The BIG Summer Checklist for Incoming Students

1. Get Student Finance Sorted!

It is easy to feel overwhelmed or put off starting or finishing your student finance application, however this process really does only take 30 minutes!

It is an important application to complete before the deadline of the 19^th May for new students, and the 23^rd June for continuing students, as if this is completed late the student finance payments will be paid to your bank account late!

You do not need to wait for a confirmation from the university or UCAS in order to apply!

2. Buy Those Freshers Tickets!

The university puts on lots of student freshers events on campus and lots of local bars and clubs put on their own events too!

You can buy individual tickets to whichever events you want to attend, or for a price cheaper than attending all, you can by a wristband which admits you entry to every event!

There are two types of wristband, the ‘in the city’ for off-campus events, and the ‘on-campus’ wristband.

You can also find freshers group chats on social media platforms such as Facebook where you can get into contact with other freshers to see which events others wish to attend.

I found purchasing my tickets once I had spoken to my flatmates was helpful as it ensured we all had tickets for the same events!

3. Join Your Accommodation Group Chat

Joining group chats can be a great way to connect with your new flatmates and try and connect with them before you meet once you have all moved in together!

It can also be a way of breaking the ice as many people find it easier to message someone online first before meeting in person!

Making contact with your new flatmates will help to reduce your nerves as meeting new people can be daunting!

I found it was really helpful to get in contact with my flatmates before moving into the flat as we were able to find out small things in common over message so it was easier to start initial conversations once we had moved in together!

4. Find Student Discount Apps

Using your university email address you can sign up for a range of discounts through ‘Unidays’ and ‘StudentBeans’.

Additionally, if you are planning on travelling to visit your hometown at various times during your studies, signing up for a 16-25 railcard might be useful to save 1/3 off of railway travel.