The Ultimate Starting Uni FAQ: 100 Questions Answered

Starting university can be an exciting and daunting time, with many new experiences and challenges to navigate. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of 100 popular questions about starting university in the UK.

Some of these might seem downright obvious. Some of them may mention words you've never even heard of! From before you start to careers and employability, we're certain this FAQ will provide you with some valuable insights and advice.

Before You Start University

How do I choose the right university and course for me?

Choosing the right university and course involves considering factors such as your interests, career aspirations, location, and course content. The UCAS website has a useful guide on how to choose a course.

How do I apply to university?

Applying to university involves completing an application form, writing a personal statement, and submitting your qualifications and references. The UCAS website also has a guide on how to apply to university.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is a process where universities and colleges fill any remaining places on their courses after the main application cycle has ended. Once again, UCAS is one of the best student resources, with a helpful guide on Clearing.

What is Adjustment?

Adjustment is a process where students who have achieved better than expected results can look for alternative courses or universities with higher entry requirements.

When is the deadline to apply to university?

The deadline to apply to university is usually in January of the year you want to start your course. Check the UCAS website for the specific deadline for your course and university.

What are the entry requirements for university?

Entry requirements for university vary depending on the course and university. They usually include a minimum set of qualifications or grades. Check with your university for the specific entry requirements.

How do I prepare for university?

Preparing for university involves researching your course and university, brushing up on academic skills, and thinking about the practical aspects of starting university, such as accommodation and finances.

What should I bring to university?

What you should bring to university depends on your accommodation and personal preferences. Check with your university for the specific items you will need. The Complete University Guide has covered what to bring to university.

What is student accommodation like?

Student accommodation can vary, but usually involves living in shared accommodation such as halls of residence or a shared house. Check out the UniGuide website for more on student accommodation. We've got more on student accommodation further down!

Do I need to buy textbooks for university?

Whether you need to buy textbooks for university depends on your course and university. Some courses may provide textbooks, while others may require you to purchase them. Check with your university for the specific requirements.

Starting University

What is enrolment?

Enrolment is a process where you formally register as a student with your university. It usually involves providing personal information and identification documents.

What is induction?

Induction is a process where you are introduced to your course, university, and other students. It usually takes place in the first few days of starting university.

How do I make friends at university?

You can make friends at university by attending social events, joining clubs and societies, and getting involved in extracurricular activities. If you're struggling, Save the Student has come to the rescue with a few handy tips on making friends at university.

What is a personal tutor?

A personal tutor is a member of academic staff who provides academic support and guidance throughout your course.

How do I contact my personal tutor?

You can contact your personal tutor through your university's student support services or by email.

What is a lecture?

A lecture is a type of teaching session where a lecturer delivers a presentation on a specific topic.

What is a seminar?

A seminar is a type of teaching session where students discuss and debate a specific topic in a small group.

What is a tutorial?

A tutorial is a type of teaching session where a tutor provides one-to-one or small group support and guidance on a specific topic.

How do I attend lectures and seminars?

You can attend lectures and seminars by checking your course timetable and attending the relevant sessions.

What is a student ID card?

A student ID card is a form of identification that shows you are a student at your university.

Freshers Week & Freshers Fairs

What is Freshers Week?

Freshers Week is a week-long programme of social events, activities, and induction sessions for new students.

What is a Freshers Fair?

A Freshers Fair is an event where clubs, societies, and local businesses promote their services and products to new students.

What should I do during Freshers Week?

During Freshers Week, you should attend social events, induction sessions, and get involved in extracurricular activities.

How do I find out about Freshers Week events?

You can find out about Freshers Week events by checking your university's website or social media channels.

What is a wristband for Freshers Week?

A Freshers Week wristband is a ticket that provides access to a range of social events during the week.

How do I get a wristband for Freshers Week?

You can get a wristband for Freshers Week by purchasing one through your university, student union or events company.

What should I wear to Freshers Week events?

What you should wear to Freshers Week events depends on the dress code of the specific event. Check with your university for the dress code.

How do I avoid drinking too much during Freshers Week?

You can avoid drinking too much during Freshers Week by pacing yourself, alternating alcoholic drinks with soft drinks, and eating before and during drinking.

Your health and well-being is important. If you're worried about things getting out of hand, please check out Drink Aware's guide on how to drink less.

How do I deal with Freshers Week homesickness?

You can deal with Freshers Week homesickness by staying in touch with friends and family back home, getting involved in extracurricular activities, and seeking support from your university's student support services. They exist for a reason and are super helpful, especially if you're overwhelmed and feel homesick.

