Packing for University

So, I have been absent for a long time on this blog and the reason is simple, I have been trying to pack everything up to go to University and it is not easy. When I started this process I assumed that the packing up part would be the easiest, I have no attachment to my room and when I move out my mum will be moving in. It's not decorated, it's not personalised by me, it's just a room I sleep in and a place where I can get away from my family. So silly naive me assumed it would be easy, just pack it up and move on out... Oh how wrong I was.

Firstly like, how much stuff do I have?! I've been sifting through all the things I have collected over the past 18 and a half years, and I am stumped... What do I bring?

I've got a lot of books, but I can't bring every single one with me. How do I choose which ones to bring with me. My plan, and my advice for anyone else who is planning on going to Uni is to only bring a few books that you think you will actually read. (Bearing in mind that your University course will be keeping you busy and you might not have much time to read) plus there will probably be a public library somewhere near you where you can borrow books you really want to read.

I know one of my flatmates is really into movies and I have a laptop I can play Netflix on so I'm only bringing my complete Pixar collection for just in case. I don't see much need to bring every DVD I own as I don't watch them that often, I'm more likely to use Netflix or find movies online that I can watch, I've got Amazon video so movies are no issue for me. The same goes for TV shows, the only shows I enjoy watching are shows I can get on Netflix or Amazon video. By not wanting to watch live TV I don't have to pay for a license (although I'm not sure I've ever heard of a student getting in trouble for not having one... but if you want to err on the side of caution then you might want to get one)

Then there's clothes, I'm moving to North Wales, it's by the sea, it's going to be windy, however, I'm a naturally warm person, I don't feel the cold as easily, but I don't want to risk never using them... It's very difficult, I'm going to be bringing all the clothes I wear regularly and put them in those vacuum bags so I can bring a lot with me. Hopefully there will be space, but who knows...

Anyway, sorry for the incoherence of this post, I'm out of touch with this blog writing malarkey, but yeah, I'm looking forward to Uni and I'm sure it will be a lot of fun, but packing it all is a lot more stressful than I thought it would be.

Until next time,

Stephanie

University!!! *Wilhelm Scream*

So I recently, like most 18 year olds in England, received my A level results and they were good, not amazing, but good enough. I got my place at Bangor University in North Wales where I also got a scholarship. All good things. I've spoken to some of my future fresher friends and overall I feel really good about the experience and the journey I am about to embark on. However, there are some things I have been doing that are stressful, but totally worth the effort before arriving in Bangor.


Tip number one: So the first thing I have done is compile a list of things to take with me to University, this has been, probably, the longest I've spent doing a single thing for Uni, but I wanted to make sure I would have everything together for the first day and that I wouldn't have any problems with a last minute rush to the shops before I can party like the fresher I am. Luckily my mum has been great and she has let me pick things out and we have slowly built up a collection of things to take to University with me.


Tip number two: Buy things in advance, non-perishables that can be packed up into boxes.

Tip number three: Make a list of things you want to buy upon arrival at the University e.g. food essentials.

Tip number four: I wish someone had warned me that maintenance loans and grants don't arrive in your bank account as soon as you begin. I, for example, have a week where I will have to rely on my own money. Luckily my accommodation money doesn't have to be in for a week either otherwise I would be screwed.

In terms of money, I am terrified I will spend too much on pointless things like clubbing and drinking and then have none left for food. My mother has promised me she will not let this happen, but, as I previously mentioned, we are a working class family and as such, we don't have much money to spare so I will be relying on government support (I can hear the Tory cries in the wind). Because of this I have been looking into different back account options as I, personally, may need to make use of an interest free overdraft.

Tip number five: Research bank accounts. So many of them will offer you freebies, but, you need to look beyond that. Whilst a free £60 gift card for Amazon seems like a good deal, it may not be exactly what you're after. So do as much research as possible into your card. (For UK residence I recommend going with Santander or HSBC) and don't forget, you can switch accounts at any time so don't feel like you have to stay with one bank forever.

Tip number six: Work out your budget before you leave. I am in the process of working out how much money I need for food, how much I need for accommodation and how much I will need to visit family during holidays. (train and coach fares for example) I think a good thing to do is make a list and then you know exactly how much you can spend on alcohol and parties etc.

Tip number seven: Ask for help. I spent ages thinking I would come across as silly or immature or codependent if I asked my mum or dad to drive me to University or if I asked them for advice. In fact I still get a little bit defensive and just yesterday told my mum she was treating me like a child and lecturing me where I didn't need it. But I do need help sometimes, I've never had to look after my own finances before. I'm quite an independent person, but this is a scary, new experience for not just me, but many others. No question is too stupid or too ridiculous, ask for the help, it is there if you need it.

And that's all the help I can offer at the moment, I want to keep offering help and tell you stories of my time as a fresher at Uni so expect some more Uni related posts, but for now, if you are heading into University remember to stay safe, stay calm and prepare!

Until next time,

Stephanie