Everything you need to know

Prepping for the start of university can feel overwhelming at times, with thoughts like "omg, where do I start?". But don't worry, we've got you. We've got a list of the key things to do before you begin your university journey:

Moving in prep 🤔

• Make sure you have everything you need for your halls & course - it's always best to check what to bring and what not to bring in case there are any banned items in halls.
• Have a few basic life skills learnt before moving on, such as how to do laundry and a few basic recipes, so you're sorted for your first week.
• Connect with the university on social media. Doing this can help you feel part of the community before you even arrive and get familiar with the university grounds. It's also an easy way to stay up to date with freshers' information and events, so that you won't miss out!
• Make sure you've completed all the mandatory online inductions on KX and Student Welcome, including the Consent Matters module - you will be emailed this pre-arrival.
• Check out the MyHWU app so you can get familiar with the campus before you arrive, as well as know your academic instruction schedules!

Health ❤️

• Before you leave home, check your vaccine records, especially for meningitis. If you're due a boost, see your doctor before moving to university.
• Register with a local GP, close to the university.
• Familiarise yourself with where the local A&E and drop-in centres are in case of emergencies.
• Catching a cold (freshers' flu) is normal during the first few weeks at university. Prepare yourself with flu remedies and plenty of sleep if you become ill!

Common expenses at the start of term 

💰 Laptop: Apps such as UNiDAYS have student discounts on technology, making it easier for you to have your own. 

💰 Furniture/utensils: When booking your accommodation, it's important to check what's already provided before you buy your utensils, etc. It could also be a good idea to wait on a few things, like a microwave, until you've moved in, in case any of your flatmates have brought one, or you can decide to split the cost together, making it cheaper overall.

Managing your finances 🤑

• Don't wait until you start university to open your student bank account - set one up online after your place at university is confirmed. This can help avoid any delays getting your student loan (remember to update your account with your new term address).
• Work out your budget - calculate all your essential expenses (rent, travel, food costs), so you know how much money you'll have left every week to spend on entertainment and socialising. Always remember this doesn't have to be set in stone; your finances will fluctuate some months, especially if you get a part-time job alongside your studies.

Making the most of Welcome Week 🎉

• Check out our Student Union socials and website to stay up to date on Freshers' Week and events.
• You've probably heard about Welcome Week - the big first week event where societies get you to sign up in exchange for A LOT of freebies. It's definitely worth going, so you can ask any questions about activities that might interest you or even just about the university in general. The big event that week is the Watt Welcome Fair alongside the social events around campus.
• As for social activities, you and your new mates will be spoilt for choice! There'll be everything from freshers' parties and club sessions to themed pub crawls, bowling and cinema nights on offer.

If you want to read more on what you can do or what to know before arriving at university, you can check out our reslife new students page!