View Full Version : University
Thought i'd start a new thread for this, as its a bit different to the other ones that are floating around.
Just a thread for the random things about uni. Tips for people going next year, little random observations etc...
Im worried about money when it comes to uni. When should I get a job when I move?
I mean I have a job now but most of the unis are ages away so I will be moving away
- 2am is an early night. Be proud of yourself.
- 3 hours sleep is plenty to survive a 9am lecture.
- Quick food is good food.
- It is perfectly normal to spend double the amount on alcohol as you do on food.
- No one ever goes out on the weekend.
- Any drink over £2 is expensive.
- Make friends with security. Will get you out of lots of trouble.
- Fire alarms will always go off on the night when you have an early night. 5am fire alarms are a killer.
Im worried about money when it comes to uni. When should I get a job when I move?
I mean I have a job now but most of the unis are ages away so I will be moving away
Try applying before you get there. Otherwise have your CV ready and apply to nightclubs and bars when you get there. Everywhere will be hiring around that time, its easy to get a job in a club.
- 2am is an early night. Be proud of yourself.
- 3 hours sleep is plenty to survive a 9am lecture.
- Quick food is good food.
- It is perfectly normal to spend double the amount on alcohol as you do on food.
- No one ever goes out on the weekend.
- Any drink over £2 is expensive.
- Make friends with security. Will get you out of lots of trouble.
- Fire alarms will always go off on the night when you have an early night. 5am fire alarms are a killer.
2am is a very early night.
It's perfectly normal to live on supernoodles and p*ss your loan up the wall.
You're not a proper student until you nick a trolley or anything else that doesn't belong to you, including a pot duck, which should be held to ransom.
It is obligatory to buy and wear a university hoody.
It is normal to tape you flatmate to a chair and push him/her down the stairs and to tape greaseproof paper across his/her door and make him/her run through it a la Gladiators.
Kirsty :]
09-11-2008, 18:35
Haha Uni sounds so fun! I can't wait.. just need to get in first! :D:D
Two more things:
A pack of jaffa cakes constitutes tea when you have half a pint of milk, half a loaf of bread, a few bowls worth of cereal left and a tin of soup.
You think buying a bottle of booze for a p*ss up on a Sunday night is more important than buying milk for your breakfast in morning.
You're so hungry that you chew on ice to keep the hunger pangs at bay because you can't be bothered to go shopping.
Going out on a Monday/Tuesday/Thursday is perfectly normal. Going out on a Saturday is not.
You think buying a bottle of booze for a p*ss up on a Sunday night is more important than buying milk for your breakfast in morning.
lmao too true!! Today it was like "Do i go to Tesco and buy proper food for dinner, or eat Tuna Pasta and go to Liquid tomorrow?". No competition there!!
I find three hours sleep is plenty for a 9 AM lecture, becuase i catch up the rest in the lecture.
Falling asleep in the Library is perfectly normal.
My personal favourite, no university acconomdation is not complete without a stolen roadsign or cone that has been picked up the night before!
:rotfl::rotfl: those bring back memories..
Buy beans.. cheap and filling.. Pot noodle is a major food group
£5 in your pocket is plenty to go out on a night with...
Sharing a single bed with a flatmate is a good idea when you've both had a few. Trying to get back to your own room in the morning without being seen is tricky.
- 2am is an early night. Be proud of yourself.
- 3 hours sleep is plenty to survive a 9am lecture.
- Quick food is good food.
- It is perfectly normal to spend double the amount on alcohol as you do on food.
- No one ever goes out on the weekend.
- Any drink over £2 is expensive.
- Make friends with security. Will get you out of lots of trouble.
- Fire alarms will always go off on the night when you have an early night. 5am fire alarms are a killer.
amen to the weekend one! we never used to go out of a weekend, but now we've found a really good pub where it's 5 pound for a bottle of wine, we all buy a bottle, and it's good music and a good atmosphere, s it's a good saturday night out. but it is extortionate to go out clubbing of a weekend.
Any drink over £1.50 is expensive in Soton! That's about the standard price for a shot, or shot and mixer.
love your observations though haha!
Walking around with no shoes on is normal.
The fire alarm will go off at 5AM at least once a week.
You will learn to love other people playing music loudly.
People will drop out, and you will be shocked and sad.
You will realise just how much your parents have done for you before you left!! Baring in mind i had to get my flatmates to show me how to use the washing machine...
You will collect soo many leaflets from pubs and clubs.
You will spend far too much on a uni hoody before the end of the first semestar.
You will realise that Loose Women is repeated at 3AM and will find it mildly amusing.
Time will go sooo fast!!
They are, we are supposed to believe, the brightest and the best.
But 'I love dog porn' and ' hooker' are among the least crude slogans scrawled on the clothes and flesh of several hundred female undergraduates gathered in Prince of Wales Road, Norwich.
Other graffiti is much more explicit. One pretty girl, slumped on a bench in drink-sodden incoherence, has cartoon male genitalia daubed in marker pen on her goose-pimpled breasts.
Students dressed up and scribbled profanities across their bodies as part of a pub crawl which saw 1,500 students descend on the streets of Norwich (obscene words have been edited out because they are so offensive)
Someone has also written 'slut' on her arm. It is unclear whether or not she is aware of the fact. But much of tonight has become unclear to many of those taking part. After all, they have been encouraged to drink for hours.
An intoxicated young woman in hot pants is bending over to retch and simultaneously be groped by a male undergraduate, who she may well not know. Others are simply in a state of alcoholic collapse. Police, stewards and a medical team lurk nearby.
A cold Monday night in November would normally see central Norwich all but deserted.
But Carnage UK is in town. And as many as 2,000 local students, mostly teenagers, are taking part in what the 'UK's number one student event promoter' has billed as a 'Dirty Porn Star' fancy dress party.
For £10 each, the undergraduates are given a souvenir T-shirt and exclusive entry to six city centre nightspots. Each venue is printed on the T-shirts and is supposed to be ticked off with marker pens as the evening progresses.
The garments also bear printed challenges for the wearers to perform. These include 'dares' of a titillating nature, such as securing a piece of underwear from the opposite sex. Brideshead Revisited it ain't.
Superficially, Carnage UK is a glorified pub crawl, with added crudity. But slick internet marketing has seen it become market leader in a multi-million-pound business. Many consider the events organised by Carnage UK and its rivals to be the cynical commercialisation of our youth binge-drinking problem.
Paul Bahia, the founder of Varsity Leisure Group Ltd, which runs the provocatively titled Carnage UK events, denies being part of the problem.
'We are not irresponsible or promoting binge drinking,' he says. 'Our events are heavily focused on group identity and social and ethnic cohesion.'
Bahia is the smooth-talking, 28-year-old university graduate son of an insurance executive and midwife. He was raised in the stockbroker belt village of Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire and, until recently, he says, still lived at home with his parents in their £800,000 house.
After graduating from Birmingham University with a modern languages degree, he worked in the print industry. Then he got the idea of Carnage UK.
It was 'trialled' in Liverpool five years ago and has since been rolled out in almost every British university town or city.
Since the Christmas term began in September, Carnage UK has put on 34 different Dirty Porn events, attracting as many as 2,500 students each. And the students seem to approve.
Police and security were on hand to ensure the students didn't get too out of control
One, who gave her name as Rachel, denied it gives undergraduates a bad name. She said: 'I don't care what other people think. Students drink - no one will be surprised about that. The night was a brilliant way to meet people and was really good fun because of the activities and costumes.'
Meanwhile, Stuart Marrison, 20, said: 'It's been a right laugh and I am quite drunk. Yes, I would say it encourages binge drinking, but not in a bad way. We haven't caused anyone any problems and I've enjoyed some of the outfits the girls have been wearing.'
And it is clearly very lucrative for Bahia. As well as the T- shirt revenue, his company gets ' management fees' from the bars which play host to his revellers.
Carnage UK's autumn offensive has attracted flak from local authorities.
Last month's scheduled event in Blackpool was called off after police and council objections. Carnage UK then went on the attack and described the council as 'bullies'.
But Swansea found out what could happen one Sunday evening last month, when 1,700 Carnage UK students descended on the city. Violence broke out and eight people were arrested.
Some events run far more smoothly. But critics would say that's because Carnage UK visits only once a term.
An event last month in Stirling was opposed by the university's Students' Association. It said of the Carnage UK website: 'It says: "Stay safe and know your limits." But just below it has videos from (events at) Middlesbrough and Newcastle and ... it's obvious they are not promoting responsible drinking at all.'
What then of the university unions, traditional bastions of heavy student drinking? The National Union of Students has called for a ban on events such as Carnage UK. But Bahia calls many of the university unions 'hypocrites' and points out a number of 'drink the bar dry' nights that they run, selling discounted alcohol.
Bournemouth offers double vodka Red Bulls at £2 each, Coventry union promotes 'Skint' on Tuesdays, which lures students with 'all you can drink for £5', while York has a 'trebles for singles' spirits promotion. Bahia says: 'Can I make one thing crystal clear - there are no inclusive drinks in our deal and if one of the venues already has a drink discount on offer, then we ask them to remove it for the night we are there.'
The most recent Norwich event passed off relatively peacefully. There was a brief scuffle, drunken tears and a few people collapsed under the influence.
'There were a lot of 18-year-olds who could not handle the booze,' said an observer.
One fallen drinker was shielded from a photographer by a number of the 80 or so Carnage stewards on duty. The photographer was informed: 'We have been told to get in your way.'
It's the turn of Guildford and Portsmouth next, then Bolton next week.
In Greater Manchester, local police have expressed their concern at Carnage UK's imminent arrival. 'This whole event appears to be a really irresponsible idea - a company-directly encouraging a night of binge drinking,' said Superintendent David Flitcroft. 'We know that type of drinking leads to disorder.'
It is also ruinous to health. And when you sober up, the reality is simply demeaning, as these photographs show.
Dressed in skintight leggings and hairbands the students get into the swing of things
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1084800/Carnage-UK-The-company-cynically-turning-student-binge-drinking-big-business.html
I am sure that students also study hard and that this is a one-off rather than regular event. I hope so, anyway. lol
We had the first ever Bangor Carnage last week! it was pretty funny. Although every one a tad messy the following day.
We've got Carnage next Thursday. Just got my tshirt today, it comes with a warning at the bottom about drinking responsibly.
I discovered Loose Women was on at 3am yesterday morning too. Duncan Ballantyne was on it.
Starting a war with the flat downstairs isn't a good idea when you've been drinking.
no its not, we ended up haveing a food fight when we got into a war with downstairs i have never seen so much ketchup and shaving phones on the wall in my life. It ended messy though we had one broken foot and a dislocated shoulder.
Pound coins and twenty pences are precious bloody washing machines
Checking the post is a to do everyday
Falling asleep in lectures is not unusual and no one cares
Fire alarms going off at four in the morning is crap and horrible but remember the tasty firemen come!!!
2.30 Definately an early nite if you're lucky
You will eat anything that is free or really cheap
Taxi companies will begin to know your names and exactly where you wanna go before asking you
Make friends with security it's sooooo helpful (trust me)
You will base your day around the TV guide
Facebook is counted as research for uni (in your eyes anyway)
You will empty the bin at least five times a week
Going Tescos in your PJ's isn't uncommon
Sleeping in the day has never been such a necessity
Accommodation managers become your new best friends very quickly when you need something repaired
Washing up becomes running something under the tap
Uni dryers burn your clothes
A night out has never been so cheap
Primark becomes expensive
Days off are spent in bed or in pj's
Tesco value is amazing
Who has the most Tesco Clubcard points is WAR
Reheating takeaways for Breakfast is healthy
Housekeeping in the flat can get nasty
Lambrini becomes your fave drink
Have a bulls**t board in your kitchen and have a competition to see who can collect the most stuff on nites out
Drinking in the flat before you go out becomes routine
can't think of anymore me and my mate came up with them after a few bottles of wine lol
Researching on the internet will always result in you ending up on facebook and msn.
Competition for space in the freezer is high, especially when you have been shopping.
Eventually nobody will care that your kitchen is a mess, and it will only be tidied up the night before the cleaner is due.
