Moving away from home as a first time university student can be an exciting and challenging prospect. Transitioning from home to university life can present various emotional hurdles, and homesickness is incredibly common.

Homesickness is usually seen as a longing or nostalgia for the familiarity and comfort of your previous home, social and learning environment. Whilst homesickness can feel terrible and may seem like it will last forever, the vast majority of students do manage to settle into their new environment and enjoy their time away from home.

Understanding Homesickness

Homesickness is a very natural emotional response when students are separated from their familiar environment of their homes. It can feel different to everybody, but commonly manifests as loneliness, sadness or anxiety, as well as other physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping or lack of motivation to participate in things that would normally make you happy. It is important to remember that this is a common experience, and many other students around will be going through similar emotions.

Coping with Homesickness

If you do find yourself feeing homesick once you have arrived at university, remember that these feelings are temporary and manageable. Here are few common tips for coping with the feelings of homesickness:

• Stay connected: maintain regular communication with your family and friends back home. This can be done through phone calls, video chats or social media. Sharing your new experiences and staying connected with your loved ones can provide comfort and support when you need it most.

• Establish a routine: creating routines can give you a feeling of structure in your new environment. Engaging in activities like joining clubs or participating in sports can help to distract you from feeling homesick.

• Seek social support: reaching out to your peers and fellow students will help you to start building new friendships, which will in turn make you feel that this new environment is more comfortable. Universities often organise plenty of social events, such as freshers fairs, that provide new students opportunities to meet new people with similar interests, reducing the feeling of isolation.

• Explore campus resources: universities are all to familiar with the challenges of homesickness, and will be expecting that many students will find being separated from their home environment challenging. Most universities provide a range of support services, such as counselling, mentors and welfare teams. Taking advantage of of these resources could help students to navigate the emotional challenges of university life.

University Support for Homesick Students

Universities recognise the significance of addressing homesickness, and offer various avenues of support to help students adapt to their new environment:

• Student counselling services: universities often offer dedicated counselling services where trained professionals can provide confidential support and guidance to students. These services could include individual counselling sessions, group therapy or workshops.

• Peer mentoring: many universities have peer mentoring programs where older students or trained mentors can provide advice, guidance and a friendly ear to incoming students. New students can take advantage of any tips and tricks offered by these mentors.

• Accommodation support: living arrangements can play an important role in a student’s overall wellbeing. There are usually dedicated accommodation teams that can deal with any concerns you have around housing, ensuring that there is a comfortable environment for everyone.

When Does Homesickness Subside?

The length of time that homesickness lasts will vary from person to person. For some students, homesickness may fade away very quickly, and for others it may take a little longer. Engaging in activities, making friends and immersing yourself into the university experience can significantly help reduce feelings of homesickness.

It is important to remember that homesickness is a temporary phase, and that your new surroundings will eventually become routine and familiar. However, it is worth being aware that occasional wave of homesickness may resurface, especially breaks or holidays. This does not mean that students have not adjusted to their new environment, and it is perfectly normal and common to experience these emotions.

Whilst homesickness is a common challenge for students across the country, taking the time to understand its nature, employing coping strategies, and utilising the support services that are available to students, this phase can be navigated through. Remember that homesickness will subside with time, and that engaging with the environment and community around you will help you to build a feeling that university is a home away from home.

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Heading off to university is an incredibly exciting experience, and finding suitable accommodation can be a challenging task, but it doesn’t need to be. Securing a good place to live is a critical part of university life, and planning ahead and understanding the accommodation application process is the best way to make it as straightforward as possible.

When to Apply for Student Accommodation

When it comes to applying for student accommodation, the earlier you begin the process, the better. Most UK universities let students apply for accommodation around February or March for the next academic year, and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that you should apply as early as possible to increase your chances of getting a room in your preferred accommodation.

If you’re applying as a first-year undergraduate student, your university will normally prefer that you live in halls of residence. These are owned and managed by the university, and tend to be located close to the university campus, or have adequate transport links. 

