Please refer to this page of our Career website for detailed guidance
Please refer to this page of our Careers website for detailed information and guidance
University accommodation is often allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply as soon as you’ve accepted your offer to increase your chances of getting your preferred option.
Each university has its own accommodation application deadlines. Make sure to check the exact date on your university's accommodation website.
Halls of residence: University-managed accommodation, typically shared with other students.
Private accommodation: Houses or flats rented from private landlords.
Self-catered or catered: Some halls include meals, while others have kitchen facilities for you to cook your own food.
Keep track of your application: After applying, regularly check your email and university accommodation portal for updates on the status of your application.
Try to find an online group for your accommodation, so you can meet the people you’ll be living with before you arrive.
Check out the local area so you know what’s around. For example, local transport and supermarkets.
Essential packing list to go to Uni or College
Interactive tool to explore communal living with Leapskills
Check the UCAS guide on student accommodation here
There are a wide variety of resources available to help you achieve your full potential, including support for personal circumstances, individual needs, and disability support. Here are a few key things to remember:
The name of the team dealing with students with additional needs may vary, and sometimes it will be called the ‘disability team’ even for students requiring Additional Support for Exam (for example dyslexia etc). Please don’t be deterred by the name of the team, as they are keen to provide you with the support you need either in lectures or assessments.
Your information is always treated confidentially. If you decide you don't need the support, that’s fine. But it's there just in case you change your mind, or your circumstances change in the future.
You need to contact them yourself- not your parent! As a young adult, university will want to deal with you directly. The guidance team will be happy to support you with this if you wish.
Contact them early: they may be able to help even before you start the course and ensure a smooth transition.
You can also check if you are eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) which can help you cover any additional study-related costs.You will apply to this through SAAS, You can find more information on this page
UCAS has prepared a very useful guide covering a variety of needs, which you can access here
Moving away from home is exciting but it can also be a little daunting. Here are some advice to prepare for this transition
See what your local area and the uni have to offer so you can meet like-minded people. This might be societies, sports teams, support groups, and much more.
Join online groups before you go, specifically around the things you’re interested in so you can meet people before arriving.
Put yourself out there to make friends. Meeting people is what uni is all about and it’ll help you get the most out of the experience.
Unibuddy is a great platform to chat with current students and find out what life at your uni is really like.
At the start of session the university will organise a range of events to faciliate your transition and help you meet people .
You may also want to be proactive and contact them directly with any question or query ahead of time. They will be happy to help!
These resources may also be helpful:
Student Minds share tips for making friends and managing conflict during university.
Making the move to university: not fitting in from the Charlie Waller Trust.
Making the move to university: LGBTQ+ students from the Charlie Waller Trust.
A guide to coming out as LGBTQ+ at university from Student Minds.
A guide to coming out at university for trans students from LGBT Youth.
Life as a Black student resources from Student Minds.
Maintaining both physical and mental health is essential for academic success, personal growth, and overall well-being during university life.
Eat well & stay active – A balanced diet and regular exercise boost energy and focus.
Get enough sleep – Aim for 7–9 hours per night to improve concentration and mood.
Manage stress – Use relaxation techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing.
Stay organised – Plan your workload to avoid last-minute stress.
Reach out for support – Universities offer counselling, wellbeing services, and student support networks.
Stay social – Connect with friends and engage in activities to prevent isolation.
Limit alcohol & caffeine – Too much can negatively impact sleep and anxiety levels.
Take breaks – Step away from work when needed to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
Read top tips on healthy habits from sleep, to exercise and food, and explore how to keep yourself well on Student Space.
Mind: get mental health support and resources about adjusting to student life.
Know before you go: a guide for students in school or college from Student Minds.
Transitioning into university: a guide for new students from Student Minds.
How to cope with student life: from Mind.
The 'Making the move to university' guides: for students who are care experienced, LGBT+, young carers, international students, and more.
Kooth: access free, safe, and anonymous mental health support online and in your local area (providing NHS services).
How to get support if you're struggling: find out what to do if you have any problems.
Student Space, run by Student Minds is here to help you find the support that you need. Hear from students and explore a range of trusted information and tools to help guide you through the uncertainty of student life. Find support on money, relationships and social life, and academic stress and pressure.
Studying at uni can be different to the structure you’re used to at school. You’ll need to be independent and self-motivated. It’s a good idea to use the summer to try and get prepared.
Check resources on the uni website to see what support they have for new students.
Ask the uni about study skills sessions and workshops that can help with any knowledge or skills gaps.
Check if there’s a pre-reading list for your course that you can get ahead with.
UCAS has prepared a useful page with subject Spotlights: these can give you a flavour of what to expect at university.
They have also created this helpful Study skills guides
Unifrog know How Library has a whole section on ‘Getting ready and settling in’. You can filter it to UK universities
Skills4Uni: a short online course to guide you through the skills you’ll need for higher education.
Building your academic skills: a short online course to build the academic skills you need for university from FutureLearn.
Student Minds share tips and tools to help you with your studying during university.