Consider buying a reusable water bottle or coffee cup – they’re better for the environment and your wallet! Make sure you download the Refill app, which helps you find free drinking water on the go.
At Sanctuary Students, we’re looking forward to welcoming you to your new home-away-from-home this autumn. We can’t wait to meet you!