What should I do if I don't enjoy Freshers Week?

If you don't enjoy Freshers Week, try not to worry. It's normal to feel overwhelmed and it may take some time to adjust to university life. Talk to someone you trust or seek support from your university's student support services.

Accommodation

What is student accommodation like?

Student accommodation can vary, but usually involves living in shared accommodation such as halls of residence or a shared house. The UniGuide has a useful guide on student accommodation.

What are the different types of student accommodation?

The different types of student accommodation include halls of residence, shared houses, private rented accommodation, and student apartments. Types of student accommodation depend on where you are, your budget and your university.

What is the cost of student accommodation?

The cost of student accommodation varies depending on the type of accommodation and location. Check with your university for the specific costs.

How do I apply for student accommodation?

You can apply for student accommodation through your university's accommodation office. The application process varies depending on the specific accommodation.

What is a tenancy agreement?

A tenancy agreement is a legal document that sets out the terms and conditions of renting a property.

What should I look for in a tenancy agreement?

When looking for a tenancy agreement, you should check the terms and conditions of the agreement, including rent, deposit, and length of tenancy. The Citizens Advice website has a guide on tenancy agreements.

What is a deposit for student accommodation?

A deposit for student accommodation is a sum of money paid to the landlord or accommodation provider to cover any damage or unpaid rent at the end of the tenancy.

How much is a deposit for student accommodation?

The amount of a deposit for student accommodation varies depending on the accommodation provider. Check with your university for the specific deposit requirements.

How do I get my deposit back for student accommodation?

To get your deposit back for student accommodation, you should leave the accommodation in good condition and pay any outstanding rent. The landlord or accommodation provider will then return the deposit, minus any deductions.

What is shared accommodation like?

Shared accommodation involves living with other students in a shared house or flat. It can be a great way to make friends and share living costs. Shared accommodation is discussed a lot, and you'll find plenty of information online.

Health and Wellbeing

What health services are available at university?

Many universities have a health centre or medical practice on campus that provides general medical care and support for mental health and well-being.

How do I register with a doctor at university?

You can register with a doctor at university by contacting the health centre or medical practice on campus. They often have guides on which local doctors practices to register with, and how to go about that process.

What mental health support is available at university?

Most universities offer a range of mental health support services, including counseling, therapy, and mental health advice. Check with your university for the specific services available.

How do I access mental health support at university?

You can access mental health support at university by contacting the university's student support services or mental health services. Check with your university for the specific support available.

What is student well-being?

Student wellbeing refers to the overall health and happiness of students, including their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

How can I improve my student well-being?

You can improve your student wellbeing by prioritising self-care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying connected with friends and family, and seeking support if you need it.

What is a disability service?

A disability service is a support service that provides assistance and accommodations to students with disabilities or specific learning needs.

How do I register with a disability service at university?

You can register with a disability service at university by contacting the disability service office or team. Check with your university for the specific registration process.

What academic support is available at university?

Most universities offer a range of academic support services, including study skills workshops, one-to-one tutoring, and academic writing support.

How do I access academic support at university?

You can access academic support at university by contacting the university's academic support services or by speaking with your tutors or academic advisors. Check with your university for the specific support available.

Money Matters

How much does university cost?

The cost of university varies depending on the course and university. Check with your university for the specific fees.

How do I pay for university?

You can pay for university through student loans, bursaries, and scholarships. The Student Finance website covers how to pay for university.

What is a student loan?

A student loan is a type of loan that helps students pay for their tuition fees and living costs.

How do I apply for a student loan?

You can apply for a student loan through the Student Finance website. The application process varies depending on the specific loan.

What is a student bursary?

A student bursary is a form of financial support that does not have to be repaid.

How do I apply for a student bursary?

You can apply for a student bursary through your university or through external organisations. Check with your university for the specific application process.

What is a student scholarship?

A student scholarship is a form of financial support that does not have to be repaid.

How do I apply for a student scholarship?

You can apply for a student scholarship through your university or through external organisations. Check with your university for the specific application process.

What is a student bank account?

A student bank account is a bank account designed for students, with features like interest-free overdrafts and low fees.

How do I open a student bank account?

You can open a student bank account by contacting a bank or building society that offers student accounts. Money Saving Expert has a handy list of student bank accounts.

Studying and Learning

What is independent learning?

Independent learning is a style of learning where students take responsibility for their own learning and development.

What is a study group?

A study group is a group of students who work together to support each other's learning.

How do I join a study group?

