How to Sort the Practical Side of Student Life

Practical stuff isn’t as fun as going out for a drink with your friends. This is an undeniable fact. But by getting all of the typical student admin out of the way early, you can crack on with the partying without any guilt or worry hanging over you, and most importantly you will be prepared in the event of an emergency.

Here are five ways you can ensure you’re ready to go:

Consider what you can do before you arrive

There are some things that will have to wait until you arrive, but there are also a few tasks you can get done during the summer while you’re waiting for the fun of the new term to start.

The obvious one is your student bank account, an important choice that you should not take lightly. Student accounts have their advantages, such as 0% overdrafts that could prove invaluable during that treacherous mid-point between loan payments. But it’s important to do your research here, read the small print and make sure you get the best deal possible for you.

If you already have a reading list for your course, you can set about getting a few textbooks in early. You may be able to find these second hand at an affordable price, and if you’re feeling especially conscientious you could even make a start on the first few chapters.

Ask your Student Union

Are you looking for societies to join where you can meet new people? Perhaps you’re struggling to find your way around and worried about being late for your lectures? Or maybe you haven’t registered with a doctor or dentist yet and need advice on what to do?

Whatever you need, chances are your Student Union will be able to lend a supportive ear. There will be people here who were in the exact same situation as you just a few years ago, so they will understand if you’re a bit anxious about certain things.

Of course, the other positive aspect to your Student Union is that it will be one of your cheapest sources of food and drink. As the hub of campus activity, it could become a great place to meet new friends and get your night out started, especially while you take the time to familiarise yourself with your new city.

Speak to your accommodation team

All Student Housing Company accommodation is staffed by a friendly team who will be only too happy to help you out and point you in the right direction.

If you can’t get something in your room to work, or you need help finding your way around the building, we can provide the answers to your questions. And it doesn’t have to stop at the front door; for example, if you need to know which bus or train to catch, we can give you the information you need.

Our staff are approachable and knowledgeable, so don’t be afraid to ask us for help if you need it.

Sort out your discount cards

As a student in the UK, your NUS card will entitle you to all sorts of discounts in selected stores across the country, as well as online.

However, you don’t have to stop there. For just £12, you can upgrade to an NUS Extra card and get even more great deals that will help ease the burden on your wallet throughout the year. From cheaper food and drink to reduced entry fees at exhibitions, concerts and theatre shows, the advantages of a student discount card are plentiful.

Leaving this to drag on into your first few weeks of freedom is effectively throwing money down the drain. And as a student, that’s the last thing you want to be doing.

Don’t let it all build up

If there is one thing you definitely shouldn’t do, it’s leave everything until the last minute. Each of your tasks might seem small, but put them all together and you’ve actually got a fair bit to do before the fun begins.

It can be tempting to think you’ll get it all done once Fresher’s Week is out of the way, but by then your new social life will already be in full swing. The call of the pub or Student Union will likely be too much to resist when the alternative is sitting in your room boxing off a few admin tasks.

Simply put – the longer you leave it, the worse it’ll be.

Want More Advice?

Wherever you’ll be studying and living next year, we want you to have a great time while you’re there. We regularly provide students with handy university guides, so visit our main blog for more advice.