12 Ways to Prepare for University over the Summer

So you’ve done it. You have secured a place at your university of choice, and after all that hard work, it is time to start thinking about the next phase of your life. There are many ways to use that glorious summer before university, and here are just a few to get you ready.

Learn to Cook

Sadly, mum won’t be around to cook her hearty meals anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn all her tricks of the trade before you are released into the great wide-world of independence. Arrange a few cooking lessons a week, slowly building up to making the family dinners all by yourself. This way you will leave for uni equipped with the knowledge of a few essential recipes to get you started on your journey to culinary greatness.  

Figure out the layout of the city

Google maps is your new best friend. It may prove beneficial to scout the streets of your uni city to figure out the kind of routes you will need to take to get to the library, your uni building, and the shop. Figure out where exactly you will be living and what things you can do in the local area on a weekend.

Work out your budget strategy

Budgeting is crucial for any student and it would be useful to get to grips with this before you even start. Figure out your weekly spending amount and create sub-groups to allocate this money to. This can include weekly shopping, essential items, nights out, and transport costs for instance. Furthermore, when doing this you can also decide whether it will be necessary for you to get a part-time job alongside your studies.

Join Freshers Facebook groups

You can find a number of dedicated Facebook groups through the university where you can find who your flatmates are and if there are any events being planned. Doing this can put your mind at ease to who exactly you will be living with in your first year of university and means you can start planning fresher’s activities together.

Start washing your own clothes

I am not ashamed to say that I didn’t know how to use a washing machine before I started uni, and during my first wash in halls, I completely forgot to use washing detergent. A mistake I didn’t make twice! Get used to washing and ironing, and get one step ahead of your future flatmates.    

Get a Netflix subscription

If you don’t already, getting Netflix will be an essential for all that free time you will find you have; especially in first year!

Have a browse through all the sports and societies on offer

Cardiff has over 200 sports and societies to choose from so take a look and see what takes your fancy. This way you will know exactly what stalls to go up to during the Freshers Fair in September.

Put a list together of all the things you want to take

Create a to-take list for your uni halls. Then when it comes to tackling the task you will be equipped with a tick list that will ensure you won’t leave anything important behind!

Have another look through your course outline

Refresh your memory of what exactly you will be doing during your degree. If there are any reading lists or books you need to get then this is a great time to get them.

Update your CV

Start uni with a fully up-to-date CV which, if you find yourself needing a little extra money, means you can just send your CV off to local companies when you arrive.

Learn to drive

The summer before uni is a perfect opportunity to get that all important driving licence. Although having a car at uni is by no means essential, it can prove useful if you and your friends want to go on any day-trips in and around Wales.

Get in the right mind-set

The thought of starting university may fill you with complete dread but rest assured, it will all be okay. Stride into uni life with a positive, can-do attitude and you will be bossing the student lifestyle in no time.