If you’re a postgraduate student or a returning undergraduate student, there will be more options for accommodation. It is more common for non-first year undergraduates to live in private rented accommodation, but most universities will allow those students to live in halls of residences if they wish. You will need to research the options available to you, work out who you want to live with, and what you can afford.

How to Apply for Student Accommodation

Depending on the university you will be attending, the application process for accommodation can vary. However, most universities now operate an online portal where students can apply for the various types of accommodation offered at the university.

Here are some general steps you’ll need to take when applying for student accommodation:

Step 1: Research the accommodation options available to you

Before you start to apply for accommodation, you need to make sure that you research the different types of accommodation that are available to you. These might include halls of residence, shared houses or flats, and private student accommodation. Things you should consider are budget, location preferences, living preferences and any requirements you might have.

Step 2: Register on the university’s accommodation portal

Once you have done your research and decided which type of accommodation you want to apply for, you will need to register on your university’s accommodation portal. This will usually require you to provide personal details, such as your name, student ID and course information, as well as payment details. This portal is then normally where you will receive any correspondence about your application, and any further information about your accommodation.

Step 3: Apply for accommodation

Once you have registered, you can go ahead and apply for the accommodation you prefer. You’ll need to select the type of accommodation you would prefer, as well as providing information about any extra requirements you have, such as an accessible room, or a room with an en-suite bathroom.

Step 4: Accept the accommodation offer

Once you’ve applied for accommodation, you will normally receive an offer letter or email from your university. This will include details of your accommodation, such as your flat/room number, the cost of rent (normally displayed as weekly, but paid each term), the tenancy period, and the tenancy agreement.

To secure your place, you will usually need to accept your offer and pay a deposit. The deposit amount should be made clear during the application process.

Step 5: Check the accommodation contract

Before you sign the accommodation contract, you need to make sure that you read and understand the terms and conditions. The contract will include details of the rent, the cancellation policy, and additional costs, and how long you are able to stay in your accommodation (some accommodation types will require you to move out during holiday periods).

Step 6: Pay the rent and move in

Once you have signed the accommodation contract, you will normally need to pay at least some of your rent. Usually students use their maintenance grant to cover the cost of their accommodation, and universities tend to charge rent for each term, which matches when students receive their grant or loan money.

Additional Tips for Applying for Student Accommodation

• Apply early – as we mentioned earlier, the earlier you apply for accommodation, the more likely you are to get your preferred accommodation. This would also mean that you have more time to get all of the money and information you need together.
• Consider your budget – the costs of accommodation can vary depending on what type you are applying for. When doing your research, make sure to take into consideration your budget.
• Research the location – make sure you know where the accommodation is located, and understand where it is in relation to your university campus, local amenities and transport links.
• Consider additional costs – make sure that you consider any additional costs that aren’t covered by your rent, such as internet charges, utility bills and council tax. Some university halls of residence include these costs in the rent, but not all.

Applying for student accommodation at university can seem like a stressful experience, but with the right planning and research, it can be a smooth process. Remember to apply early, understand your budget and location requirements, and check the tenancy agreement. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to finding the best student accommodation for you.

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Applying to universities can be an intimidating process for anyone, but it can be even more challenging for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These students might face additional barriers, such as lack of access to resources, or limited guidance on the process of choosing and applying to a university.

Although these challenges can seem daunting, with a little preparation and support, all students can successfully navigate through the university application process and go to the university of their choice.

The most important thing to know as a student from a disadvantaged background is that there are resources available to you, and people and organisations out there that want to make the process more accessible for you. Understanding what options are available to you will open many doors.

1. Identify your strengths and interests

Before you decide on where you want to study, it is important to identify your strengths, interests and goals. This can help you to choose the right university and courses to apply to. Think about what subjects you enjoy and excel in, as well as any career goals you may have. It is useful to also consider any extracurricular activities or work experiences that could make you stand out from the crowd in your application.

Have an in depth understanding of your strengths and interests can help you to write a compelling personal statement, and make a case for yourself as a good student and wise addition to a university group.

2. Research universities and courses

Once you have an idea of what you are interested in studying, you can start your research of universities and the courses they offer. There are so many universities in the UK, so this can seem overwhelming to begin with. In order to make the process easier, you can make use of one of the many resources available, such as university rankings.