You get you know your flatmates so well that you don't care if they see you in a morning with no makeup on and bed hair.
if you have a landlord/lady.. you only need to tidy one room on the day they visit and bring them in there :lol:
Attempting an assignment will always result in facebook.
You will develop the urge to tidy your room when you are supposed to be doing an assignment.
Getting post is one of the highlights of your day.
You have absolutely no money for food yet can always manage to find some to get smashed.
Turning up to lectures hungover becomes the norm.
One pair of jeans is sufficient to get you through the week.
You internal call, facebook or msn the person in the next room to you because you can't be bothered to get up and walk round. Alternatively, if your walls are only one breeze block thick, you can just raise your voice slightly to have a conversation.
You're scared to look at your bank balance.
Pound coins are like gold dust.
You will sleep during the afternoon, regardless of what time you got up.
CrazyLea
16-11-2008, 23:30
Scaringly, most of these apply to me... and I'm not even in Uni :|
The back of your chair, door and the floor will become your wardrobe.
You don't need to be in uni for this, happens in our home too :lol:
Fruit and veg will becoome a thing of the past and only ever bought when your parents take you shopping.
Getting up before 12pm on your day off is a sin.
There will be arguments over who hasn't washed their pots up and who is hiding glasses in their room.
Finding cups, plates etc weeks later covered in mould will not shock you and you will more than like put in back where you found it instead of washing it up or throwing it away
this thread is hilarious
15 shots in one night is not out of the ordinary, but you feel like crap in the morning!
if you get back before 3am it's a wasted night
eastenders becomes the central bonding session for everyone
pasta is the best food in the world
pasta is the best food in the world
Pasta is the only food that is in the cupboards. In various forms: spaghetti, spaghetti hoops, spaghetti shapes, noodles, pasta and sauce, tagliatelli and dried pasta.
Day time TV soon replaces Lectures and it is ok to drag your sofa outside of beers in the warmer months
This is going back a bit but, when I was a student in Glasgow in the early 80s and we missed our stop on the underground we used to stay on the train until it got back to the stop we meant to get off at. This made perfect sense at the time.
This only worked because Glasgow has a circular underground system - don't try it in London or Newcastle!
We also used to try getting off at evet stop and looking for a bar. There were bars - I didn't make it to all of them ,some of the stops seemed to be in areas of waste ground at that time. Nice yuppie flats there now I am sure.
We also used to go to the Carnival the Kelvin hall instead of lectures for most of the month of December. Students now can't do that as the carnival moved to the SECC years ago.
We also used to walk from Glasgow Uni to Anderson bus station at 3 am to get a night bus home after a night out.
(I would feel nervous doing that IN A CAR now!)
Me and my flatmate got on the wrong bus and didn't realise until everybody had got off and the bus driver came to see where we wanted to go. We ended up on a bus for an hour and half. We now get a taxi every time we come back from shopping.
Came across this website which some of you might find useful:
www.thestudentroom.co.uk, this site is a place to help you decide which uni to go to, how to survive a long-distance relationship and money saving advice. And there is a message board where you can chat to other freshers. :)
You get so skint that you nick toilet roll from the toilets in the library because you can't afford tissues for your cold.
You get so skint that you nick toilet roll from the toilets in the library because you can't afford tissues for your cold.
Awwwww
Well it is a public service :)
Found this on Facebook. Soo true...
1. Pound Coins are like gold.
2. Two meals a day is standard.
3. Spontaneous nights out become every night.
4. Checking for post was never an ego booster/breaker before.
5. You will begin to nap again.
6. Your bookstore bill will almost equal tuition.
7. Squirt guns = stress relief.
8. E-mail becomes your second language.
9. University students throw paper airplanes too.
10. You never realized so many people were smarter than you.
11. Western Europe could be wiped out by a horrible plague and you'd never know, but you can recite last weeks rerun of Coronation Street.
12. You will never rent more movies in your life.
13. No one is too old for video games.
14. The health service nurses are there because they couldnt make it in a real hospital. Never, ever forget that!
15. Campus is only clean for open days.
16. It never sucked so much to get sick.
17. Nothing you want to register for will be open.
18. Not all your food in the dining hall will be edible.
19. Lectures: the later the better, (but you will still nap through them)
20. You are no longer thankful that fire alarms are here to protect you.
21. Disney movies are more than just classics.
22. Asleep by 2:30 AM is an early night.
23. Cereal makes a meal any time of the day.
24. New additions to food groups: Pizza.
25. Cash Machines are the devils advocate.
26. Duct tape heals all wounds.
27. Keys have never been so important, yet you seem to lose them even more.
28. Showers become less important, sleep becomes more important.
29. You will eat anywhere that is a buffet.
30. You realize university is the ideal lifestyle, except for those pesky classes.
31. Procrastination is an art form.
32. Jeans may be worn as many times as the wearer desires.
33. The only time to dress up is when all your jeans are dirty.
34. Youll eat anything if its free.
35. A cancelled lecture is almost better than christmas. :rotfl: Too true!!
di marco
18-01-2009, 08:19
lol! ive seen that on fb before, its so true though!
14. The health service nurses are there because they couldnt make it in a real hospital. Never, ever forget that!
The doctors don't know how to deal with anything more serious than colds, freshers' flu and minor infections.
Paper plates, bowls, cups and plastic cutlery are the way to go :D
di marco
18-01-2009, 14:24
14. The health service nurses are there because they couldnt make it in a real hospital. Never, ever forget that!
The doctors don't know how to deal with anything more serious than colds, freshers' flu and minor infections.
if they dont know whats wrong with you, they will blame it on freshers flu, if you have no cold-like symptoms then they will blame it on an allergic reaction! :rolleyes:
One thing I found when I was at Uni.. my bedroom was spotless during exam week cause I would rather do that than study hahahahaha
yeah mine to, and that you would do anything rather than study unless it is the night before the exam
Textbooks, dont make good pillows, i discovered this last night again! i really must learn to stop doing it.
di marco
20-01-2009, 22:00
One thing I found when I was at Uni.. my bedroom was spotless during exam week cause I would rather do that than study hahahahaha
yeah mine to, and that you would do anything rather than study unless it is the night before the exam
yeh i agree, the whole house is spotless when theres work due!
Found this on Facebook. Soo true...
1. Pound Coins are like gold.
Thats true for me now!
What kind of accomdation are most of you in and what would you recomend?
Caterd? self catered?
en suite? shared?
I'm ensuite, self catered. There's five of us in a flat sharing a kitchen.
I'd recommend houses as opposed to traditional halls. They're more sociable as there are more people around and you can just pop next door. Here we have loads of security things so we can't just pop across the court and knock on someone's door. And you also get post delivered to your house :p
A typical house has 5-6 bedrooms, a kitchen/diner/living area, bath, shower and two toilets. You sacrifice floor space if you go in ensuite.
The traditional halls here have up to 12 people sharing a kitchen, three showers and three toilets.
I wouldn't go for catered halls because the canteens are generally only open weekdays and if you don't have breakfast or all meals every day then you're wasting money. I know Bristol catered halls don't have a cooker, just a microwave and sink.
Most unis offer a meal ticket option for self catered. Here its £35 for ten meals a week. A meal is a main, pudding and regular sized drink.
Depends if you can cook or can be bothered to cook. There's always the takeaway if you don't feel like it.
If you go self catering, paper plates and bowls all the way :thumbsup:
I'm in a self-catered en-suite halls. There are 5 of us in this flat, and 11 flats on a floor. The flats vary from 4-7 people in each. I would def recommend this set up because you have your privacy in your flat, and know your flatmates inside out. But you also know every other person on the floor, and can just go and knock and see whos in when you feel like it.
Don't do self-catered. Everyone hates it. Plus cooking becomes a very social thing here.
Yeah, cooking is a bonding exercise in the first few weeks. Highly recommended as a way to get to know your flatmates and what foods they like.
Yeah at first I thought catered cos I dont want to worry about money and stuff but im starting to think more towards sefl catered
Im just so worried about money, my mums like 'you better get a job, cos what are you gonna live off'
I have no idea where to look about loan information and what I get
Abbie, don't worry about getting a job. I know a few people who have jobs but they are locals and it makes sense for them to keep their jobs. The majority of students here don't have jobs. It will depend on how much you get for your loan and the cost of living at your uni as to if you need a job.
Don't stress about it, my mum was the same until I gave her all the info on grants, loans and bursaries. BTW, every university has to give a bursary to students who are paying the full £3k+ tuition fees. It's means tested but you will get something. You should get your full entitlement through around July and your accommodation allocation when you confirm in August so you can budget then.
On the student loans company website, there is a calculator that can estimate how much loan and grant you will get. As your dad is a lecturer I don't think you will get the full grant (was about £2500 for this year for earnings under £15k) but if your parents earn less than £60000 pa then you will get a partial grant.
Set up a student account at a bank that offers 0% interest on a decent sized overdraft and will convert to a graduate account after you graduate (no interest on grad accts). I'm with HSBC and I've got a £1k 0% overdraft, which goes up every September by about £1k to a max of £7k in the fifth year.
Ok some of that makes sense to me, Im not good with numbers and banks, thats why im trying to read up on the stuff now, so I will finally understand it when the time comes :p
I manage to live off my loan and i have been self catered, i find it easier as sometimes we share food and cook together.
Last year there were 12 of us to a kitchen, it was interesting to say the least, this year in the house it is a bit less hectic!
Shop around with your student account. Don't go for the freebies, they are usually rubbish deals. And stay away from the Halifax. They messed me around like nobody's business charging me for unauthorised overdrafts when it was their fault.
di marco
27-01-2009, 09:13
in my first year i was self catered with shared facilities with 5 of us in a house. i definitely think self catered is best as you can cook what you want and as others have said its very socialable, and also i went to eat a few times with friends who were in catered and the food was disgusting! also, it might differ slightly from uni to uni, but at my uni if youre in catered you only got breakfast and half a main meal paid for or no breakfast and a full main meal paid for during the week and only breakfast at weekends which isnt good when the size of the catered kitchens here were the same size as the cupboard in my house and only had a microwave, sink and small fridge for 8 of them!
i think it depends whether shared or ensuite is best, the house ive been in the past 2yrs is ensuite and i absolutely love it as i can get up as late as i want for my lectures and not have to worry about someone else being in the bathroom and spend as long as i like in there and not worry about other people needing to use it. although i had shared facilities in my first year, there was 5 of us sharing a shower and 2 toilets, which worked out quite well seeing as mostly we didnt all have early lectures at the same time. if you are thinking about having shared facilities id definitely recommend looking at what they are like first as some unis i looked at the bathrooms were disgusting and shared with lots of people and the halls at my uni have horrible bathrooms as well but luckily the ones in the houses were nice and we had a cleaner once a week so you didnt have to clean the bathroom after everyone else had used it. id say definitely dont rule out shared facilities straight away before youve had a look at the accomodation, as although i wanted ensuite to start with, it was a lot more expensive (it was over £1000 more expensive at my uni) and as long as the bathroom is nice and theres not too many of you sharing then its not as bad as you might first think, especially as i managed to cope being the only girl sharing with 4 boys for the whole year! id definitely recommend going self catered though unless the catering at the uni you want to go to is excellent!
di marco
27-01-2009, 09:21
Abbie, don't worry about getting a job. I know a few people who have jobs but they are locals and it makes sense for them to keep their jobs. The majority of students here don't have jobs. It will depend on how much you get for your loan and the cost of living at your uni as to if you need a job.
i agree about the jobs. most people i know dont have jobs and we havent starved yet! the few people i know who have jobs, although they have more money, are always so stressed cos they dont have time to do everything. ive found as well that its easy to earn extra cash by helping the pyschology students with their experiments (can get between £2 - £5 for a 20min experiment, some even pay £20 for 1hr!) and you can get paid £5 an hour for doing campus tours when needed or even just staying in your room all day while campus tours are happening so people can look at what your rooms like, so you might have something like that at the uni you go to if you ever need to earn a bit of extra money
Don't stress about it, my mum was the same until I gave her all the info on grants, loans and bursaries. BTW, every university has to give a bursary to students who are paying the full £3k+ tuition fees. It's means tested but you will get something. You should get your full entitlement through around July and your accommodation allocation when you confirm in August so you can budget then.[/QUOTE]
when did that come about, the university bursary thing? do you have to apply to the uni directly or should you just automatically get it? as i dont think ive had it, unless ive just not noticed!
di marco
27-01-2009, 09:26
Set up a student account at a bank that offers 0% interest on a decent sized overdraft and will convert to a graduate account after you graduate (no interest on grad accts). I'm with HSBC and I've got a £1k 0% overdraft, which goes up every September by about £1k to a max of £7k in the fifth year.
