5 Things To Do Before Uni Starts

In my first couple of semesters a lack of organisation has led me down a road of missed readings, and late nights catching up for assignments that appear too quickly. So, starting off the year super organised has become essential for me.

Let's be honest, the uni semester really is only a couple of months long.

1. Timetable

When I make my timetable, I always have a little plan of my life outside uni. I schedule out when I want to work, when I have to work and when I want to have days off. That way when I go to make the timetable I know what commitments I already have and so need to work around, but also what days of work I may have to move, and when I can be more flexible.

Creating a good timetable is essential to planning out what the next 4 months is going to look like. And, by doing this ahead of time you can guarantee a good work schedule and if you're lucky maybe even a day off!

2. Stationery

For most degrees your laptop is going to be your best friend. Take it from the girl who bought a notebook for every subject and then proceeded not to use them.

Get stationery that matches your subject. If you do architecture, get the right drawing and sketching materials. If you are doing business, you probably don't need 15 notebooks and a hundred different highlighters.

@lilymayedwards If you’re a stationery girly like myself, this one’s for you😘@papier #foryoupage #uni #student #uniessentials #stationery #papier #freshers #fyp ♬ Super Freaky Girl - Nicki Minaj

3. Clubs and societies

Find at least one club or society to join. Even if you only go to a few events at the beginning of semester, joining a club or society specific to your interests and degree can be a really easy way to get to know people with similar interests.

4. Textbooks

Textbooks are a bit like stationery. Tempting to get them before you even know if they're necessary. Some degrees won't require you to buy any textbooks as the uni provides online copies. Other degrees will require you to have them ready for the start of semester.

Doing a bit of research into the subject - checking out if you have a subject outline or if there has been any communication on canvas or other information sharing channels for your degree - will help make clear if a textbook or two is essential.

5. Assignments

At the beginning of semester you are almost guaranteed to want to do more work than you actually have been given to do. I always like to burn that excited energy on creating elaborate assignment planners.

If you have two semesters there are only 12-13 weeks, and less if you have trimesters. A good planner helps to put this all in perspective. That way by the time you get to weeks 4 and 5 when assignments are on the rise, you won't be left in the dust.

Getting yourself ready for the uni semester means you can fully focus on the excitement of starting uni. 

Put yourself out there, get involved and most of all have fun in your first semester of uni!