News flash! Low cost Christmas present ideas
Just because you’re strapped for cash this Christmas, it doesn’t mean you can’t show your loved ones how much you care. Check out some of our favourite DIY low cost Christmas gift ideas...
Moving to university? Your uni checklist
Moving to uni? There is a lot to consider and remember to do and pack before leaving. Here’s a checklist of some things to do before moving away (some that you may not have thought about).
Set up a student bank account.
If you are moving uni this year, if you haven’t already, you need to start looking around for the best student bank accounts. On top of sorting accommodation and packing, a student bank account is one of the most important things to consider before going to University. Search around the the best student bank account to suit you. Many banks have great student perks when you open an accounts such as a free Railcard and Tastecard.
Arrange gadget cover.
The likelihood is that you will be taking a few valuables to university with you including a laptop, mobile phone, iPad, tablet, watch and more. It is important to have these gadgets covered with insurance before you move. Meaning that in the unlikely event that these items get lost or stolen, you can get them replaced.
Arranging gadget cover is easy. Many providers offer student discounts. Here are a list websites to check out:
Did you know? Host properties come with Contents insurance automatically included. Host is working in partnership with Cover4insurance.com and their student insurance, Cover4Students, to provide some cover for the contents inside your room.
Mark valuables with security pen.
Security-marking your property could help to deter thieves as well as increase the chance of the police being able to return your items if they are lost or stolen.
How does it work?
Ultraviolet marker pens use ink which lacks colour pigment, so it doesn’t leave a mark visible to the naked eye under normal lighting conditions. However, when illuminated with a UV light source (sometimes called a blacklight), it fluoresces brightly. This is easiest to see in dim lighting conditions.
UV Invisible Marker Pens are low cost. Buy here from UV Gear.
Look for pre uni reading lists.
Your course may have provided you with a pre uni reading list. Before you move to uni, it might be worthwhile to shop around and see if you can find these books so you are sorted before the rush come term time. It also gives you time to look for second hand uni books (we all know books can be expensive). Have a look on these following websites for second hand uni books:
Register with a GP local to uni.
Like to plan ahead? Get started with finding local GP surgeries to you university or student accommodation.
Things you need when signing up to a GP surgery as a student:
- Personal information: Your full name, place of birth, and current university address
- Contact information: Your mobile or home number, or an email address
- Medical history: Any recent medical history related to allergies, medication, vital statistics, lifestyle choices, or any diagnosis or ongoing treatment
- Identification: A passport or national ID card
- Proof of address: A tenancy agreement or utility bill for your new address
- Student status: A letter from your university confirming that you are a student
Your halls of residents and university should have further information to help you sign up to local GPs. If you wish to sign up ahead of time, follow these links to find your local surgery depending on where you are studying.
Kitchen items and bedding.
Make sure you find out what your student accommodation provides before packing for uni.
Why not get everything you need delivered to your room before you arrive?
With UniKitOut, you can choose from a range of student essential kits. We recommend The Complete Kit which includes everything you need to set you up for a great year in your student accommodation. From towels to Tupperware and bedding to cutlery – it’s all included. Use the code ‘HOST10’ to get 10% off and what’s best UniKitOut will deliver it direct to your chosen student accommodation so it’ll be ready for move in.
Long life food items like milk as back up.
Some food items can be pre-bought as they have long use-by dates.
- UHT milk
- canned foods
- dried pasta
- dried rice
- jarred sauces
- tea bags/coffee
- sugar
If you have space when packing, it may be handy to have these with you so you don’t have to rush out to do the big student food shop as soon as you arrive.
Set up student discount apps.
Make the most of being a student. Download all the student discount apps so you can save your dollar throughout your university years. Going to Nando’s or want to buy something on ASOS? Check on these apps if there is a discount code you can use first. Go go go…
Other apps and popular brands also offer student discount. Read the T&Cs before purchasing.
Set up student Railcard.
Travelling far from home when you move to uni?
Get 1/3 0ff all train travel with a 16-25 Railcard. A Railcard will cost £30 for 1 year or £70 for 3 years.
Make a list of key dates i.e. birthdays.
There is nothing worse than that feeling when you realise you’ve forgotten your loved one’s birthday.
Being away from family and friends when you move to university means that you might forget important dates. Especially when you’re busy studying and (occasionally partying).
Before you leave for university, why not add all important dates for the next couple of years in to your phone Calendar or personal diary. Sorted.
Access to streaming services student discounts like Spotify.
Have Spotify on your mobile? Make sure you change your account to a student one!
Just £5.99/month while you’re a student. Cancel anytime.
Still need to secure your room for September? We have last minute student accommodation ready to book.
Current student accommodation Clearing locations with availability for September 2024/25.
North
Midlands
South
- Bournemouth – 17a Christchurch Road
- Colchester – 27 Magdalen Street
- Southampton – Southampton Crossings
South West
London
Follow Host on our social channels Facebook and Instagram and for the latest news and information.
#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 newsLatest news
News flash! How to study like a Harvard student
Learn to study like a Harvard student. The shift from high school to the demanding pace of college academics can be overwhelming for many students , and figuring out the most effective study strategies for a new, heavier course load can feel like a challenging task.
News flash! Questions to ask when viewing student accommodation
When you’re viewing student accommodation for university, we understand the importance of asking questions to learn more about the space. You might feel pressure to secure student accommodation, but it pays off to be thorough when arranging viewings. We’ve put together a list of the best questions to ask when viewing student accommodation.