Shop around with your student account. Don't go for the freebies, they are usually rubbish deals. And stay away from the Halifax. They messed me around like nobody's business charging me for unauthorised overdrafts when it was their fault.
i agree with that. my overdraft is either £1.5k or £2k and interest free, and is definitely very useful having it! although some banks dont just give the overdraft to you, you have to ask for it when you set up the account, as my housemate has had problems trying to get hers changed as she didnt originally ask for the full overdraft and so only got given £100, dont know what bank that was though. also, although most of the free deals are rubbish or not that useful in the long run, its worth looking at them as some might be benefitical to you, i get a free railcard with mine every year and for the next 2 years after i graduate which gives me a third off of all train journeys which is good for me as i use the train a lot, although obviously worthless to people who dont!
Don't stress about it, my mum was the same until I gave her all the info on grants, loans and bursaries. BTW, every university has to give a bursary to students who are paying the full £3k+ tuition fees. It's means tested but you will get something. You should get your full entitlement through around July and your accommodation allocation when you confirm in August so you can budget then.
when did that come about, the university bursary thing? do you have to apply to the uni directly or should you just automatically get it? as i dont think ive had it, unless ive just not noticed!
It's on the last page of the loan application form about bursaries. Don't tick the box, then the SLC will send details of your loan and parent's income to the university, who will then assess how much bursary you receive.
I don't know if it's just for 2008 students onwards. Ask your student services about it. Ours are paid in two instalments at the end of Feb and end of March.
Bursaries differ between each university, actually. We get payments in December and April, for a start. Also, you apply to the university directly when you get here, whether you ticked that box or not. You give your name in, they look up your details, and send you a letter telling you how much they will pay you - Its very easy.
We give student bursaries to a variety of students and some are not means tested.
They are generally for £1000 a year and are paid in monthly installments direct into bank accounts.
students have to apply at the time of accepting a place directly to the University.
I work at a University in Edinburgh, so the system will be different to most English universities.
di marco
27-01-2009, 21:32
thanks everyone :) i might ask my housemates and see if they knew about it/got any money and then go and see the people who sort out the bursaries and stuff on campus and ask them
You spend so much time travelling on trains that you know the exact times between stations and could do the conductor's job for him.
DaVeyWaVey
07-08-2009, 15:48
I love this thread! Just been reading the tips and observations and thought I would dig it back up...
I can't wait for uni now. I am so excited but I am really nervous too!
I think I worked out that I can spend like £30 a week or something like that as a reasonable budget.
i'd advise having a bit more put aside for September as you always spend more, textbooks, joining clubs, freshers week.
di marco
08-08-2009, 06:42
yeh i agree. some weeks you will need more than that, like katy said freshers week and also near xmas and end of year. though some weeks ive got by on £10 so spending more on some weeks wont matter
i'd advise having a bit more put aside for September as you always spend more, textbooks, joining clubs, freshers week.
With regards to those, only buy the core books for your course that you will use for the whole three years. The rest you can get from the library and there's no point spending good money on books that you will only use for one module.
Also, your university might have a e-library facility where the books are online. At Staffs we have access to four or five online ebook sites with millions of books. TBH, I've only used it once as it's a right faff and I prefer real books to a monitor when looking things up.
The module leader for one of my modules insisted we all buy a particular textbook, which was around 40 quid, for a 12 week module. I kept refusing to fork out so much when a) it wasn't necessary; b) I wouldn't use it; c) I can get it from the library. Stupid woman :rolleyes:
So yeah, don't buy text books straight away. Your lecturers will let you know which they reference from most often and which you will get most use out of.
yeah definitly buy them after you start. Also try second hand, i put all mine on amazon and buy them from there to, most are in great condition and are really cheap in comparasion to what you usually would.
DaVeyWaVey
09-08-2009, 22:08
Thanks for the tips! I will try and save more money then so I can spend more than £30 a week :D
I was thinking of buying some books after I get my results.. but I might not bother now or if I do, I will get them second hand. I think some of the second year students are offering to sell their books to first years, so I might see if I can get some of the core books from them.
yeah thats a good idea davey, spent an absolute fortune my first year and some of them i never even looked at.
The max i spent on a book last year was probably a fiver and it was rrp at 45 quid, because it was second hand. There are usually notice boards in the librarys where other students advertise there old books. I was spoeaking to my friend yesterday and he is going for the first time in september and the excitements kicking in.
I just cant believe how fast it has gone.
DaVeyWaVey
10-08-2009, 12:08
Ah ok, I'll have a look in the library when I get there as well :) What uni is your friend hoping to go to? The excitement is kicking in for me now as well - after some initial doubts, now it is so near.. I just want to get there. I still am nervous as well but it's a mixture of nerves and excitement.
Ah ok, I'll have a look in the library when I get there as well :) What uni is your friend hoping to go to? The excitement is kicking in for me now as well - after some initial doubts, now it is so near.. I just want to get there. I still am nervous as well but it's a mixture of nerves and excitement.
hes going to nottingham. the nerves will soon pass im sure once your there. I found i was too busy to be nervous!
di marco
13-08-2009, 08:28
although textbooks are often in the library, before you dont buy any and assume you will be able to get them from the library check out how many copies the library actually has. as the library at my uni sometimes only has 1 or 2 copies and so unless you are really organised and get the book out a few months before a deadline/exam you might not be able to get hold of it
Hollie-x
13-08-2009, 10:55
Okay, so I have 2 years to go at college before I start Uni but I'm looking around on the internet and have ordered a few prospectuses, just for a bit of research really, but I'm just wondering does anybody go to Liverpool University? I'm curious about it because me and a friend are planning on going to the same uni and getting a flat together because a relative of hers owns some houses around the area and we can get it for cheaper and that. Also I've had a career change I think. I was gonna do midwifery but I plan on moving to the states when i'm done studying and the midwife part is not the same over there as here and so it'd be hard to get a job where I'd understand it all properly so i'm thinking that i'm gonna do my nursing degree first so I can cover all the different aspects and maybe even choose a different branch. But anyways, yeah I was just wondering if anybody went to Liverpool?
thankyouu
Do you mean Liverpool John Moors?
I've been doing a bit of research on nursing and LJM comes 13th in the top 20 in the country according to the Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/higher/table-top-universities-for-professions-813758.html) (24th April 08)
In the Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2009/may/12/university-guide-nursing-paramedical-studies) league tables for 2010, LJM comes second from bottom (72)
If you are really serious about moving to America after you graduate, you'd be better applying for the top five or top ten universities. York, Leeds and Sheffield are all excellent unis (not the metropolitan ones) and easy to get to. Also, find out if employers over there prefer diplomas or degrees.
After you graduate, you could do a shortened midwifery course (about 18 months).
Most universities have two intakes of nursing students in January and September each year
Hollie-x
13-08-2009, 12:18
Thanks for that.:D It's not the John Moores one it's University of Liverpool.
Obv it's still early but like I say I wanna get some info before I start really considering places. When do you start like going for open days and that? Do you do it first year of college because a few people I know are in their first year and have already said they've been and decided where they want to go.
You can go visit at any pont. Most universities have open days every week, usually on Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year.
Also, I forgot to mention. Don't choose a university just because your friend is and you can get cheap housing. A good degree from a good university is more important than saving a few grand over the duration of your course. There's no guarantees that you will both get offers and both get the results needed to go, especially if you are applying for something as competitive as nursing and other medicine courses.
Hollie-x
13-08-2009, 14:14
You can go visit at any pont. Most universities have open days every week, usually on Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year.
Also, I forgot to mention. Don't choose a university just because your friend is and you can get cheap housing. A good degree from a good university is more important than saving a few grand over the duration of your course. There's no guarantees that you will both get offers and both get the results needed to go, especially if you are applying for something as competitive as nursing and other medicine courses.
Yeah, that's what i've been thinking, I did have UoL as an option before she mentioned she was gonna try and get in here, my second choice if I don't get in is one closer to home so I can still live at home.
Thanks for the info
di marco
13-08-2009, 17:23
like abigail said, dont go to a uni cos your friend is going. if its still the uni you want to go to after youve looked round some then obviously that would be good but dont rule others out til youve seen them. also even though quite a lot of unis have open days throughout the year, quite a lot of unis have their big open days in october so if you wanna start looking early you might wanna see when the unis will be having theirs. also even though you can go anytime, remember that as you wont be going to uni for a few years some of the info you get given might be slightly different from what it would be when you get there as it wont be catered for your year (if that makes sense). also maybe have a look on american job websites to see what sort of qualifications the jobs over there require. its good that youre thinking about it early though
Im looking forward to it now but Im also for the first time starting to feel really nervous, I dunno, everything just feels a bit surreal at the moment
Im looking forward to it now but Im also for the first time starting to feel really nervous, I dunno, everything just feels a bit surreal at the moment
Nervous is good in a way though i suppose, where is it your going again?
Your all have a great time when you get there, and it will go so quickly i remember posting on here how nervous i was, cant believe i am going to be in my third year!
I think its nervous in a good way, I cant really tell at the moment, it doesnt help that I just got back from holiday and need to get back to normal, but there is no normal since its still a long summer and Im sort of inbetween education if you know what I mean
Exeter.......well hopefully
Kirsty :]
18-08-2009, 17:42
Awww this thread makes me want to go to Uni :(.. but only for the lifestyle, which is why I'm not going lol
Now I can start thinking about what to take and planning everything :p Ok I know I said I was nervous but now Im dead excited. I know league tables dont really matter that much but I didnt realise that Exeter was 9th and me mam was like you've done well to get into to, cos this year so many people didnt get in cos there werent enough places in Uni's since so many had applied this year.
I just hope I got the accomodation I wanted
i took way too muich stuff that i didnt need.
Bet your feeling relieved now you know that you got in. you can really focus on preparing for the move and things.
yeah same.
My mum has already started asking me what I want to take
I think I will take my TV just in case and my laptop is so unpredictable, but cos theyve already had the switch-over I need to take my freeview box
I took my TV me and my friend found it extremely useful when it was winter and we had a night in watching DVDs or something.
Laptops a major as well, id be lost without mine. May be worth buying a cheap printer, i did as it hjas saved me money in the longrun as i dont have to buy by the sheet in the Library.
I split it into essentials, would like but could do without and dont really need and would be stupid if i did catagories and then i could try and reduce the stuff.
Oh I already have a printer Im taking, cos my old one broke so Epson gave us a big discount and this printer just like my old one has a built in scanner and its a copier, even though everyone uses it, it is mine :p
My mum has told me to start making lists of stuff :p
yeah its a good idea to take one, thats what mines like i picked it up cheaply and it has a copier and scanner which comes in handy when i need to copy my notes for people or theres for me. Cheaper again than the library.
YEah i always make lists yet somehow always manage to fioget something!
Lol, Im worried about the suitcase to fit my clothes in
StarsOfCCTV
22-08-2009, 23:31
Try shops and supermarkets they usually have old cardboard boxes they don't want you can use for moving.
I have an old printer to take with me. Its a bit temperamental and slow which is why we got a new one but it still works and has a scanner so I'm going to take it. :p I think I will bring my TV too. Maybe me and my flatmates can share the license fee and just have the one telly...have to see about that.
The flatmates I've found on facebook seem really nice so far. Two girls and one boy currently. (6 in a flat though).
Quick question though - is it worth buying Freshers tickets in advance. There are 6 events I can go to on respective nights. Realistically I'm not going to go to all of them maybe 3 or 4. Also the last one is the 'main event' but it is £20. Is it worth paying that for a night out?...I'm not convinced but don't want to be stuck home alone so to speak..:p
Have to start shopping for uni stuff soon! :thumbsup:
Chloe O'brien
22-08-2009, 23:40
Two year ago when I bought Marley her laptop for her Christmas from pc world I got a hp colour printer there for £18 It was a great buy.
