Starting uni this September? It’s all about enjoying the summer before your new chapter begins in a few weeks.

Here are a few things you can start to get ready to get off to a good start before the term begins. Read our list to get a great head start…

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Student accommodation.

Student accommodation is one of the first things to tick off your list during the summer months. It can be hard to choose somewhere especially if you are worried about getting the grades. Did you know that Host offer No Place No Pay – this means you can book a room with us today, but if you don’t obtain the grades you need for university and no longer require the room, you won’t pay a penny.

Hopefully you have sorted your student accommodation for September, but if not, we have limited availability across a few of our sites. Take a look at our student accommodation in the UK.

Finances at uni.

Now is the time to look at your finances – what dates will you be getting your student loan? What dates will your rent be due? It is also important to set a realistic budget for each week for items such as food, travel, phone bill, activities etc.

Part-time work for students.

If you are thinking about securing a part-time job whilst studying, it may be beneficial to start looking for jobs before you start uni. Be pro-active and beat the other thousands of students who will be applying for jobs once they start uni. It may be harder to know where you want to work and what your schedule will be like, but reaching out first shows forward thinking and initiative. Try these job search sites to get started…

• StudentJob – the biggest job board for students and young professionals.
• indeed flex – the fastest way to find temporary work that fits your lifestyle.
• Flair Events People – Flair is a nationwide company. It helps people find jobs in sports, festivals, hospitality and promo work. Roles include brand ambassadors, bar staff, street marketing, front of house and wristbanding.
• Caterer.com – Hospitality jobs

Student packing list.

Starting university can be an exciting yet overwhelming time, and there’s a lot to think about when it comes to packing. If you’re going to university in September, you might be wondering what you should bring with you. While it’s normal to feel nervous or anxious about starting university, knowing what to pack will put you in better stead to tackle the upcoming move.

When packing for university, you should bring:

• Identification and important documents
• Electricals
• Bedding and laundry items
• Clothes and accessories
• Kitchen essentials
• Toiletries and first aid items

To read more in depth about what to bring to uni, read our handy blog ‘what should I bring to university‘.

Student discounts.

Let’s be honest, one of the biggest perks of being a student are the amazing discounts. That’s why it’s important to make sure you are utilising your student discount as much as you can. Before you start uni, familiarise and sign up to the popular student discount sites – they will email you when great deals become available. We have created a list for you!

• UNiDAYS
• Student Beans
• TOTUM
• Student Money Saver
• Save the Student
• The Student Pocket Guide
• Student Discount

Uni reading list.

Many universities put their reading lists online weeks before their courses begin or will send you the details via email. This will give you an idea of what to expect from your workload, and getting a head start on reading will build your confidence for lectures.

Health check.

Before leaving for uni, consider making a routine health check appointment. It is good to go and see a medical professional whilst you have access (and the time).

Learn to cook.

If you are a bit of a self confessed foodie, and know your way around the kitchen, move on to the next point. But for those of you who don’t know the difference between a saucepan and a wok, this is for you.

During your time at uni, the chances are you’ll have to cook every now and when you get hungry. Worried that you’ll get bored of Pot Noddles? Get inspiration on YouTube, ask friends and family to show teach you. Practice makes perfect – you won’t be a Gordon Ramsay overnight, but you’ve got to start somewhere.

See your friends and family.

If you can, try to spend some quality time with your friends and family before you leave for university. Not only might you miss them, they will miss you too.

Have fun.

And most importantly, have fun!

Make the most of the summer, spend time with your friends and make lots of memories.

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Hassle-free. All bills included. Student accommodation.
Find your Host…

Host offer hassle-free, all-inclusive living and provide students with a welcoming, reassuring and stress-free experience at university or college.

We provide award-winning services our students have become accustomed to. And our management and staff always strive to exceed the exceptional quality accommodation and service we offer; building on the good reputation we’ve earned over the past 25+ years.

Look inside any of our properties and you’ll discover a comfortable, stylish and safe place to live. Somewhere welcoming and supportive. Happy and relaxed. A place to make the most of being a student. A home.