University websites and prospectuses are also very helpful for looking at different courses, their entry requirements, and any other information about the university and the application process.

READ MORE: A Guide to Shortlisting Universities

3. Check entry requirements

The next step towards gaining a place at your university of choice is to check the entry requirements to the courses you are interested in applying to. These requirements will differ depending on the university and course, but will usually include a minimum grade requirement for relevant A-level subjects or the equivalent qualifications or work experience.

Don’t be discouraged if you do not meet the entry requirements for your chosen course. Many universities offer foundation or access courses for students who require additional support to meet the entry requirements.

4. Attend open days and events

Attending open days and events, whether they are virtual or in-person, is a good way to learn more about a university, its courses and the lecturers. You can take advantage of campus tours, meet with current students and faculty members, and ask any questions you may have about the application process. It is also a good opportunity to find out more about the support offered by the university to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. For instance, some universities offer outreach programmes for students, which can provide additional information and guidance.

5. Get support and advice

Getting support and advice throughout the application process can make the whole experience smoother and less stressful. Speak to your teachers or career advisors, as they will have helped many students before you going through this process.

You can also seek out support and advice from organisations that specialise in supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These organisations can help you with choosing the right course and university, the application process, and offer financial assistance where required.

6. Write a strong personal statement

Writing a personal statement is a very important part of the application process. It is your chance to showcase your strengths and show what kind of student and person you are. As a student from a disadvantaged background, you may have faced additional challenges that have had an impact on your academic performance or personal experiences. You can use your personal statement to explain those challenges and how you overcame them. You should be honest and authentic, and focus on your achievements and strong points.

Your school can provide you with guidance on how to write a good personal statement if you are struggling. You should remember that whilst it is an important part of the application process, it is not the be all and end all. Universities are not basing their decisions entirely on your personal statement.

7. Apply for financial support

University can be expensive, and is a large financial commitment. Depending on your situation, as a student from a disadvantaged background, you may struggle to cover the costs of attending university. However, there are several forms of financial support available to students to help them cover these costs.

Financial support can range from government student loans, means-tested maintenance grants, bursaries, scholarships, as well as other options offered by your university. Make sure to research all of the financial aid options available to you and apply to them as early as possible.

READ MORE: Receiving Your Student Loan

8. Submit your application on time

Finally, make sure that you submit your application on time. The deadline for UCAS application is normally in mid-January, but some universities (such as Cambridge and Oxford) and courses (such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine) have earlier deadlines. Late applications are usually not accepted unless there are extenuating circumstances, so it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to complete your application and make sure that all required documents are submitted on time.

READ MORE: What is a UCAS Code?

With the proper preparation, research and support, applying to university as a student from a disadvantaged background can be simple and straightforward. Remember to identify your strengths and interests, take the time to research universities and courses, and reach out for support when you need it. Good luck!

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Working out a budget for the year at university can seem daunting to many students. As a young adult, you may not have much experience with managing your finances, and your time at university could be your first opportunity to get to grips with creating and sticking to a budget.

Budgeting is very useful for students who have a limited income and want to make sure that they are being careful with their money and not over spending. A lot of students will be relying on student finance, and potentially part-time work, if possible.

Having a better understanding of your income and outgoing expenses can help you to manage your money more effectively, and hopefully mean that you have money left over to treat yourself!

Whilst we are not qualified to give proper financial advice, we can offer some simple tips that have worked for many students before, and can make managing your finances simpler and less intimidating.

Tip 1: Understand your income and expenses

The first step to creating a budget is to understand what your income and expenses are. Looking at your budget on a monthly basis will make the numbers easier to deal with, and should also make it simpler to keep track of if you are keeping to your budget.

Things that need to be included in your budget are any monthly outgoing and incoming expenses. These will include your rent (if you are renting private student accommodation), any household bills that aren’t included in your rent, groceries, transportation costs (such as bus tickets, petrol/car parking or train tickets), broadband, mobile phone contract (if you are paying), and TV licence (important if you want to watch terrestrial television or use some catch-up services).

