Getting Ready for Uni.

Getting Ready for Uni.

It’s the middle of July, Results Day is less than a month away, and the realisation of starting uni is about to hit. But don’t worry at Host we have a rough plan of just some of the things you could or is that should be doing to get ready for uni.


July:

Open Days.

You may have already made your decision on where to study and confirmed your place. But recent stats from UCAS have shown that many students are holding out to see their A-Level results before deciding on which uni to study at this year. If that’s you then get online and join in one of the virtual open days that nearly every uni is running.

Find your Uni Home

Find your Home.

With the uni decided, its time to find somewhere to live, and of course, that’s with us! Many of our locations already have limited availability so the sooner you book the more choice of room types you’ll have. While some of our locations have reopened for physical viewings many are offering virtual tours.

We know there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the possible impact on your start date. That’s why we’ve introduced a set of commitments to give all students booking with us peace of mind. And that’s not all. Throughout the summer our team are working hard to make sure your stay with Host is as safe possible. View our 12 Health and Safety commitments here.

Student Gadgets.

Start planning what gadgets you will want to take to uni with you and take a look at what’s on offer. Here’s our guide to the essential student gadgets.


Results Day

August:

Results Day.

No doubt you’ll have August 13th circled in your calendar and you’ll be counting down to 8am when UCAS Track goes live and you’ll see if you’ve got in or not. Check out our recent blog all about Results Day. Thinking of using clearing? Take a look at our guide to clearing here.

Sort out your student bank account

Sort out your student bank account.

Get your bank account sorted at your earliest opportunity. The earlier you do it the clearer your head will be to spend time comparing offers and finding the right account for you. When It comes to student accounts, many banks offer free overdrafts, debit cards and optional credit cards. While the majority also add an incentive for joining, like a student railcard or Amazon vouchers. But don’t let the incentive entice you, the overdraft facility is more important. Take a look at this Save the Student guide to student bank accounts.

Master a few meals.

If you can’t already do so, August is a perfect time to learn. Nail those 4 or 5 key meals. Knowing how to cook a good Spag Bol, Curry, Chilli, Fajita and Stir Fry will get you sorted. Check out studentcooking.tv for some inspiration.

Learn to do the washing and ironing

Learn to do the washing and ironing.

All our locations have an onsite laundry room where you can wash and dry your clothes. These are operated by Circuit. On the Circuit website there are how to go guides for doing your laundry once you’ve moved in with Host.

When it comes to ironing, here’s our top 4 tips:

  1. Get a good iron and ironing board (some of our locations provide them), it’s worth waiting until you’ve moved in and if you’re in a shared flat, think about purchasing one between you.
  2. Always read the label! – Some materials can’t be ironed, and most labels will give advice on which setting the iron should be on.
  3. Fill the iron with water and start ironing. – Your clothes should be damp when you iron them, as the extra moisture will loosen the fibres and smooth out creases. Always keep the iron moving over your clothes. Start with the larger areas and finish with the corners. Spray water on wrinkles and use the steam function while ironing stubborn sections. Be careful with raised patterns, such as logos – Use a tea towel underneath while ironing logos, etc.
  4. Hang or fold your clothes as soon as you’ve finished ironing. You could always be a Sheldon Cooper and buy a clothes folder.

Check out ASOS’s guide:

Plan your room.

Just like organising your student bank account, the sooner you plan what you’ll need for your room the better and less stressful the whole experience will be. There are hundreds of search results for “what to pack for university”, from everyone like Ikea through to Which? One of the simplest and best essentials guides we have come across is from UCAS. Take your time, write a list of everything you’ll need and update it every time you buy something. At Host, we’ve teamed up with the guys at UniKitOut find out all about what they can offer here.


September:

Get Social.

If you aren’t already doing so, you should follow any social channels connected to your uni. It’ll help you feel part of the community. It’s a great way to get the latest updates and news, especially right now with the constantly changing landscape due to COVID-19.

All our locations have their own Facebook page, and many are on Instagram. Don’t forget to follow Host on InstagramFacebook and Twitter.

Check out the local area - uni

Check out the local area.

No doubt, you’ll have a few nerves about moving to a new city but try to look at the positives. You will have already researched the city and the university. So, you’ve got the head start. Now’s the time to delve in a little more. What’s the best route to campus? Where’s the nearest supermarket, the best coffee shop etc. To give you a helping hand, we’re creating a series of City Features:

Essential Reading?

If you’ve been given a reading list, seriously think of getting those essential textbooks before you arrive. And in some cases, the university will provide you with a list of material to have read before you even start.

Register with a GP near uni

Register with a GP.

Your university will have a list of local GP surgeries that you can register with. Try to register before you arrive and get any appointments for things like repeat prescriptions organised for the first week or two of moving into your new home. Same with a dentist and optician, a little hassle now will save travelling home unnecessarily during term-time.

Travel Plans.

Pre-plan how you’re going to get from home to your student accommodation. Car, coach, train, plane? whatever method you’re going to use, make a plan and stick to it. To aid social distancing this year we’ll be introducing allocated arrival times. Our teams will be in touch closer to moving day with all the info.


Still looking for accommodation for September. Don’t panic, it’s not too late. We still have availability at many of our locations across the UK and Ireland. Take a look at our locations and find your Host. 

#HostEnvironmentalPledge.
Getting serious about the environment we live in.

To become more ‘environmentally friendly’, Host is launching the #HostEnvironmentalPledge campaign to encourage responsible behaviour and drive sustainability across our sites throughout the UK and Ireland.

It’s a simple campaign! For every percent we reduce our overall utilities (electric, water and gas) consumption by we donate to one of our nominated charities.

Show me all news

Latest news

News flash! Exam tips on the day

As exam season approaches, we have gathered our top tips for exam day. Have a read, take note, and you'll be one step closer to acing those exams. Remember, exams can be stressful, but preparation and a positive attitude can go a long way in helping you succeed. You've got this! Good luck.

Top tips for uni exam day

News flash! Internship advice for students

An internship is a temporary job provided by an employer to give individuals, often students or recent graduates, practical experience in a specific industry or field. Internships can vary in length, ranging from a few weeks to several months, and typically involve tasks and responsibilities relevant to the industry or profession. Interns have the opportunity to learn new skills, gain exposure to real-world work environments, and often receive mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in their field.

Do I need to intern after uni? Student accommodation UK Host
Host - Student and undergound
What to expect at a university open day

News flash! University open days - what to expect?

Are you attending a university open day soon? If so, read on to find out our top tips and guidance when attending an open day and the important considerations to be aware of in advance.