T
Quick question though - is it worth buying Freshers tickets in advance. There are 6 events I can go to on respective nights. Realistically I'm not going to go to all of them maybe 3 or 4. Also the last one is the 'main event' but it is £20. Is it worth paying that for a night out?...I'm not convinced but don't want to be stuck home alone so to speak..:p
Twenty quid for a freshers ticket?! Is this a union event or a private club? I'd be very concerned if the union are charging 20 quid a ticket.
I'd say go to as many freshers activities as you can, time and money permitting. Generally, universities offer entry to freshers first, then second and third years later on during the night i.e. freshers have priority during the first week.
There's no way I'd pay twenty quid for a ticket for one night though. Once you factor in drinks, taxi (if applicable), food afterwards it will be one expensive night out. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy a ticket but think carefully about whether you want to go to an expensive event when you can go out on the other five nights for not as much. Your loan has to last until January.
StarsOfCCTV
23-08-2009, 01:16
Its on campus. I think its a union thing but they have guest DJs or something like that. Considering I have no idea who they are maybe I shouldn't go. :lol: I have money saved up so I could afford all the events but I'll give it a bit of thought. Probably just end up going to the others.
My sister says I shouldn't buy tickets in advance but on the Facebook page it says Advance tickets recquired. Does that mean advance prebook or advance you can buy when you get there. Ahh I'm so confused. :p
I think its going to be Neon Rave, Comedy Night and Beach Party if I prebook. I'm not sure about Silent Disco though, it seems a bit rubbish. One of my flatmates has booked tickets to ALL of the events, so at least I'll have someone to go with/walk back with. And no taxi fairs because they are all on campus. Hooray. :lol:
sorry this post was me thinking out loud :p
We still have the cardboard boxes from when we moved down here.
Its just I will want to keep a suitcase down there with me but not a huge one lol
Id probably wait till you get there, as sometimes we hold events that need advance booking but that usually means anytime before the night. Its easier to decide once your there and then you can plan what to do.
We are still in the process of oorganising what to do with our freshers.
Also there may be stuff going on with say your halls or your departments which you may want to go to instead.
Id suggest getting a balance of halls, general union and department as that way you can make sure you meet a variety of people
My sister says I shouldn't buy tickets in advance but on the Facebook page it says Advance tickets recquired. Does that mean advance prebook or advance you can buy when you get there. Ahh I'm so confused. :p
Advanced means you just have to buy the ticket before the doors open or a certain time otherwise you won't get in.
We can buy advanced tickets for our union club on the union website, saves a quid on door prices but entry is only guaranteed until 11pm and you have to book at least two hours before doors open.
Luckily this year I'll get in for free to all union venues because I'm a union officer. That'll save me up to a tenner a week.
DaVeyWaVey
23-08-2009, 17:20
I'm not entirely sure what I'm asking here.. but what loan stuff do you have to take with you for uni? For example, I've got a payment schedule letter which I need to take with me for registration but my mum seems convinced that I should have another letter somewhere, to show proof that I'm getting money from the Welsh assembly but I can't find it anywhere. Will showing the payment schedule letter be enough?
I know you have to take GCSE/A Level certificates as well to prove your qualifications.. but I think that's about it.
I'm not entirely sure what I'm asking here.. but what loan stuff do you have to take with you for uni? For example, I've got a payment schedule letter which I need to take with me for registration but my mum seems convinced that I should have another letter somewhere, to show proof that I'm getting money from the Welsh assembly but I can't find it anywhere. Will showing the payment schedule letter be enough?
I know you have to take GCSE/A Level certificates as well to prove your qualifications.. but I think that's about it.
Payment schedule letter should be all you need. They just scan the barcode on the side of the paper to confirm your enrolment and the money will be in your account within three working days. I say should, last year it took a week before any of us got our loans.
You shouldn't need to take any certificates as UCAS will have already sent the university your exam results.
StarsOfCCTV
23-08-2009, 18:41
Id probably wait till you get there, as sometimes we hold events that need advance booking but that usually means anytime before the night. Its easier to decide once your there and then you can plan what to do.
Advanced means you just have to buy the ticket before the doors open or a certain time otherwise you won't get in.
We can buy advanced tickets for our union club on the union website, saves a quid on door prices but entry is only guaranteed until 11pm and you have to book at least two hours before doors open.
Luckily this year I'll get in for free to all union venues because I'm a union officer. That'll save me up to a tenner a week.
Thanks you two. They should really make that clear on their website but oh well.
No Problem.
And Davey, the schedule letter you got should be fine, it will have your council on the top and that shows you are ibn Wales and therefore get the welsh stuff on top. The finance deparrments are usually top so they heolp you and if somethings not right then i found student finance have been really helpful when you phoine them up.
I got the accomodation I wanted :D :D
squillyfer
26-08-2009, 20:46
I'm a bit worried about my finance, according to my payment schedule my tuition fee installments aren't being paid until february and may
That's normal, its how everyone's tuition fees are paid.
That's normal, its how everyone's tuition fees are paid.
Yah Abigails right, its the way all tutition is paid. You dont need to worry about Tuitionj as iot doesnt even go anywhere near your account, goes straight to the Uni.
Ok, well Ive been on and paid the deposit for my accomodation. Nice to know its dead easy to do :D
This is for all those who have budgeted at uni...
How much have you budgeted for food, going out etc? How much is a decent amount to live on for a week/month?
After I've paid my rent I'll have about £2500, not including my bursary (which will be about £500 going on last year's.) I'm thinking £300 a month, including phone bill will be sufficient. My phone bill comes to about £43 a month so I'll have £257 after that.
I'm going to transfer a set amount each month into a different account (I'll be getting interest on the rest of my loan and can't overspend). My rent is inclusive of utilities and internet so all I have to pay is food and socialising.
I was on another forum and someone said they lived on £25 a week :eek: I spend more than that on food. It depends where I shop, Sainsbury's I often spent £75 every 7-10 days, not including alcohol whereas Tesco is usually cheaper. I have discovered the Booze Busters does three litres of wine for a fiver :D
I do have my overdraft but I don't want to end up in the same situation I was four months ago.
What is your typical budget? Is £250 a month enough? I am planning on cutting my food spending down, making meals and freezing them, not eating out for dinner and tea every day etc.
Still have no accommodation - glad im not off till very end of september!!!!
mine never came through till very late, i wouldnt worry, they are still people going through clearing.
I just got an email confiriming my acceptance and they got my deposit :D
This is for all those who have budgeted at uni...
How much have you budgeted for food, going out etc? How much is a decent amount to live on for a week/month?
After I've paid my rent I'll have about £2500, not including my bursary (which will be about £500 going on last year's.) I'm thinking £300 a month, including phone bill will be sufficient. My phone bill comes to about £43 a month so I'll have £257 after that.
I'm going to transfer a set amount each month into a different account (I'll be getting interest on the rest of my loan and can't overspend). My rent is inclusive of utilities and internet so all I have to pay is food and socialising.
I was on another forum and someone said they lived on £25 a week :eek: I spend more than that on food. It depends where I shop, Sainsbury's I often spent £75 every 7-10 days, not including alcohol whereas Tesco is usually cheaper. I have discovered the Booze Busters does three litres of wine for a fiver :D
I do have my overdraft but I don't want to end up in the same situation I was four months ago.
What is your typical budget? Is £250 a month enough? I am planning on cutting my food spending down, making meals and freezing them, not eating out for dinner and tea every day etc.
This is a good idea
I think I once worked out that when I took the total of my accomodation away from the total of the loan im getting and then divided that by 40, cos my contract is for 40 weeks, I ended up with about £40 a week
This is for all those who have budgeted at uni...
How much have you budgeted for food, going out etc? How much is a decent amount to live on for a week/month?
After I've paid my rent I'll have about £2500, not including my bursary (which will be about £500 going on last year's.) I'm thinking £300 a month, including phone bill will be sufficient. My phone bill comes to about £43 a month so I'll have £257 after that.
I'm going to transfer a set amount each month into a different account (I'll be getting interest on the rest of my loan and can't overspend). My rent is inclusive of utilities and internet so all I have to pay is food and socialising.
I was on another forum and someone said they lived on £25 a week :eek: I spend more than that on food. It depends where I shop, Sainsbury's I often spent £75 every 7-10 days, not including alcohol whereas Tesco is usually cheaper. I have discovered the Booze Busters does three litres of wine for a fiver :D
I do have my overdraft but I don't want to end up in the same situation I was four months ago.
What is your typical budget? Is £250 a month enough? I am planning on cutting my food spending down, making meals and freezing them, not eating out for dinner and tea every day etc.
This is a good idea
I think I once worked out that when I took the total of my accomodation away from the total of the loan im getting and then divided that by 40, cos my contract is for 40 weeks, I ended up with about £40 a week
I couldn't live on a set amount a week. Its a psychological thing I think, but 300 a month sounds more manageable than 75 a week.
I'll probably leave uni as soon as I'm finished in April so I'm only budgeting up until the end of April. Anything after that will come out of my overdraft (which I hopefully won't have to use)
I think I might even have less than £40 a week with my first loan installment
First one is always the worst, especially as you don't know the exact cost of things where you will be living and rent is typically higher for the first two semesters than the third.
Yeah the first semester is the most expensive in rent and its when I get the smallest loan installment
i cant budget, i always end up with like nothing in the last week of the month before my oney comes in! Its insane, i am getting slightly better.
That seems very organised.
CrazyLea
10-09-2009, 21:23
Well it seems I have got into uni (UWIC), got a phonecall from track, as they had problems with it yesterday while in the middle of making a decision.
Not sure how I got into uni. Only did 14 out of 18 units, thus getting NC instead of ND (only applied for HND mind)
But yeah, really didn't think I'd get in so didn't do my finance form or apply for accommodation so can't go this year.
Anyone know whether if you defer a year, you had to have applied for both this year? Or.. ?
You can still go this year if your place hasn't been given to someone else. Applications for student finance can be done up to nine months after the start of the course so you haven't missed out there. You might need some money to tide you over until your application is assessed though.
Regarding accommodation, the university may still have some places left or you could go in private rented.
If you want to defer, you should still be able to if you still have a place allocated for this year. Some universities don't accept deferred places so you will have to check with the faculty if they allow it for your course.
Student finance and accommodation for this year shouldn't affect your deferment.
My friend applied for his place on a course and moved into halls two days later so it is possible to do it this year.
What Abigail said ^^^
CAnt really add anything to that! What would you be studying for Lea?
I budgeted, i think, got about £50 per week depending on my phone bill and rent when that goes out! I doubt it will last long though, im always scrimping and saving at the end of the month to try and find two pennies to rub together!
I'm thinking more along the lines to £200 a month now (£250 including phone bill) with a contingency of £50 in case I need to go home urgently or there's another emergency.
I'm not planning on going home so often, probably once or twice a semester. Regular trips to Sainsburys on a Sunday afternoon at 3pm to raid the reduced section and cooking food from scratch and freezing them will also be on my "cost cutting" list.
YEah thats a good idea to, im a big fan of freezing half and having at a later date, i have a little freezer in my room which is good.
My Uni ID card came in the post today :D
What's your mugshot like?
I think we get new ones each year. Knowing me I'll probably lose mine after the first week. It gets expensive at a fiver for the first replacement card, 7 quid for the second and a tenner for everyone after that...
Lol Its ok, its the one I used when I sent off for my provisional
Im not sure if I get a new one, its says it expires 2012
Ours didn't have expiry dates or date of birth on last year so technically weren't legal. Of course, the university refused to replace them due to the sheer cost of reissuing 16000 ID cards.
Hopefully they'll have got it right this year (not holding out much hope though, nothing gets done unless you sit in someone's office and refuse to move until they do it).
7 days to go :)
Ive still got 2 weeks to go
StarsOfCCTV
12-09-2009, 00:22
I start next Friday..
Wow, good luck, I think my friend starts a week today
Kirsty :]
15-09-2009, 00:39
Not sure if I've already told you but Stars but one of my good friends is going to UWE :) what are you studying there again?
