Starting university: what you need to know

The mental image you have of what uni will be like is almost certainly wrong. Your first weeks and months of university life are a massive learning curve as you make the leap into full-on independent living and learning.

To give you a bit more of a heads-up on what to expect from uni and how to be ready, we spoke to current students and recent graduates from the University of East Anglia (UEA), as well as members of The Student Room. Here's their advice on starting uni.

Open a student bank account

Sure, you've already got a bank account, but it's the one your nan opened for you when you were five because it came with a free Pokémon DVD. Securing a hefty interest-free overdraft was less of a priority back then.

These days you need one that will let you go into the red without hammering you with interest. While you're at it, you might as well get one with good freebies too. Banks love to lure in student customers with giveaways, so why not take advantage?

Check our student bank accounts round-up for what's available this year.

While you're thinking finances, be sure to set a budget. There is no way in the world to make budgeting exciting but while spreadsheets are boring, running out of money after four weeks of the first term is 100 times more so.

And budgeting doesn't have to take ages. Just add up your incoming money for the first term, then take away any outgoings you already know about (rent and the like). Whatever's left, divide it by the number of weeks in your term.

This is your weekly budget for food, transport and hazy nights in the union. It's probably not going to be much, which is where you need the next step...

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Stock your cupboards on a budget

Stock your cupboard with more than just beans by shopping smart: make a list, set a budget, and never shop hungry. Staples like pasta, rice, tins of tomatoes, beans, and lentils form the base of easy meals, while seasonings, oil, and frozen veg make them more versatile.

Add eggs, cheese, bread (freeze it), and a few toast toppers for quick fixes. Batch-cooking and freezing leftovers saves both money and time. Whether you’re veggie, vegan, or a meat-eater, these basics will keep you fed without draining your budget. Final titbit, shop near closing time, when supermarkets might discount some of their prices. “Final round of reductions will be about 1-2 hours before closing if the store isn’t 24 hours, but about 7/8 ish if it’s a 24 hour store,” says user olliel2001, a Tesco employee.

Learn to cook - you'll thank yourself later

There's a mild kind of hedonism to buying takeaway every night ("hmmm, shall I cook a healthy and nutritious noodle dish or just order pizza again? PIZZA!") - but overdo the Deliveroo and you're going to burn through your student loan pretty fast.

You need to master some quick and easy dishes so you can keep yourself alive without spending a fortune. If your current signature dish is peanut butter on toast, that means it's time to get practising.

"Ask your folks to write out your favourite recipes," says Hannah, who studied English literature at UEA. "Being able to recreate some home cooking can help with homesickness and the strangeness of your new life until you settle in. A recipe for a good group meal is also a way to win over new flatmates."

Don't worry about making friends: it's way easier than you think

So many people worry about making friends at uni. But it's a concern that pretty much evaporates as soon as you turn up at halls.

"You'll mix with people as soon as you arrive," says Rebecca, English and American literature graduate.

These new flatmates are all going to be in exactly the same position as you: they don't know anyone yet and they just want to make friends. So just go with it and, by the end of the first day, it will feel like you've known these people forever.

"Even if you don’t get on with everyone you’re living with, there are loads of opportunities to make friends," adds Rebecca. "You can meet people on your course, at societies or on nights out."

Freshers Week is a bit manic

Freshers Week gets so massively hyped that it's basically impossible for it to live up to everyone's sky-high just-started-uni expecations.

"Freshers Week is one big blur of nerves, excitement and seeing the bottom of too many of the Student Union bar's plastic pint glasses," says Sian, English literature graduate.

The main point of Freshers Week is for everyone to get settled in. So you'll have induction events and society sign-ups by day, followed by club nights and union events by night. Find the things you like, skip the things you don't – there will be plenty to keep you busy before university life settles down into its more normal rhythm.

"The Student Union will lay on a load of things," says The Student Room member jonathanemptage. "The freshers ball is always cool and, yes, there will be loads of alcohol but you don’t have to drink a lot if you don’t want to. I didn’t and had no pressure to either."

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It's worth planning your packing

You're probably going to have a whole summer to fill before you head off to uni, which can be the perfect time to get stuck in with planning and organising what you're going to take.

Default mode for most people is trying to somehow take the entire contents of your home bedroom. But most of it you won't need. Try focusing on just the necessities – you can always collect more stuff when you go home in the Christmas break.

Societies are brilliant

There are societies for everything, from sports and music to cultures and religions. Joining these societies is a great way to meet people and learn new stuff.

This is why it's so worthwhile going to the Freshers Fair: it's where you can find out what's available and sign up for free taster sessions. There are always plenty of freebies to be had, too. If there’s not a society for your specific interest, you can get support to start up your own.

“Don't worry about going to societies alone – there’s probably loads of people who don't know anyone, even if they’re second years," says The Student Room member LyrasEye. "Going alone can also be a good way of making friends too.”

Independent study is a learning curve

"Before uni, it’s difficult to imagine the level of freedom you will suddenly find yourself with," says English literature graduate Adam.

"I was probably least prepared for the level of independent learning required from day one, particularly going into a humanities subject where it initially seems like you have a load of free time on your hands.

"At first having only a handful of lectures and seminars a week seems like a walk in the park. But you gradually realise that they’re really just a prompt to go and do your own research in the time between."

History graduate Laura says: "You ultimately decide how to spend your academic and social time with the sheer amount of independence you have. It can be overwhelming, but it’s important to find a balance that works for you.

"What matters most is how you feel about the energy and time you’re putting into your academic and social life, what your priorities are and if you feel you are achieving your goals."

Quick tips to help you through the early days of uni

So – in a nutshell – those are some of the big things to expect from uni. Live it, love it, be yourself, have fun. And, for a reminder of a few final tips on getting started, try these...

Don't overthink the packing

It’s very easy to pack absolutely everything when you're getting ready for uni. But how much do you actually need? Remember, you'll be home again before too long.

Keep hold of your cash

Work out your budget before you get there and try to stick to it. If you can avoid spending your entire loan on clothes in the first week, that's a decent start.

Hall parties are more fun if they're in someone else's flat

Flat parties are great, clearing up after...less so. If you’re gagging for a party in halls, try talking your mates into having it in their flat instead.

Take care with the drinks

For many people, having a drink or two is a big part of uni life. Just learn your limits, look out for your friends and perhaps steer clear of those cut-price spirits. They're cheap for a reason...

Don't miss those society events

Freshers is a great time to try new stuff and meet new friends – just try to remember what you've actually signed up for and when it's happening.

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