STUDENT LIFEArriving and Surviving in Higher Education

Thomas Hardye School3rd May 2012

Before you go…..Sort out your bank accountEnsure all your details are correct with Student Finance

EnglandCheck the details of your course, decide on any modules

etc where relevantCheck on exactly what paperwork you will need to

register/matriculateMake photocopies of all important documents (eg

passport)Take out personal effects insurance

…..and a few more things….Take a minimum of eight passport photos

with youCheck on any pre-course reading

requirementsLook into transferring part-time work to

your new locationSort out kitchen equipment/food you will

need to take with youIf you are taking a TV with you, get a licenseTake your NHS documents with youLearn three or four basic recipes

When you arrive……..Aim to arrive a bit early and expect jams,

queues, chaos and a crushParents – disappear earlier rather than

later!Once you have unloaded, offer your

services to others in your flat/houseIntroduce yourself to everyone you meetHaving something to share is always

useful (wine, beer, a cake etc)Don’t hide away in your room!

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

Freshers’ Week

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

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.

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’

 

Some colleges may have classes/workshops in:

Research TechniquesEssay WritingNote TakingTime Management Computer SkillsUsing the library and its resources Planning for future careers

Further Help: Study Skills

 

Tutor

Medical Services

Counselling

Financial Support

Childcare

Assistance for students with disabilities

Don’t Panic: Support & Welfare

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

Additional costsWeekly Costs

House phone/ Broadband £3

Mobile phone £7

Clothes £11

Socialising £30+

TOTAL OUTGOINGS = £171

Income• Maintenance Grant and Loan

• Part-time job

• Work during holidays

• Work placements (a chance to save)

• Banks – overdrafts

• Bursaries

• Parents

Planning a budgetPrepare 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.

Practical TipsTake advantage of student offers - e.g. NUS CardAvoid ATMs (cash machines) that charge you to take

out your own moneyManage your mobile phone bills properlyMake sure you buy a TV licence – or catch up onlineGet 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

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

Offers a number of services:

Advice & Information

Book Shops and Stationers

Restaurants, Bars, Cafes

Travel Shop & Insurance Services

Support & Welfare Groups

The Students’ Union

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

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