Prepare for uni: Budgeting, how to make friends and what to take to uni

Summary

UCAS Streetview's Robbie James welcomes students to their new journey, addressing common concerns like managing first-day nerves, accommodation, dining, budgeting, and available support. The video features insights from students and experts, sharing experiences on making friends, adjusting to university life, and essential items to bring. It also covers student finance, budgeting tips, and the importance of student unions, offering a comprehensive guide to starting university.

Takeaways

• 😄 Start with a positive attitude: Embrace the excitement of new beginnings and making your room your own.
• 🏠 Embrace the community: Living in a dormitory can be beneficial for socializing and making friends quickly.
• 👀 Be proactive in meeting people: Attend social events and engage in activities to connect with others.
• 🛍️ Pack smart: Essential items like a rice cooker, extension cables, and personal items like family photos can make your space feel more comfortable.
• 💰 Budget wisely: Apply for student finance early and use tools to estimate living expenses in your city.
• 📈 Learn from mistakes: Early budgeting errors can be a learning opportunity to manage finances better.
• 📚 Adapt to new learning styles: University education is different, with larger classes and more resources, requiring you to unlearn and relearn.
• 🏢 Utilize student union facilities: They offer spaces for studying, socializing, and even job opportunities.
• 👩‍🏫 Reach out to professors: Even in large classes, professors are accessible for one-on-one communication.
• 🤝 Join societies and clubs: They are a great way to meet people with similar interests and can be a source of enjoyment.
• 👉 Seek support when needed: Universities offer a range of support services for students, including mental health and budgeting advice.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the UCAS Streetview video?

The main purpose of the UCAS Streetview video is to address common concerns and questions that students might have when starting university, such as managing nerves, accommodation, budgeting, and available services and support.

How does the video approach the topic of first-day nerves?

The video addresses first-day nerves by sharing experiences of students and experts, highlighting that it's normal to feel excited and a bit scared, and that there is a supportive community ready to help newcomers.

What advice is given for making friends at university?

The advice given for making friends includes being proactive by knocking on doors, participating in Freshers' activities, joining societies, and taking advantage of taster sessions offered by various clubs.

What essentials did the students in the video consider important for their university life?

The students mentioned essentials such as a rice cooker and air fryer for cooking, extension cables for charging multiple devices, a speaker, and personal items like pictures of family and friends for comfort.

How do students in the video manage their budget?

Students manage their budget by using online tools to estimate average spending in their city, creating Excel spreadsheets to track weekly expenses, and learning from initial mistakes like overspending on food.

What changes in the learning environment do students experience when transitioning to university?

Students experience a shift from smaller class sizes and more teacher interaction to larger lectures with less direct communication. However, they also find a higher standard of teaching and more resources available.

How do students feel about reaching out to professors at university?

Students generally feel comfortable emailing their professors and find them helpful, but they also mention that large class sizes can make it overwhelming to speak up in class, making one-on-one communication more effective.

What role does the student union play in the university experience?

The student union provides a space for socializing with a bar, study lounges, and computer areas. It also offers services like career departments and student ambassador schemes, and is a starting point for part-time job opportunities.

Why do students choose to live on campus and what are the benefits?

Students choose to live on campus for convenience, as it offers proximity to classes, easy access to stores and facilities, and a sense of community. Living on campus also makes it easier to be punctual for classes and to engage in campus activities.

What support is available for students who are not living on campus?

For students not living on campus, the advice is to socialize as much as possible by joining societies and participating in campus activities. This helps them to integrate into the student community and make friends.

What advice is given for international students who may not be able to bring certain items like a toaster or microwave?

International students are advised to take part in trips organized by universities and student unions to local places to purchase necessary items like homeware and food, ensuring they have everything they need without having to bring it from their home country.