In terms of income, you should include any salary you receive from part-time work (if applicable), any allowance you receive (from parents, grandparents, etc.), any monthly payments you receive for grants or loans.

Tip 2: Set financial goals

When you fully understand your income and expenses, you can then take your next step and set some financial goals. These goals could include building up your savings, creating a pot to afford a study abroad programme, go travelling, or gain a professional qualification.

Tip 3: Create a budget

Sitting down and creating your budget is the next step. There are several methods for budgeting, but the most common one is known as the zero-based budget. This method suggests that you allocate every last penny to something, whether that is an expense, such as bills or rent, or a long term savings goal, such as your emergency fund or holiday spending pot. This means that at the end of the month, you will have no money left that has not been put somewhere useful.

To create your budget, you need to start by listing all of your income sources and the amounts they are. Then, you need to extract your expenses from your income. It helps to start with your fixed expenses (such as rent and bills), and then move onto your variable expenses (such food shopping and entertainment). You should then allocate any leftover income to your financial goals.

Tip 4: Stick to your budget

Once you have created your budget, the next challenge will be to stick to it. Whilst this could seem daunting, you should remember that you have a plan and that makes it more manageable. Apply a little bit of discipline and self-control, and you’ll be well within your budget.

Here are a few tips that might help you to stay on track:

• Use a budgeting app or a spreadsheet to track your income and expenses. This makes it very easy to see what you are spending and how much money you have left in each category at the end of the month. This can also keep you accountable, as you are seeing your spending in writing/numbers.
• Set up automatic transfers to your savings account. Direct debits and standing orders mean that you don’t have to manually do anything to work towards your financial goals.
• Avoid impulse purchases where possible. These are purchases that you have not budgeted for, and are not necessary. For instance, a new pair of trainers that you do not need, or a new electronic device that you don’t need.
• Find ways to reduce your expenses. For example, shop around for cheaper phone or broadband contracts, try to cook at home instead of eating out, and take public transportation instead of driving (where possible).
• Be flexible. Unexpected expenses will pop up even if you create the most detailed plan. You may need to adjust your budget accordingly to allow for these situations. Just make sure to avoid dipping into your emergency savings unless it’s truly an emergency.

Tip 5: Revisit your budget regularly

Whilst it is important to stick to your budget, you also should keep in mind that your budget is not set in stone. You should revisit it on a regular basis to make sure that it is still working for you, and isn’t holding you back more than it should be. At the end of each month, take a look at your budget and see if there are any areas that require improvement. If you have money left over in a specific area, see if that can be allocated to another area, such as long term savings or holiday fund.

Tip 6: Take advantage of student discounts and benefits

One of the major perks of being a student is that you can take advantage of student discounts and benefits that many major retailers and businesses offer. Make sure you are aware of any discounts that may be helpful to you, but don’t buy things for the sake of using a discount. Here are a few examples:

• Student discounts: most retailers offer some sort of discount for students. These often require a valid student ID or other nationally recognised student ID scheme.
• Public transport discounts: many transport companies offer special prices for students. These might come in the form of discounted ticket prices, or the option to buy a season ticket at a lower price.
• Student bank accounts: many banks offer student bank accounts. These sometimes have no monthly fees and offer other perks.

Tip 7: Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you are struggling with money and need some assistance, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are resources available to students who need some financial assistance. Here are a few examples:

• Student support services: many universities have student support services that can help with financial aid, budgeting, and accessing any financial resources offered outside of the university.
• Emergency grants: some universities offer emergency grants for students who are struggling to make ends meet due to unexpected financial hardship.
• Charitable organisations: there are charities that can help to provide financial support to students in need. Where possible, do some research to see what is available in your area, or speak to someone at your student support services.

Whilst budgeting for the year at university can be a challenge, it’s a good opportunity to develop your money management skills. By having a deeper understanding of your income and expenses, setting realistic financial goals, creating a budget, then sticking to it and revisiting it regularly, taking advantage of student discounts and benefits, you can ensure that you have enough money to comfortably take you through a whole year. Good luck!

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