Are you wondering how to prepare for university? Starting your university journey can feel exciting and perhaps a little overwhelming. Whether you've already secured your university place or you're still researching your options, getting organised and knowing what to expect can significantly ease this important transition.
This comprehensive guide is perfect for Undergraduate and Master’s students preparing to enter university. Explore our detailed resources for Undergraduate courses and Master’s programmes to gain further insights. If you know which section you’d like to jump to, use the links below:
Are you looking to join Warwick Business School or about to begin your WBS journey? This guide contains a wealth of useful nuggets and advice. Our Welcome to Warwick guide is also very helpful. With everything from academic resources to social opportunities and campus hotspots, you’ll find everything you need to settle in and maximise your WBS experience.
University life is very different from school or college. Instead of closely monitored classes, you'll have greater independence, fewer guided lessons and more responsibility for your own learning. At university, lectures tend to involve larger groups, quicker content delivery and less one-on-one support than you're used to from school. Seminars rely heavily on active participation, critical analysis and preparation. Additionally, balancing social activities, managing your finances, and maintaining your health independently adds layers of responsibility that require foresight and organisation.
To cope with these changes effectively, university preparation is crucial. Preparedness empowers you to overcome challenges smoothly, embrace opportunities enthusiastically, and flourish both academically and personally during your university journey.
BSc International Management student Anaïs offers her thoughts:
“When you first start university, you need to come mentally prepared as you will be entering a completely new environment, and you will feel a mixture of emotions. It is important you come with a positive mindset and are willing to step outside of your comfort zone when it comes to meeting new people. Starting university can be an overwhelming experience, but if you stay open-minded and make the most of every opportunity to engage in social activities, you will make friends very quickly, and just remember everyone is in the same boat as you.”
Securing your accommodation is vital when preparing for university. First-year students usually prefer halls of residence as they're university-managed and offer excellent opportunities to socialise. Make sure that you apply early as many universities allocate rooms on a first-come, first-served basis. Consider whether you want university-owned halls (catered or self-catered, single or mixed-gender) or private accommodation. Check your university’s accommodation office website for deadlines and application details.
University life demands smart financial management. Begin budgeting well before you start university. Set up a dedicated student bank account – ideally one offering a zero-interest overdraft and student-focused perks. Thoroughly understand your student loans, grants and financial aid opportunities, and build your monthly budget around essentials such as rent, utilities, food and textbooks.
Jan, a graduate from the BSc International Management programme, suggests using technology to manage your finances effectively:
“I would recommend tracking your expenses using a budgeting mobile app or just splitting the budget weekly rather than monthly. You will then be able to have better control over your finances and hopefully avoid running out of money. An app is also useful to have as it is on your mobile and easy to access.”
It is essential that you take the time to learn some basic life skills before you go to university. By picking up simple life skills such as cooking nutritious meals, managing your laundry, budgeting for daily expenses and effective time management, you will be able to make independent living a lot smoother and less stressful.
Undergraduate student Meso discovered social media as an invaluable source of practical guidance:
“Living on your own demands more than just academic knowledge. It's essential to pick up practical skills like cooking nutritious meals, handling laundry, and managing basic home maintenance tasks. Acquiring these skills fosters self-sufficiency and builds confidence in facing daily challenges. I wasn't a great chef when I started university, but with a bit of guidance from YouTube and TikTok, I've learned to cook meals I genuinely enjoy!”
Discover more top tips for becoming more independent at university in Meso’s guide.
It is vital that you stay up to date with your university’s communications. Make sure that you regularly check your emails and student portals in order to avoid missing essential information such as enrolment details, accommodation offers or important deadlines. If you establish this habit before you go to university, you will be able to ensure that you are always informed and prepared.
Familiarising yourself with your new university location helps ease the transition. Before arriving, study maps, transportation routes, and identify key facilities such as libraries, student unions, healthcare centres and nearby supermarkets. Additionally, student-written guides can offer valuable recommendations and insights, such as top places to socialise at university, exciting towns and cities close to campus, and, for instance, the best places to visit near the University of Warwick.
Take a look at the extracurricular activities that are available at your university. If you join university clubs, societies and sports teams, you will be able to enhance your university experience significantly. Taking part in activities that align with your personal interests can help you to meet people and make lasting friendships and also discover new passions outside of your academic life.
BSc Accounting & Finance student Sneha advises narrowing down your options ahead of time:
“Out of the countless options available, you are free to choose a society that helps you connect with your passions from the past or give you the opportunity to try something that you would never usually have the opportunity to do. I would suggest looking at a list of societies available at university prior to joining university so that you have an idea of what societies catch your eye the most.”
Knowing what to bring with you to university is key to having a comfortable experience. Essentials typically include clothes, toiletries, stationery, electronics, kitchen utensils and personal comforts. Specific items you might overlook include the following:
International students should remember adapters, suitable winter clothing and kitchenware, which are readily available locally.
My first week on Warwick Campus - Undergraduate life at WBS
It is critical to develop strong organisational skills for university. You can practice time management by using planners, calendars or productivity apps. Also, you can implement study hacks such as prioritising tasks, colour-coding activities and setting weekly to-do lists. If you build these habits early, you will be able to significantly reduce stress and boost your productivity levels during your time at university.
Undergraduate student Chloe shares her favourite tips for balancing her studies and downtime to ensure that she makes time for her wellbeing:
“One of my study hacks is to keep a planner with all the tasks to be done each day, recording my lectures and seminars timetables, assignment deadlines, and social activities. I also manage these events by allocating different colours to them.
“I also set a weekly to-do list so that I can prioritise time for different work and prevent getting stressed by last-minute workload, which is especially useful when it comes to the busiest weeks of the term.”
Ensure that you're well-stocked with academic essentials before you begin university. Essential items include reliable stationery, notebooks, pens, highlighters, a sturdy backpack, and a reliable laptop or tablet. Having these tools ready helps you feel organised and prepared for lectures and seminars from day one.
Most universities provide reading lists before your course starts. Take advantage of this opportunity by exploring these materials beforehand. Understanding your course content and expectations ahead of time boosts your confidence and readiness for the academic workload you'll encounter.
Returning to education as a mature student can feel daunting, but preparation eases this transition. Refresh your academic skills by exploring online resources or preparatory courses to familiarise yourself with current study methods. Reach out to university support services or course leaders for advice. Balance work, study and family commitments by creating realistic schedules and discussing expectations with your family or employer beforehand. Embrace opportunities to socialise through dedicated mature student groups or university-wide events to fully integrate into university life.
Preparing effectively makes your transition to university smoother and more enjoyable. At Warwick Business School, we offer world-class undergraduate courses and postgraduate Master's courses in accounting, finance, management, marketing, and more.
If you're curious about the exceptional programmes we offer, visit our course finder or download a course information brochure. For an inside look at student life, explore our Life at WBS page and discover the vibrant academic and social experience awaiting you.
Going to university might feel overwhelming initially, but with clear guidance and thoughtful preparation, you'll quickly find your footing.
Undergraduate student Esther Osazuwa shares what she loves most about campus life at Warwick.
Undergraduate student Joanna Varghese shares her tips for navigating and thriving in university shared accommodation.
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