Tips for preparing for your first year at University
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How to prepare for university over the summer
So, you’ve made your UCAS application, finished your A-Levels and are now relaxing on your well-deserved break over the summer. But you might be thinking, what do I need to do before uni! Don’t panic, here’s your guide to everything you need to know before starting uni in the autumn.
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Chat to others
- It can be good to chat to other students starting uni in September, it will make it easier when starting if you know a few people. You can also chat about all things related to your course and to the uni.
- Have a look on Facebook and other social media sites to connect with others.
- You can also follow the university’s social media sites such as @UniversityofChichester and @ucsu_offical on Instagram.
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Practice your cooking skills
- It’s good to brush up on your culinary skills over the summer ready for uni.
- Learning some basic recipes will be useful for when you need something nutritious to eat.
- Living on ready meals and takeaways may sound good, but in the long run, it’s better to cook your own meals!
- It’s also a good way to impress your flatmates!
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Working over the summer
- While you’ve got some time off, working to earn some money may be a good idea to save for uni.
- Lots of students don’t prioritise a part time job in the first term while they are getting used to the university.
- So, it may be good to make the most of the break by working a summer job.
- You might also be able to keep your job so you can work there in the holidays when you’re back home.
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Deciding what to take
- Look at what your accommodation already provides as to avoid purchasing unnecessary items.
- It’s good to sort your belongings into categories so you remember what to take.
- You can always go back home if you forget something, so only take what you need.
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Tips for bonding with flat-mates & course-mates during your 1st year:
- Explore the local area together during fresher’s week. For example, go to the beach in Bognor, or visit Chichester town and the city’s cathedral.
- Attend fresher’s fairs and sign up for clubs & societies together and bond over shared interests.
- Cook, or go to the canteen with your flat-mates.
- Have a group social, go to the SU, or have flat film night.
- Take the time to get to know your course peers and build friendships. This will make the rest of your university experience far more fun and enjoyable.
- Don’t be afraid to talk to a flat-mate or the wellbeing team about feeling home-sick, you’re not alone.
- Make a rota for keeping communal areas clean and tidy.
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Most importantly, relax! You’ve worked hard and you deserve a break!
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