STUDENT LIFE Arriving and Surviving in Higher Education Thomas Hardye School 3 rd May 2012

1. STUDENT LIFE Arriving and Surviving in Higher Education Thomas Hardye School 3rdMay 2012

2. Before you go….. • Sort out your bank account • Ensure all your details are correct with Student Finance England • Check the details of your course, decide on any modules etc where relevant • Check on exactly what paperwork you will need to register/matriculate • Make photocopies of all important documents (eg passport) • Take out personal effects insurance

3. …..and a few more things…. • Take a minimum of eight passport photos with you • Check on any pre-course reading requirements • Look into transferring part-time work to your new location • Sort out kitchen equipment/food you will need to take with you • If you are taking a TV with you, get a license • Take your NHS documents with you • Learn three or four basic recipes

4. When you arrive…….. • Aim to arrive a bit early and expect jams, queues, chaos and a crush • Parents – disappear earlier rather than later! • Once you have unloaded, offer your services to others in your flat/house • Introduce yourself to everyone you meet • Having something to share is always useful (wine, beer, a cake etc) • Don’t hide away in your room!

5. Freshers’ Week • Only 1st years are present • Time to settle in • Learn the geography of the place • Get to know students in a social and academic context • Join teams, clubs, societies • Sort out your course/modules • Register with a doctor/dentist

6. Important Stuff: Registration • The official signing on for your course as a member of that institution • It binds you to the rules and regulations of that institution • It is a hectic time, but remember everyone’s in the same situation • It is all new – new teaching methods, new environment, new people

7. What is Expected of You? • Your responsibility to achieve a suitable balance between work and play • Your lecturers will expect you to: Attend all lectures and play an active part in seminars/tutorials; Prepare any necessary work prior to lectures & seminars; Complete all your coursework by deadlines; Revise for your examinations.

8. Organising & Making the Most of Your Study Time • Decide when you work at your best. • Organise your time based on your priorities. • Choose a location suited to studying. • Avoid interruptions and distractions whilst working • Beware the two Ps – ‘procrastination’ and ‘perfection’

9. Further Help: Study Skills Some colleges may have classes/workshops in: • Research Techniques • Essay Writing • Note Taking • Time Management   • Computer Skills • Using the library and its resources • Planning for future careers

10. Don’t Panic: Support & Welfare • Tutor • Medical Services • Counselling • Financial Support • Childcare • Assistance for students with disabilities

11. FINANCE & BUDGETING

12. Costs and Budgeting

13. Additional costs

14. Income • Maintenance Grant and Loan • Part-time job • Work during holidays • Work placements (a chance to save) • Banks – overdrafts • Bursaries • Parents

15. Planning a budget • Prepare a budget for yourself. Write down exactly what you need to spend each week and month of the year. Write down what income you expect. Then draw up a budget making sure that your expenditure does not exceed your income. • Keep a record of your income and expenditure (everything you spend). This will help you see where your money goes and to help adjust your budget. • Don’t spend all your loan in the first few weeks, it has to last all term. • Make one weekly cash withdrawal. • Practise self restraint.

16. Practical Tips • Take advantage of student offers - e.g. NUS Card • Avoid ATMs (cash machines) that charge you to take out your own money • Manage your mobile phone bills properly • Make sure you buy a TV licence – or catch up online • Get insured • Do not be tempted to sign up for a High Street Store Card • You can usually pay monthly household bills using Direct Debit from a UK account - Beware of bill sharing • Save energy costs by: drawing curtains, have heating on a timer, have showers not baths

17. More tips • Pay less for your travel - £20 Railcard = 1/3 off • Coach travel is cheaper • Do not take a car away to university • Don't buy new books - buy second hand ones when you can • Share costs with friends • Use internet calls like Skype • Make a packed lunch every morning • Limit the number of ready meals and take always that you eat • Do you really need that Starbucks coffee? • Cook for yourself where possible • Only take cash out with you • Don't go out ! • Find free fun e.g. watch movies on TV

18. The Students’ Union Offers a number of services: • Advice & Information • Book Shops and Stationers • Restaurants, Bars, Cafes • Travel Shop & Insurance Services • Support & Welfare Groups

19. Social Life Most Campus’: • Clubs & Societies • Restaurants, Cafes, Bars and Pubs  • Shops • Charity & Voluntary Work • Night Club Sport • Join the Uni’s Athletics Union • Continue something you already enjoy • Learn something totally new • (e.g. Lacrosse, Climbing, Surfing)Use the University’s facilities • (e.g. Swimming Pool, Gym etc REMEMBER… YOU MUST HAVE THE CORRECT BALANCE BETWEEN WORK & LEISURE!!! BE SAFE, ESPECIALLY IN NEW SURROUNDINGS

20. A Time of Readjustment...... • Freedom • New styles of teaching and learning • Financial independence • Learning to get on with people you may not like …….an exciting future