DaVeyWaVey
15-09-2009, 00:53
I start on the 26th September...so 11 days to go. Looking forward to it, don't really know what to expect but it's all good. Hopefully I'll like it. The main thing I'm worried about is what if I find the course too hard and I have to come home :( the social part just sounds amazing.
StarsOfCCTV
15-09-2009, 01:29
The main thing I'm worried about is what if I find the course too hard and I have to come home :(
Ditto.
It is only natural to be a little concerned about the unknown which you are going to experience but I am sure that you will be ok, it will be tough at times but if you get down to serious studying and some partying you will be doing fine. :)
Im excited and nervous.
I think its cos up until now all summer its been like, omg the dance show! and dancing a lot and now its just uni and Ive been spending a lot of time with one of my closest friends and its just gonna be really werid
it is weird, but it doesnt last for long! Trust me! I cant believe i will be back on saturday for final year! Weird!
Good luck! Is anyone moving in this weekend
squillyfer
17-09-2009, 23:18
its so wierd cos i started here at Dundee on the fifth so my freshers week has been and gone and yet some people havent even moved in yet
I was talking to one of my friend's dad in Tesco yesterday and he said York don't go back until middle of October :eek: They only have 9 week terms.
yeah at bangor going back this weekend is quite early in realtion to some places.
Some of my friends are moving this weekend, Nottingham and Huddesfield.
Scary times!
One of my closest friends is going tomorrow :(
I still have another week!
Look I found a checklist of what to take to Uni! :lol: it goes on and on :lol:
Documents
Passport photos
Passport or driving licence
NHS number
National Insurance number
TV Licence
CV and references
Discount travel cards
Bank account details
Address book and email contacts list
Local map
What's on guide
Old textbooks and notes
List of phone numbers
Support notification form
Diary or calander
Doctor and dentist details
Other university documents
Exam certificates
Room insurance
Kitchen
A lot of the kitchen stuff will depend if you're going self catering or not.
Corkscrew
Bottle opener
Mugs
Glasses
Wine glasses
Shot glasses
Kettle
Knives, forks and spoons
Plates
Bowls (for cereal, soup, icecream, etc)
One-person casserole dish
Small frying or omelette pan
1 small, 1 large saucepan with lids
Egg cup
Tin opener
Scissors
Chopping knife
Chopping board - An extra chopping board if you are cutting meat: this way you avoid food poisoning!!!
Vegetable peeler
Cheese grater - (Ikea do a very good one that has the grater as a lid so all the cheese goes into a box/compartment neatly and you can leave it in there to store aswell)
Breadknife
Wooden spoon
Spatula - good for a washing up implement.
Potato Masher (only if you are a fan of mash tho!)
Easy to follow recipe book
Store cupboard ingredients - coffee, tea, milk, sugar, eggs, margarine, cooking oil, salt and pepper - and let's not forget pasta
Coffee whitener - for when you run out of milk
Sandwich bags - good for lots of stuff you open and need to contain. e.g. sugar / teabags and things
Plastic bowl or box with lid
Microwaveable bowl
Cling film
Tin foil
Sieve
Tea towels
Oven gloves
Washing-up stuff - Washing-up liquid / Dishcloth / Scrubbing brush
Tray - For carrying food to your room and to stop you making a mess if you're not eating at a table
Chopsticks
Studying
Desk lamp (Halogen)
Book chair - saves a lot of neck strain if you are making notes out of a big book]
Notice board - for timetables, numbers, etc. Some halls may already provide one.
Message board with erasable marker eg. a mini white board or one of those magnetic sand ones that you can wipe
Diary/planner - to keep track of assignments
Dictionary and thesaurus
A pad of lined paper - for making notes/doing drafts etc
Ream of printing paper
A4 folders
Pens, pencils, paper, files, highlighters
Scissors
Sticky tape
Stapler, hole punch
Sticky labels
Post-it notes
Paper clips
White Tac - so it doesn't mark the walls
Stamps and envelopes
Outdoor
Sports gear
Bike
Raincoat
Umbrella
Healthcare
Multivitamins
Painkillers
Condoms/pill
Basic first aid kit - plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages
Paracetamol
Some cold/flu remedy incase you are struck down by freshers' flu
Pro-Plus
Anti-allergy pills - eg. Piriton anti-allergy tablets
A cold/hot pack
Bathroom
Bath mat
Bath and hand towels (+ possibly a flanel)
Basket for shower supplies
Wash bag
Toilet roll
Box of tissues
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Soap - sqeasy (bottle) soap is probably better. If you're sharing bathrooms then it's easier to transport and wont slip onto the floor etc.
Showergel
Shampoo / Conditioner
Nail clippers
Deodorant
Cologne
Hair gel
Hair spray
Hairbrush
Comb
Razor
Shaving cream/gel
Lip balm
Housekeeping
Febreeze - To stop clothes / fabric getting to smelly
Laundry bag - So your dirty clothes don't end up on the floor. And for dragging to the laundry or dumping on your parents to wash for you!
Clothes horse - Save money on dryers by drying your clothes in your room
Coat hangers - you may not get any in wardrobes
Dustpan and brush - for cleaning up the odd mess, though most unis should provide this
Duster
Kitchen towel
Cif cleaning products/Detox?
Washing powder/liquid/tablets - if the washing powder dispenser isn't working
Door wedge - an open door in freshers week is much more friendly
Electrical
Alarm clock (maybe 2 in two different locations in your roomto make sure lectures are at least attempted, even if you carry on sleeping there!)
Calculator - for sorting out finances
Computer and/or laptop - saves on queues at deadline time
Computer mouse for laptop - easier to use than a trackpad
Floppy disks (diskettes) and CDR's (CDRW's cheaper in long run) - for backing up work
USB "pen drive" - carrying projects etc between uni, internet cafe, friends comp, etc. quickly, easily and RELIABLY!
Printer - printing could take up to six hours on uni computers
Network cable - to access the internet from the socket in your room
Mini fridge - for beer and other items you don't want in the communal fridge
Bedside lamp
Mobile and charger
Answering machine
CD player/Hi?-fi system - though better (certainly space wise) just to bring speakers and use your computer
TV - but license fee will be costly. There will doubtless be a communal TV you can watch. Also worth considering a TV-DVD/-VCR combi or seperate VCR/DVD players
Camera - to take pictures of room and friends (to send home/put on website ... everything else people do with photos)
Headphones - so you don't disturb others when you play music loud. You can get 'infra-red' ones that aren't too expensive and allow you to walk around while still listening to the music.
Batteries - rechargeable (save money)
Multi plug adaptor/extension lead - to give you more than the normal 2/4 sockets
Clothing
Dressing gown
Slippers
T-shirts
Jumpers
Trowsers
Underwear
Socks
Shoes
Trainers
Flip flops - for wearing in showers / communal wash areas
Swimwear
Ball gowns/eveningwear - for the Freshers' Ball.
Shirt and tie for any smart-casual events
Leisure
Board games - a couple, will make a good fun free evening (not sure about your phrasing! - its not mine)
Pack of card
Ball - rugby ball/football for friendly matches/made up games
Frisbee - again for the occassional game (rugby style)
Style
Posters - though theses are often available during freshers week - (you might need things to cover bad decoration)
Photos of family and friends
Wall hanging - more homely than posters
Rugs - to hide the mangy carpet
Fairylights/disco ball/police light/lava lamp
Cushions/beanbags - for friends to sit down in your room
A throw - to make your bed into a sofa for friends to sit on
Pot plants
Teddy bear/stuffed toys
Blankets - for when it gets cold and you want to snuggle up
Bedding
Sheets
Duvet and duvet covers
Pillows & pillow cases - did you know the average used pillow is 75% dead flesh?
Mattress cover - goes between the mattress and the bottom sheet
Hot water bottle
Inflatable mattress and pump - for your mates when they visit
Sleeping bag - for when friends come to stay/when you go to stay
Miscellaneous
Alcohol - to make new friends with
Sweets or biscuits - to distribute to flatmates
Extra storage - cardboard or plastic boxes for things which wont fit anywhere else
Large suitcase - to put things in when going home for the weekend
A spare lightbulb
Torch - for power cuts and looking under desks/chairs/beds
Pen knife
Loose change - for washing / vending machines
Earplugs - to cut out noise you don't want to hear
Bookends - probably unecessary; just use something else (eg pot of pasta, sugar etc)
Poster hangers - if you're not allowed Blu-/White?-Tac on the walls
Safety pins
Small sewing kit - just incase you need to do a quik fix on a rip or tear (like the ones you get in hotels)
Small toolkit
Matches
Fan
Clock
Female specific items
Hair Ties/clips
Make up
Lip Gloss
Jewellery Box
Jewellery
Moisturiser
Baby Oil
Nail Varnish
Hair removing cream
Hair dryer / straightners
Male specific items
Shaving brush
Don't bother with
Iron
Toaster
Sandwich maker - (I disagree that it isn't worth bringing) they're cheap and compact so if you like the taste of what they make then take one. A hot meal in minutes with little effort. The down side is they can be very messy when combined with cheese so you'll want to put it on a tray when in use.
Nice kitchen stuff - it will get used then left on the side to rot/rust
Candles - serious fire hazard
And all things that everyone gets, so if you're in flats rather than halls, you may want to wait and see if you really need to splash out when you could just borrow your flatmate's.
Blooming 'eck Abbie!
Half the things on this list can be put on your phone/ipod
Don't buy food before you go, except tea bags and milk if you cannot do without for 30 minutes. Wait until you know how much storage space you have.
Don't buy stuff because you think you might need it, wait until you do. I have never used a wooden spoon - I am 44 and cook all the time. Oven gloves - use a folded tea towel like everyone else who isn't a granny.
Don't buy glasses for every occasion, you get these when you set up home or get married. For student living chunky glasses from ikea do every thing from juice to vodka.
Don't buy loads of crockery, the more you have the more will get used before you wash it. 2 of each item tops.
For all the kitchen stuff Ikea is ideal, if you are going to a self catered hall first find out what is provided. E.g. some places provide saucepans, but most don't.
On that list I would emphasis the medical section as being definitely worthwhile.
Take coat hangers - these are rarely provided and even if they are there will never be enough.
Don't forget a hair dryer if you use one.
Most uni halls do not allow candles, kettles, mini fridges etc in the rooms. Check you terms and conditions.
In the halls at the uni I work in you are provided with a notice boards and you are not allowed to put up posters etc on the walls.
Also there is no bed linin, duvets or pillows provided so check and make sure you have what you need.
Don't buy glasses for every occasion, you get these when you set up home or get married. For student living chunky glasses from ikea do every thing from juice to vodka.
don't you just steal glasses from bars until you have 20 pints glasses and 1 shot glass???
That's one long list :lol:
Documents
Passport photos
Passport or driving licence
NHS number
National Insurance number
Bank account details
Address book and email contacts list
Local map
Discount travel cards
Support notification form
Diary or calander
Doctor and dentist details
Other university documents
What's on guide
TV Licence
CV and references
Old textbooks and notes
List of phone numbers
Exam certificates
Room insurance
First part - definitely take these.
Second is optional. Tv license only if you have a tv, CV if you're applying for a job, old textbooks and notes will only be necessary if you're doing something similar to A levels. Exam certificates you won't need for enrolment as UCAS send all your details onto the uni. Room insurance is usually provided in halls.
Kitchen
Corkscrew
Bottle opener
Mugs
Glasses
Wine glasses
Shot glasses
Kettle
Knives, forks and spoons
Plates
Bowls (for cereal, soup, icecream, etc)
One-person casserole dish
Small frying or omelette pan
1 small, 1 large saucepan with lids
Egg cup
Tin opener
Scissors
Chopping knife
Chopping board - An extra chopping board if you are cutting meat: this way you avoid food poisoning!!!
Vegetable peeler
Cheese grater - (Ikea do a very good one that has the grater as a lid so all the cheese goes into a box/compartment neatly and you can leave it in there to store aswell)
Breadknife
Wooden spoon
Spatula - good for a washing up implement.
Potato Masher (only if you are a fan of mash tho!)
