1. STUDENT LIFE Arriving and Surviving in Higher Education Thomas Hardye School 3 rd May 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. Only 1 st 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 Freshers’ Week

6. 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 Important Stuff: Registration

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. 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 Further Help: Study Skills

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

12. Costs and Budgeting Weekly Costs Rent£57 Electricity/ Gas£10 Water Rates£2 Insurance£4 Food & Toiletries£30 Books & Stationery£5 Travel£11 Laundry£4 TV Licence£2 TOTAL= £125

13. Additional costs Weekly Costs House phone/ Broadband£3 Mobile phone£7 Clothes£11 Socialising£30+ TOTAL OUTGOINGS = £171

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

19. 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 Social Life

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