Getting Ready For Uni
So the hard works over, you have done you’re A levels, got accepted to uni and apart from the scary waiting for your results the worst bit is over. But if your anything like me you will have a million questions about starting uni. Although that’s understandable as its one of the biggest changes in your life, and for most people one of the best! So here is my guide to preparing for uni!
The thing I was most worried about was making friends, I was going to a uni 200 miles from home and wouldn’t know anybody, there wouldn’t even be people from the same school. What I realised very quickly though is that everyone is in the same boat, ok so a lucky few know people before they get there but for most you are on your own. The first people you meet are the ones you live with, either in your flat or in halls, and its easy to get to know them (and a good idea too as you will be living together for 9 months!). During the first few weeks its easy to make friends, at the union, in class, at the gym all over really! So relax, you will have loads of friends in no time! Don’t pretend to be something your not, people will suss you out quickly and in truth no one cares at uni. No matter how popular you were in school it’s a fresh start at uni. You will meet people you never thought you would mix with at school and they will become some of your closest friends, but that’s the beauty of uni that you meet people from all over and learn new things from people.
The second thing I was worried about is what to take with me?? Some people brought loads of things from home like photos and posters, others brought the bare essentials (a duvet and some clothes). My advice would be to check out what you are provided with, if you are in catered halls you wont need kitchen stuff, but its no use turning up with nothing and finding you have to cook! I would recommend bringing as many glasses as you can as they never last (they get broken, or stolen during parties or some just disappear!) a baking tray is also essential as no matter how much you promise your parents you will cook, the first week is so busy you ill end up eating so much oven food, pizza, fish fingers etc! if you do fancy cooking though make sure you bring enough pans and tools etc, and the same for the opposite. If you cant cook, wont cook there is no point bringing stuff such as garlic presses if its never going to get used! Bedroom wise you usually need to provide bedding, again check what size you need! And its up to you what else really, I brought lots of books and dvds, and photos from home but I also know people who brought cushions and candles to make there room look nice its personal preference. Wardrobe wise bring clothes for ever eventuality (especially dressing up) as you never know when that cowboy hat may come in handy. I’m not sure what its like for other towns but during September in Dundee you cant get coat hangers for love nor money, it’s the one thing everyone forgets and they sell out, so bring them with you.
My third major concern was my course, what would I be doing, what would I need?? Universities tend to be very helpful on this front, there is often a lot of information up online about specific courses, and if you want to know more lectures email addresses are usually readily available for you to ask questions, don’t worry about emailing them, they are there to help and will be happy to do so. Most of the questions you have about your course will be answered in the first lectures you have, and book wise I wouldn’t buy them before you get to uni as often lectures can tell you what is needed and what isn’t from the reading list, and there is no point spending loan money on unnecessary books when it could go on fresher’s week fun! The university websites are usually good for answering many questions from new students and often during fresher’s week there are student guides about that can answer questions.
Finally my only other piece of advice is not to worry and just enjoy it, it can never be as bad as you think!
Faye Cawood