Easy to follow recipe book
Save room in the car and buy these when you get there. The essentials, like a plate, cup, knife, fork etc. would be useful until you can get to a shop. Places like B&M, Pound stretcher, Argos, Boyes are all good for cheap uni stuff that will eventually get burnt/melted/lost/broken/stolen.
I got a set of three pans from IKEA for six quid. Nothing flash but they'll last me a few years.
Store cupboard ingredients - coffee, tea, milk, sugar, eggs, margarine, cooking oil, salt and pepper - and let's not forget pasta
Coffee whitener - for when you run out of milk
Sandwich bags - good for lots of stuff you open and need to contain. e.g. sugar / teabags and things
Plastic bowl or box with lid
Microwaveable bowl
Cling film
Tin foil
Again, buy these when you get there. Some UHT milk to keep in the cupboard is a good idea for when you run out and haven't got any money to buy fresh milk.
A couple of tea bags, milk and sugar will suffice for the first few hours.
Get some plastic containers that can go in the freezer and microwave to store excess food in for another meal.
Tea towels
Oven gloves
Washing-up stuff - Washing-up liquid / Dishcloth / Scrubbing brush
Make sure you HIDE them because I can guarantee you, they will not get washed and will smell rancid after a few weeks. People use them for all sorts of things other than drying pots.
Chopsticks
:lol: Never used them in my life.
Studying
Desk lamp (Halogen)
A pad of lined paper - for making notes/doing drafts etc
Ream of printing paper
A4 folders
Pens, pencils, paper, files, highlighters
Scissors
Sticky tape
Stapler, hole punch
Sticky labels
Post-it notes
Paper clips
White Tac - so it doesn't mark the walls
Diary/planner - to keep track of assignments
Book chair - saves a lot of neck strain if you are making notes out of a big book]
Notice board - for timetables, numbers, etc. Some halls may already provide one.
Message board with erasable marker eg. a mini white board or one of those magnetic sand ones that you can wipe
Dictionary and thesaurus
Stamps and envelopes
First paragraph are essentials.
Most bedrooms have a notice board. You may not have wall space for a message board, and in any case can just write notes and put them on the notice board. Office software has dictionary and thesauruses so they're not really necessary. Stamps and envelopes only if you plan on writing to people.
Outdoor
Sports gear
Bike
Raincoat
Umbrella
Not all halls have somewhere safe to keep a bike.
Healthcare
Multivitamins
Painkillers
Condoms/pill
Basic first aid kit - plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages
Paracetamol
Some cold/flu remedy incase you are struck down by freshers' flu
Pro-Plus
Anti-allergy pills - eg. Piriton anti-allergy tablets
A cold/hot pack
All of these would be useful.
Bathroom
Bath and hand towels (+ possibly a flanel)
Basket for shower supplies
Toilet roll
Box of tissues
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Soap - sqeasy (bottle) soap is probably better. If you're sharing bathrooms then it's easier to transport and wont slip onto the floor etc.
Showergel
Shampoo / Conditioner
Nail clippers
Deodorant
Cologne
Hair gel
Hair spray
Hairbrush
Comb
Razor
Shaving cream/gel
Lip balm
Wash bag
Bath mat
Take plenty of flannels and towels if you're going in en suite. You might just get a leak one day and end up with a flooded bathroom and bedroom.
A wash bag would be useful if you're sharing bathrooms, bath mat only if you're in en suite.
Housekeeping
Febreeze - To stop clothes / fabric getting to smelly There are these things called washing machines these days.
Laundry bag - So your dirty clothes don't end up on the floor. And for dragging to the laundry or dumping on your parents to wash for you!
Clothes horse - Save money on dryers by drying your clothes in your room
Coat hangers - you may not get any in wardrobes
Kitchen towel
Cif cleaning products/Detox?
Washing powder/liquid/tablets - if the washing powder dispenser isn't working
Door wedge - an open door in freshers week is much more friendly
Dustpan and brush - for cleaning up the odd mess, though most unis should provide this
Duster
Agree with that, although most places give you a dustpan and brush and a hoover. Anyone who has time to dust has too much time on their hands.
Electrical
Alarm clock (maybe 2 in two different locations in your roomto make sure lectures are at least attempted, even if you carry on sleeping there!)
Calculator - for sorting out finances
Computer and/or laptop - saves on queues at deadline time
CDR's (CDRW's cheaper in long run) - for backing up work
USB "pen drive" - carrying projects etc between uni, internet cafe, friends comp, etc. quickly, easily and RELIABLY!
Mini fridge - for beer and other items you don't want in the communal fridge
Bedside lamp
Camera - to take pictures of room and friends (to send home/put on website ... everything else people do with photos)
Mobile and charger
Headphones
Batteries - rechargeable (save money)
Multi plug adaptor/extension lead - to give you more than the normal 2/4 sockets
Computer mouse for laptop - easier to use than a trackpad
Floppy disks (diskettes)
Printer - printing could take up to six hours on uni computers
Network cable - to access the internet from the socket in your room
Answering machine
CD player/Hi?-fi system - though better (certainly space wise) just to bring speakers and use your computer
Definitely get a mini fridge when you get there. You may have to hide it when it comes to inspections but if there's a lot of you sharing one fridge you won't get much in.
Second paragraph aren't essential. Who uses floppys now? Printer is useful but not essential. Longest I've waited for printing is a few minutes, don't know where the six hours came from. Network cables are usually provided when you enrol. You have voicemail on your phone so an answering machine isn't necessary. Save space and play music through your laptop.
Clothing
Dressing gown
Slippers
T-shirts
Jumpers
Trousers
Underwear
Socks
Shoes
Trainers
Flip flops - for wearing in showers / communal wash areas
Swimwear
Shirt and tie for any smart-casual events
Ball gowns/eveningwear - for the Freshers' Ball.
Slippers are essential. You never know what has happened to the floors during the night.
Leisure
Board games - a couple, will make a good fun free evening (not sure about your phrasing! - its not mine)
Pack of card
Ball - rugby ball/football for friendly matches/made up games
Frisbee - again for the occassional game (rugby style)
Photos of family and friends
Blankets - for when it gets cold and you want to snuggle up
Posters - though theses are often available during freshers week - (you might need things to cover bad decoration)
Wall hanging - more homely than posters
Rugs - to hide the mangy carpet
Fairylights/disco ball/police light/lava lamp
Cushions/beanbags - for friends to sit down in your room
A throw - to make your bed into a sofa for friends to sit on
Pot plants
Teddy bear/stuffed toys
I have been known to play board games in a free evening. We had loads in our kitchen. If you don't want to fork out loads, go to the charity shop.
Posters are usually available at the freshers fair.
Bedding
Sheets
Duvet and duvet covers
Pillows & pillow cases
Mattress cover -
Hot water bottle
Inflatable mattress and pump - for your mates when they visit
Sleeping bag - for when friends come to stay/when you go to stay
Take plenty of pillows in case you find yourself with a lodger.
Miscellaneous
Alcohol - to make new friends with
Sweets or biscuits - to distribute to flatmates
Extra storage - cardboard or plastic boxes for things which wont fit anywhere else
Large suitcase - to put things in when going home for the weekend
A spare lightbulb
Loose change - for washing / vending machines
Earplugs - to cut out noise you don't want to hear
Small sewing kit - just incase you need to do a quik fix on a rip or tear (like the ones you get in hotels)
Small toolkit
Matches or lighter
Fan
Clock
Torch - for power cuts and looking under desks/chairs/beds
Pen knife
Bookends - probably unecessary; just use something else (eg pot of pasta, sugar etc)
Poster hangers - if you're not allowed Blu-/White?-Tac on the walls
Safety pins
Looking under desks?! Bookends are unnecessary.
Don't bother with
Iron
Toaster
Sandwich maker .
Nice kitchen stuff - it will get used then left on the side to rot/rust
Candles - serious fire hazard
Agree with all of those except the toaster. Buy one when you get there if one isn't provided then you don't end up with six toasters in your flat.
Also there is no bed linin, duvets or pillows provided so check and make sure you have what you need.
I second this. At Staffs, we get a welcome pack with pretty much everything on your list with regard to bedding, duvets, pillows, kitchen items, washing up liquid, tea towel, bath towels etc. Most of it falls apart or gets broken easily but it saves a heck of a lot in your first year.
don't you just steal glasses from bars until you have 20 pints glasses and 1 shot glass???
Yes, until they all fall out of your bag and pockets :lol:
i should really tink about placking! My mam is going to kill me if it isnt done by the time she gets back.
StarsOfCCTV
18-09-2009, 14:43
Well I'm here. :) Flatmates seem really nice, as does the flat. I can't log into hotmail or facebook but I can access the general internet which is good. Odd....I may email/ring tech people. If only it were wireless that would be easier. :p
I'm almost unpacked. Gym induction tomorrow. Have to go into town to buy trainers for that...and visit Sainsbury's to get extra stuff to eat/drink.
glad your liking it so far! sounds much more organised than us. We had no internet for about 2 weeks, before we had an it induction.
StarsOfCCTV
18-09-2009, 15:22
Thanks. :) What you had to do sounds like such a pain! We just got a cable and some instructions. :) I just did the Inventory form which was long. I only need to check the top of the mattress now and then I'm done. But its worth it so I get the deposit back at the end of the year.
DaVeyWaVey
18-09-2009, 15:46
I swear my mum is enjoying packing and getting things organised more than I am!
She's even calculated a breakdown of how much I can spend a week.
DaVeyWaVey
18-09-2009, 15:53
Well I'm here. :) Flatmates seem really nice, as does the flat. I can't log into hotmail or facebook but I can access the general internet which is good. Odd....I may email/ring tech people. If only it were wireless that would be easier. :p
I'm almost unpacked. Gym induction tomorrow. Have to go into town to buy trainers for that...and visit Sainsbury's to get extra stuff to eat/drink.
Glad your liking it so far Stars :)
I swear my mum is enjoying packing and getting things organised more than I am!
She's even calculated a breakdown of how much I can spend a week.
:rotfl: :rotfl: Sounds like my mum.
All my stuff is packed and in the car ready to go. I feel ill though and I've got white spots on my tonsils :s Freshers' flu and I haven't even got there yet. Hopefully it will have cleared up by tomorrow.
Just sorting out the rest of my room and tidying up.
ive just packed, one rucksack! Im well impressed!
I wish i was a fresher again! Ive been busy working at the SU today, we're getting everything ready for the Freshers tomorrow, the calm before the storm. Working 2-7 tomorrow at the shop, it's gonna be hell on earth! But oh well i'm thinking of the money, and me and my housemates are going to pretend to be Freshers for the week and join them all every night. Freshers week = bye bye to your liver, binge drinking here we come!
ive just packed, one rucksack! Im well impressed!
What?! Is all your stuff at your uni house or are you an exceptionally light traveller?
I've sorted all my things out and I'm only taking the essentials and the car is still jam packed. I have to leave a few things.
Glad you like it kasple :)
I havent even started to pack :lol:
DaVeyWaVey
25-09-2009, 17:55
Should I take alcohol with me as an ice breaker? Or just buy some when I get there? Or shouldn't I bother with alcohol as an ice breaker at all?
A bottle of wine or some beers might be helpful but not essential. Alcohol is a good way to get to know your flat mates.
My dads friends from work have done been a box for uni of some basic food and stuff but its all from Waitrose lol! But theres a really nice bottle of red I dont want to share that lol :p
I will buy something else
DaVeyWaVey
25-09-2009, 18:01
I have 3 cans of Stella.. I was thinking of taking them, not too sure though. Might buy a bottle of Southern comfort.
Spirits are good, they go a long way.
Yeah I might get Vodka, or Arches
Can't go wrong with a bottle of voddie :)
Im taking 1/2 a bottle of voddie (drank some last night) some smirnoff ice and a chocolate sponge cake :D
squillyfer
25-09-2009, 19:45
when i moved in three weeks ago wine went down well on the first night cos its a good drink for conversation but since then vodka and archers have been the communal drink of choice
This might sound really stingy but alcohol is good to share in the first few days. After that they can buy their own, I don't fund anyone's drinking habits.