You can join a study group by contacting your coursemates or by checking with your university's student support services.

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work without proper attribution or citation.

How do I avoid plagiarism?

You can avoid plagiarism by properly citing and referencing any sources you use in your work.

What is referencing?

Referencing is the practice of providing citations for any sources used in your work.

How do I reference my work?

You can reference your work using a specific referencing style, such as Harvard or APA. Your university or course may have specific referencing guidelines.

What is the uni library like?

Just like any library, your university's library will be a place where you can access books, journals, and other resources for learning and research. Depending on which uni you're at, you'll probably find that the library is jam-packed with books and resources specific to the courses offered.

How do I use the library?

You can use the library by checking out books and other resources, using study spaces, and accessing online resources. Check with your university for specific library services.

What is a reading list?

A reading list is a list of books and other resources recommended by your tutors for your course.

How do I access my reading list?

You can access your reading list through your university's online learning platform or through your tutors.

What is a lecture capture?

A lecture capture is a recording of a lecture that can be accessed online.

How do I access lecture captures?

You can access lecture captures through your university's online learning platform or through your tutors.

What is a dissertation?

A dissertation is a long-form academic essay or research project, usually completed in the final year of a degree.

How do I write a dissertation?

You can write a dissertation by following a specific structure and using research and analysis to support your argument. Check with your university for the specific dissertation guidelines.

Careers and Employability

What is a careers service?

A careers service is a support service that provides advice and guidance on career planning, job searching, and employability.

How do I access the careers service?

You can access the careers service through your university's student support services or online.

What is work experience?

Work experience is a form of on-the-job training that provides practical skills and experience in a specific field.

How do I find work experience?

You can find work experience by checking job boards, networking, and contacting potential employers. The Prospects website is a great resource and covers work experience.

What is an internship?

An internship is a form of work experience that provides practical skills and experience in a specific field, usually over a short-term period.

How do I find an internship?

You can find an internship by checking job boards, networking, and contacting potential employers.

What is a graduate scheme?

A graduate scheme is a structured training programme for recent graduates, usually provided by large employers.

How do I find a graduate scheme?

You can find a graduate scheme by checking job boards, networking, and contacting potential employers.

What is a CV?

A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a document that provides a summary of your education, skills, and experience.

How do I write a CV?

You can write a CV by highlighting your skills and experience, using a clear and concise format, and tailoring it to the specific job or opportunity. The Prospects website also has a useful guide on writing a CV.

What is a job interview?

A job interview is a meeting with a potential employer to discuss your skills, experience, and suitability for a specific role.

How do I prepare for a job interview?

You can prepare for a job interview by researching the company and role, practising potential interview questions, and presenting yourself professionally. The Prospects website has a useful guide on preparing for a job interview.

What is a job fair?

A job fair, or careers fair, is an event where employers and job seekers can connect and network.

How do I find a job fair?

You can find a job fair by checking your university's careers service or by searching online for local job fairs.

What is networking?

Networking is the process of making professional connections and building relationships in a specific industry or field.

How do I network?

You can network by attending events, joining professional associations, and connecting with professionals through social media.

Extracurricular Activities

What are extracurricular activities?

Extracurricular activities are activities that take place outside of academic studies, such as sports, clubs, or volunteering.

Why are extracurricular activities important?

Extracurricular activities can help you develop new skills, make friends, and enhance your employability.

How do I get involved in extracurricular activities?

You can get involved in extracurricular activities by checking your university's societies and sports clubs or by seeking out local volunteer opportunities.

What are sports clubs like at university?

Sports clubs at university can vary, but usually involve training and competing in a specific sport.

How do I join a sports club at university?

You can join a sports club at university by contacting the club directly or by checking with your university's sports services.

What are societies like at university?

Societies at university can vary, but usually involve meeting with like-minded students and participating in activities related to a specific interest.

How do I join a society at university?

You can join a society at university by contacting the society directly or by checking with your university's student union.

Last but not Least: Personal Tutors

What is a personal tutor?

A personal tutor is a member of staff assigned to support you throughout your studies, usually by providing academic guidance and pastoral support.

How do I contact my personal tutor?

You can contact your personal tutor by checking with your university for their specific contact details, which may include email or office hours.

Let's wrap it up!

We hope that this FAQ has answered some of your burning questions about the first few weeks of uni. Remember, going to university is an exciting and challenging time, but with the right preparation and support, you can make the most of this opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive!

If you have any more questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your university's student support services or to seek advice from your personal tutor or academic advisor. Good luck and enjoy your university experience!