My current flat mate is into buying rounds, which I don't mind if there's just a couple of people but when there's five or six it gets expensive. I usually drink a fair bit before I go out so only buy one drink.
EDIT: I only buy drinks for one person if we go out because in the grand scheme of our relationship, I probably owe him anyway.
DaVeyWaVey
25-09-2009, 23:42
I bought a bottle of Southern Comfort in the end, so will share that with people if they like it. :)
I am really looking forward to it now. The nerves from earlier have settled down.
StarsOfCCTV
26-09-2009, 01:42
It is nerve wracking but because everyone is in the same boat it is ok. No one knows anyone, most people are homesick, so there's no shortage of people to talk to. :)
You probably won't like everyone you meet at uni, some people are on a completely different planet. One of my friend's flatmates like to build dens in the kitchen out of the table and bedding :confused: Strange people...
Im going tomorrow, I feel like im the last person to go.
I still need to pack lol! :lol:
You're not the last, York don't start until middle of October.
DaVeyWaVey
26-09-2009, 17:00
Started uni, but feeling extremely homesick :( :( :(
Started uni, but feeling extremely homesick :( :( :(
we all feel that at first Dave, them feelings will go away so so soon once you start making friends and having fun. dont worry, it will all be ok in a few days :)
I agree with Bryan, and don't forget, you have not left home for ever, you will be back often enough :)
Chloe O'brien
26-09-2009, 22:57
Started uni, but feeling extremely homesick :( :( :(
Aw Davey wish I could come and give you a big hug, but I'll send you one instead. As everyone has said your not alone feeling like this and you will be fine. Just be careful all of you when it comes to alcohol. I know you all want to go out and party and I know I'm moaning like an old crow but please stay stafe be careful.
StarsOfCCTV
26-09-2009, 23:38
Started uni, but feeling extremely homesick :( :( :(
I did too at first, well still do, but not so much. Talk to your flatmates they probably feel the same way. Ring your parents/friends and have a chat with them. And when you get your timetable you can plan a visit home. :)
Hope you feel ok about Uni soon Davey! :)
Im still packing lol :rotfl: Im pretty much done its just little bits that need to in and closing the bags.
It hasnt hit me yet that Im actaully going it just feels like im paking up my room lol!
DaVeyWaVey
27-09-2009, 00:08
Thanks for your support. I've really made an effort but I've been physically ill because of how I'm feeling. I just hope I feel better soon.
I've spoke to my flatmates but they just seem disinterested in me..and they all seem to be getting along quite well and everyone else seems to know each other and be in big groups. I've made one friend.. she's alright. But then I was never amazing at making loads of friends.. but I am going to keep at it. I don't want the homesickness to win!!
I'm just feeling helpless at the moment.. but this has to work out.
You've only been there a few hours, don't worry too much. If you don't get on with the people in your flat, get out and meet other people. You'll meet people when you enrol on your course. Join a club or society. Everyone is in the same boat.
I also went food shopping early and got some bits and then my mum was like, do you want to take some wine? :p of course I said yes!
Then my dad suggested smirnoff ice the big ones thats 2 for £5 so we got that. I was thinking of vodka but my parents were paying so I went along with what they suggested :p
I so dont get my timetable
StarsOfCCTV
02-10-2009, 20:48
Whats up with it?
I don't like mine. I have only two or three hours most days, but I don't get a day off. I don't really mind that, but it would just be nice to actually spend the whole weekend home when I go back to visit.
It changes from week to week, and well yeah I only have 3 lectures next week :lol:
StarsOfCCTV
05-10-2009, 00:04
Lucky for some lol! We have week A and B here.
DaVeyWaVey
05-10-2009, 00:14
I am starting to settle in now, which is a relief. The first few days were particularly awful.
Set the fire alarm off the other morning trying to make some toast. Lectures start tomorrow - just worried whether I can cope with the course now.
You'll be fine davey :)
I start tomorrow too, at 4pm :lol:
Lucky for some lol! We have week A and B here.
Yeah my timetable is SOO werid
Set the fire alarm off the other morning trying to make some toast.
I keep doing that :lol: The front desk said they would bring us a new toaster but its yet to materialise.
Luckily the fire alarm resets itself here after about 10 seconds. Where I was last year, three blocks had to be evacuated, security went in, investigated then reset it, wasting about half an hour because someone sprayed deodorant under the smoke detector.
I start tomorrow too, at 4pm :lol:
My next lecture is Wednesday. Bodies of Evidence is cancelled on Tuesday (doesn't bode well if they're cancelling lectures already) and lab sessions don't start until next week so I've had a very long weekend from 2.30pm on Thursday.
At least I can use Tuesday to start my assignment on the history of the police and criminal evidence act 1984 :wall: Can't wait.
We havent had any fire alarms go off yet
You're lucky :) The halls I was in last year was notorious for 3am fire alarms, especially when people had been out drinking.
I'll never forget being woken up every Wednesday morning at 9am on the dot with the fire alarm tests. Why they had to do it so damn early is beyond me.
Our fire alarm tests are on mondays but in the afternoon which is quite good :)
The cleaners are coming tomorrow, Im just going to stay in bed lol :p
yeah i remember early morning fire alarms well!
Good luck with your lectures, glad youve settled a bit now Davey, sure it will be fine.
Ive got heaps to do, just not enough time! Ah well, it will be grand.
So now Im just sitting around with nothing to do, on the bright side though, my loan has gone in on time :cheer:
StarsOfCCTV
17-10-2009, 00:50
The work is coming in eeek! :eek:
I have a Anatomy and Physiology assignment due in 16th November - worth 30% of the module. I really did start panicking when I first saw it! Now it seems a bit more manageable. I'm gonna do a little bit each day that way it won't be so bad.
The genetics assignments (2) are slightly better. First one, we've been advised not to do until we've had 2 or 3 more lectures. The other one, is just researching articles, summarizing them in 20 or less words, so that's not too bad. I've done 7 out of 9. Those two are in for 23rd November. However I do need to decide what essay I want to do for the exam and start getting on with researching/planning that!
For Living World its not too bad (so far), we just have to attend the practicals, fill out the sheets and then hand them in when they ask.
I dread to think what we'll be getting for our Biochemistry module. Oh dear me. :lol:
I've got my finance forms through already for next year. My LEA seem to have things sorted compared to other areas. I sent my form in late for 09/10 and still got my payment on time.
Forms for 2010/2011 (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/DG_183342) are online now. If you have a disability (including dyslexia, mental illness, invisible and physical disabilities) you can apply for disabled students' allowance and the special support grant. The SSG is slightly more than the maintenance grant and it doesn't affect your entitlement to the full loan like the MG does. The special support grant is to cover transport costs, extra food (if you have an intolerance), a fridge to keep medicines in (although some uni's will provide this) and other essential things you need.
Also, if you're 19 or over and not working, fill in a HC1 form (http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Medicinespharmacyandindustry/Prescriptions/NHScosts/DH_4049391) to get free prescriptions, travel expenses for appointments, sight tests and dental treatment. Even if you are working part time, you probably won't earn above the threshold or have enough savings to not qualify. I don't work, get just below the full SSG/loan/bursary entitlement and qualify for the benefit.
StarsOfCCTV
14-08-2010, 22:55
Annual bus pass - £279. Annual car parking permit - £79. See I'm all for saving the environment but.. £200 is almost one months rent! :p
Have you added on the cost of running a car though? Whilst it does seem that using a car is cheaper, you've got MOT, tax, insurance, fuel etc to consider too. And it depends how far you live from campus and how long the bus takes and how often you'd use the bus... Lots to consider I guess.
I do see where you're coming from though. Why use public transport when a car is often cheaper, especially for long journeys. Plus you don't have to put up with screaming kids, teenagers playing their music out of phones and smelly people. There are lots of advantages to using a car :p
I can just walk at uni, Ive never used a bus there!
thats what i miss about uni the fact i could walk everywhere and never had to use a bus. The public transport is much better in greater manchester as the buses and trains are pretty regular and they have bus lanes and stuff so the traffic isnt as bad.
I don't plan on using a bus at uni either. I've had enough of them to last me for the next 4 years haha. Thank goodness for campus unis, just got to get in now.
Thats one thing I dont like about being back at home, I feel like I havent done enough walking, i feel more lazy here than at uni
Thats one thing I dont like about being back at home, I feel like I havent done enough walking, i feel more lazy here than at uni
That's the worst thing. I've put on about half a stone this summer, most of my trousers don't fit me. I just don't get the exercise I'm used to at uni. Its not as if I've been drinking alcohol that much either, which is even more annoying.
I'm moving back to uni on Saturday :D Much longer with my parents and I will go crazy. I need space and privacy; my mum still hasn't learnt to knock before she walks into my room and still demands to know where I'm going, with whom and what time I'll be back - because she refuses to give me a door key. I got a key to my sister's house before they even moved into it yet my mum has never given me a set of keys to this house. Its not even the convenience of it that bothers me, its what it symbolises.
I've pretty much packed everything already, just got the essentials to do on Friday night. I'm so excited.
I'm fed up here too. :eek: That's terrible; my parents still want to know what time I'll be back but at least my mum knocks before she comes into my room.
I've already packed some stuff for uni and results aren't even out yet :lol:
Although I appreciate that it is annoying, parents are worried when their children leave home, regardless of how old they are and whether they come home to the parent's home or their own, guess you need to be a parent to understand the need to know where the son or daughter is going to and when to expect them back home, it is because they care and love you. :)
Which unis have you applied for Kim?
Ive joined the gym so I can go there or swim just to get some exercise in
I cant wait to go back, cos I just feel trapped! not really buy my parents cos I have my own key but I just feel like I havent got much to do so feel trapped in my house, plus I feel like most of my friends are at uni now
When do you go back Abbie?
My firm and insurance are both at Aston. Declined offers from Southampton, Bournemouth and Portsmouth.
erm well I dont think I start till october but Im going to go back late september- well the last week in september, I wish I could go back earlier but no one will be there
StarsOfCCTV
15-08-2010, 22:29
Have you added on the cost of running a car though? Whilst it does seem that using a car is cheaper, you've got MOT, tax, insurance, fuel etc to consider too. And it depends how far you live from campus and how long the bus takes and how often you'd use the bus... Lots to consider I guess.
I do see where you're coming from though. Why use public transport when a car is often cheaper, especially for long journeys. Plus you don't have to put up with screaming kids, teenagers playing their music out of phones and smelly people. There are lots of advantages to using a car :p
I am very lucky that my parents contribute (and are able/willing to) to the insurance etc side of things, otherwise I'd never be able to afford a car. But yeah public transport is just not worth the money we pay for it. :rolleyes: I live 10 minutes drive from uni so it wont cost me too much in petrol, hopefully. I'm not going to go home as often this year, my sister is home this year doing a masters in London so my mum will have someone to fuss over. :p
Abbie I get what you mean! Freshers week starts on the 17th (welcome weekend) soo might go for that, everyone I know at uni will be there for that week so might as well!
The 17th!! I think ours is 25th so that would be the earliest I would go back, plus Im on holiday till the 21st I think
My freshers week starts on the 25th as well.
I also think I might try and get a job this year, I really need to money
StarsOfCCTV
16-08-2010, 12:50
I also think I will get a job, probably volunteering, get something on the cv! I have Wednesdays off so that would be ideal. Yeah ours starts early! There's the welcome weekend which has free events, then the week of the 20th is Fresher's week, along with the Fresher's fair etc. I start on the 27th officially.
Currently trying to sort out bills for the house.. fun fun!
What courses have you applied for Kim?
I don'y know when my freshers week starts. Better find out because I'm a welcome week rep!
My firm is Business & Management (AAB) and my insurance is Business & Psychology (ABB.)
Aston has a very good business school, my cousin graduated this year from there with a business degree.
Ooh Aston, I'm there! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! I don't study business, but I can help with general stuff!
10. You never realized so many people were smarter than you.
This! I've found people on facebook that are on my course and they all seem to come from grammar schools :eek: I come from a comprehensive with specialist status in art that's only had a handful of A's in Business and Economics. Oh dear...
I'm moving on Saturday. I have absolutely no idea how I'm going to fit all my stuff in the car, I'm taking soo much. Just got a cake, some smirn off and archers to share with my flatmates.
Chloe O'brien
20-09-2010, 22:35
Just remember to take the important things Kim. Booze and food. You wont need books or anything. :D Best of luck enjoy Uni life.
Getting thrown out for seshing in your corridor is not a good way to make friends with security.
It is perfectly normal to have to wash up in your en-suite as the kitchen is a tip.
After a night out, be prepared to tackle an obstacle course of people's bins and pointless marketing in your hallway in order to get into your room.
Universities in England will be able to charge tuition fees of up to £9,000 per year, as the government transfers much of the cost of courses from the state to students.
Fees will rise to £6,000 - with an upper tier of £9,000, if universities ensure access for poorer students.
Universities Minister David Willetts said this was a "progressive" reform.
Labour's Gareth Thomas said the fee hike represented a "tragedy for a whole generation of young people".
The National Union of Students dubbed the plan, which will mean almost a threefold increase, "an outrage".
Much of the proposed fee rise, up from the current £3,290 per year, will replace funding cut from universities in last month's Spending Review.
This will mean that many courses, particularly in arts and humanities, will almost entirely depend on income from students' fees.
'Cash transfusion'
"Essentially, it allows universities to replace a large part of the lost state funding for teaching by way of graduate contributions," said Steve Smith, president of the higher education body, Universities UK.
There were divided responses from different types of university.
David Willetts says the tuition fee rise is "a good deal for students"
The proposals were welcomed by the Russell Group of leading universities as "a life-saving cash transfusion" which would be the "only way for the UK to remain a serious global player in higher education".
But the Million+ group of new universities warned the withdrawal of public funding will mean universities will be forced to charge students the maximum £9,000 - and that the proposals are "very unlikely" to provide a "long-term and sustainable basis" for university funding.
"Unless universities charge £9,000 there is a big risk that they will be worse and not better-off because of the swingeing cuts to teaching funding. The fear then must be that the outcome of such high fees will be to damage participation and social mobility," said Million+ chair, Professor Les Ebdon.
Coalition ministers have been trying to achieve a balancing act between a sustainable funding system for universities and a political deal which will head off a Liberal Democrat backbench rebellion.
'Ashamed'
NUS president, Aaron Porter, said Liberal Democrat MPs who were going to ditch their election pledge to vote against any rise in fees should be "ashamed of themselves".
Analysis
Iain Watson, BBC Political Correspondent
What's become clear today is that the government won't simply defend their higher education proposals by pointing to extra help for the least well off - but will also attack Labour for a lack of an alternative.
The opposition chose to denounce cuts to university funding because they can't yet agree on a graduate tax, but they know they will have to spell out soon what they will propose, as well as oppose.
A few Lib Dems used the debate to make it clear they wouldn't support the proposals as they had made a pledge to vote against any increase in fees at the last election.
Even more have indicated privately that they will vote against the measures in December - and not simply abstain, which is allowed as part of the coalition agreement.
So there will be a parliamentary rebellion. But it seems very unlikley that LibDem backbenchers will rebel in sufficient numbers to inflict a defeat on the government.
Opposition leader Ed Miliband accused the coalition of breaking promises over tuition fees - but Prime Minister David Cameron said that such challenges from Labour showed that "opportunism has overtaken principle".
Mr Willetts, presenting the plans to the House of Commons, confirmed that universities charging the highest fees will have to show support for widening access to students from economically poorer backgrounds.
This would mean the type of outreach programmes that many universities already carry out, such as summer schools and targeted scholarships.
This would not mean quotas of students from poor homes, but Mr Willetts promised a "tougher regime" of sanctions if universities made insufficient efforts to attract poorer students.
Interest rates on student loans will make repayments more expensive for higher-paid graduates, in what the government describes as a system with a "progressive taper".
Mr Willetts said graduates earning less than £21,000 per year would not pay any real interest on loans, but rates would rise to inflation plus 3% at £41,000 per year and above.
'Dark days'
Speaking ahead of the announcement, the Liberal Democrats' youth group rejected the proposals.
Aaron Porter of the NUS called the proposals an "outrage"
"The current burden of debt is already weighing heavily on many students, and putting many others off going to university altogether," said Liberal Youth chairman Martin Shapland.
Labour's university spokesman, Gareth Thomas, warned that "students will be forced to choose the cheapest courses, not the one that suits them best".
The University of Leicester has carried out research into how fees will change demand for places - and its initial response to the current plans is that high fees will particularly hit demand for places at less prestigious universities.
Vice-Chancellor Sir Bob Burgess said this would create a market with different levels of fees between institutions, but there was no evidence to suggest that higher fees would lead to a "collapse in participation".
England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Max £3,290 pa Scotland: Free to Scottish and EU students, £1,820 pa to other UK (£2,895 for medicine) Students from elsewhere in the EU pay the same as those locally Students from outside the EU pay whatever the university charges Tuition fees: Across the UK Send us your comments There have been warnings about a two-tier system emerging from the split level of fees.
David Barclay, president of Oxford University Student Union, says: "A two-cap system will mean a two-tier system returning us to the dark days of some universities for the many and some universities for the few."
Mr Barclay has been invited to meet Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg on Wednesday, as the coalition tries to sell the funding package.
The changes in tuition fees will apply to universities in England. Scottish students studying in Scotland do not have to pay any fees. In Northern Ireland and Wales, fees are currently charged up to a maximum of £3,290.
:eek::eek::eek:
its absolutley disgusting! so much for education for all. The Lib Dems are going against everyting they have ever said, i will never vote for them again, and i have written to my mp stating this.
This. Like you, Lib Dem never again.
its absolutley disgusting! so much for education for all. The Lib Dems are going against everyting they have ever said, i will never vote for them again, and i have written to my mp stating this.
This. Like you, Lib Dem never again.
StarsOfCCTV
03-11-2010, 20:55
My Mp is no longer Lib Dem but Conservative...
But who would I vote for if not for Lib dems.. don't like Tories. or Labour. **** it I'm voting Monster Raving Looney Party. Who's with me? :lol:
haha, thats so true stars! this condem government is getting more and more ridiculas, first child benefit, then this.
For starters they should sit in a few university lectures and see what they are really like, i for one know where i went, they were not worth 3 grand never mind 9.
haha, thats so true stars! this condem government is getting more and more ridiculas, first child benefit, then this.
For starters they should sit in a few university lectures and see what they are really like, i for one know where i went, they were not worth 3 grand never mind 9.
Someone said to me the other day that it's just like a really expensive library membership - couldn't agree more right now! (although tbf I don't have to pay this year, yet I still get support from the uni and they come and visit us, presumably using our previous tuition fees)
Agreed. My friend's already dropped out because she doesn't think the tuition is worth 3k a year. Economics lecturer was saying that it only affects people that are starting their A Levels now. I don't know what to believe about this any more. I for one wouldn't pay 9k a year, it's expensive enough as it is with accommodation on top.
Tori I thought we had to pay about £800 and something in placement year? Or is that just the business school?
Agreed. My friend's already dropped out because she doesn't think the tuition is worth 3k a year. Economics lecturer was saying that it only affects people that are starting their A Levels now. I don't know what to believe about this any more. I for one wouldn't pay 9k a year, it's expensive enough as it is with accommodation on top.
Tori I thought we had to pay about £800 and something in placement year? Or is that just the business school?
I'm not sure because I know some people doing IBML and they are having to pay something, but LSS aren't... I would look into it though, as I really can't be sure. Would be odd if it wasn't uniform though! Although it could be because I'm abroad, but if you stay in the UK you have to pay as you (and the uni) don't get Erasmus.
Who was it that said that no accoommodation was complete without a traffic cone...
That is my door but I didn't put it there! Nearly walked straight into it when I went to go to my tutorial.
It's still here... instead of threatening to fine people for the kitchen not being spotless when the cleaner comes I think they should start charging it rent :lol:
Ooh is that the new build?
Have you heard about Rasheeda in Stafford Tower? The cleaner can't be as bad as her!
Ooh is that the new build?
Have you heard about Rasheeda in Stafford Tower? The cleaner can't be as bad as her!
Yeah it is. I'll put a picture of my room up when I've tidied it up a bit. I heard a bit, knocking on people's doors at like 9:30am because the kitchen wasn't spotless or something? Our cleaner comes at about lunch time so we haven't had any such wake up calls. Our usual one is the head of the cleaners and refused to clean the entire kitchen once because my flatmate accidentally dropped his coco pops on the floor when she was there. The cleaner came to do the bathrooms the other week (that's done once a month) and when I wasn't in my room, took everything out of my bathroom and just dumped it anywhere. On the same day, she cleaned the middle three and skipped the other four.
StarsOfCCTV
05-02-2011, 12:03
Your accommodation looks really like mine last year! (At UWE) We didn't have cleaners though. :( :p
Lecturers are striking next Thursday, day off!
ETA:
I really dislike one of my lecturers right now. He set an essay where we can only use animals from the local zoo collection. How many desert animals do they have? Seven. And its like random lizards that there's little information on, no sidewinding snakes or camels etc. Its so frustrating because there's so many examples I can think of but the zoo doesn't have them! I've used five animals so far for 1,500 words. 500 more to go. This essay is like pulling teeth.
Communal fines suck, especially when you haven't used the shelf you're getting fined for since the week you moved in because people were stealing your stuff. When you've had your post stolen you're really not in the mood to pay for damage caused by someone else.
See the residence tutor and explain - when Rasheeda tried to fine us all, I told Rasheeda that it wasn't my problem and she was fine about it, and I didn't have to pay. I'd give it a try with your residence tutor (nadine, maybe?)
See the residence tutor and explain - when Rasheeda tried to fine us all, I told Rasheeda that it wasn't my problem and she was fine about it, and I didn't have to pay. I'd give it a try with your residence tutor (nadine, maybe?)
I'll give it a try after my lecture tomorrow then. If you can get Rasheeda not to fine you there must be hope for us all. I heard the notice being stuck up at around 1, it said 24 hours and I finish at 11 so I should be ok.
Yeah... well she liked me because I always came out when she started screaming the place down... and it was never me that had left the place untidy. They can be fair, if you present yourself calmly! Good luck!
Residence departments aren't known for their efficiency. Don't be at all surprised if someone lets themselves into your room while trying to show someone a vacant room.
I still cant believe I only have one more year left. I feel like i should be doing some kind of uni work over the summer or something. I swear sometimes i feel ill that I only have one last year
Chloe O'brien
09-07-2011, 00:52
Abbie stop it your making me feel old. I can remember when you, Davie, Abigail, Stars and co were all talking about being worried about going to Uni. Now us adopted foster parents have to go through it all again as we watch with pride following you all into the big bad world.
Three years to go for me as my course has a placement year. I feel old because I'm not at school any more.
The business department are so slow with results; from what I've heard all other first years have theirs already.
I cant believe I've finished Uni,this is crazy! Now I feel really old reading old posts
I cant believe I've finished Uni,this is crazy! Now I feel really old reading old posts
Congratulations and all the best in your chosen career :D
Placement years are much better than Uni.
Chloe O'brien
14-09-2012, 21:25
I cant believe I've finished Uni,this is crazy! Now I feel really old reading old posts
congratulations Abbey. Good luck in you career. I can't believe you've finished Uni already I can still remember when you first moved to Uni. I am feeling so old. Marley turned 14 on Wednesday she is in year 10 now and it won't be long until I am on here bawling my eyes out because she has left home to go to uni.
Chloe O'brien
14-09-2012, 21:25
I cant believe I've finished Uni,this is crazy! Now I feel really old reading old posts
congratulations Abbey. Good luck in you career. I can't believe you've finished Uni already I can still remember when you first moved to Uni. I am feeling so old. Marley turned 14 on Wednesday she is in year 10 now and it won't be long until I am on here bawling my eyes out because she has left home to go to uni.
congratulations Abbey. Good luck in you career. I can't believe you've finished Uni already I can still remember when you first moved to Uni. I am feeling so old. Marley turned 14 on Wednesday she is in year 10 now and it won't be long until I am on here bawling my eyes out because she has left home to go to uni.
Forgot Marley's bday was the day after Charley's.. she was 11 last Tuesday and heading to secondary school next year
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