Student Guides

What is student accommodation?

Student accommodation refers to the types of places you may be living in once you start university. The main ones include:

• University halls of residence
• Private halls
• Private renting
• Parent-owned accommodation
• Living at home

Take a look at our student accommodation guides if you're in the process of looking to secure digs for this autumn, which has lots more information about the options available, and will help you decide which one is right for you.

How do I apply for student accommodation?

Usually, you will only be allowed to apply for student accommodation at the university once you have been offered a place.

Sometimes, universities will let you apply if they are your insurance option, although many will only invite accommodation applications if they are your firm choice.

Although you can’t apply while you’re still waiting for your offer, it is worth doing your research in advance so that you can make your application as soon as they open. Accommodation is usually allocated on a first-come, first-served basis – and some unis can't guarantee all first-year students a place in halls.

Also be aware that universities often have deadlines for applying, well before the start of your course (normally the first week of August), so don’t leave it till the last minute to make your application.

Applications are typically made online. You usually put down a number of preferences – your preferred accommodation residence as well as your preferred type of room (standard, ensuite, catered etc).

Accommodation officers will do their best to match you to your preferences, but some residences will be very over-subscribed. This means that unfortunately you won't be guaranteed to get your first choice.

A deposit of up to £500 will then be required to secure your accommodation.

What student budgeting tips can I follow?

To help you save money at university, and not get further into debt, we recommend you follow these top tips to make sure you stay free of financial woes during your studies:

1. Calculate a budget and stick to it
2. Secure an authorised, interest-free overdraft (just in case)
3. Avoid big broadband bills
4. Don't use cash machines that charge you
5. Take your NUS card with you to get discounts
6. Check if you have home insurance
7. Don't put anything on your credit card
8. Don't sign up for an expensive mobile contract
9. Save on rail travel with a 16-25 railcard
10. Only download free software (and get anything else you can for free!)
11. Make sure you're not being over-charged rent, and know your rights as a tenant.

For more top tips on budgeting and saving money at university, take a look at our student budgeting, money and finance guides.

What is a gap year and should I take one?

A gap year is typically a year-long break taken before or after university to take part in some type of learning, educational or travelling experience, or to work (either paid or as a volunteer).

Most students who opt to take a gap year do so to enhance their CV, travel, learn new skills, make friends, experience a different culture and/or challenge themselves.

These are a lot of benefits, but it taking a gap year also has its downsides, such as being a year behind your secondary school friends, can be very expensive, and you risk becoming ill overseas (especially if you are planning on visiting remote or third world countries).

For more information on the pros and cons of a gap year, take a look at our gap year guides.

How do I stay healthy at university?

To keep yourself healthy at university, we recommend following these top tips:

• Talk to your university's counselling team if you feel your mental health is suffering
• Drink plenty of water, and keep a bottle with you at all times (especially during the Spring/Summer when the weather is warmer)
• Register with a GP and make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date
• Eat healthy (and budget friendly) meals
• Get plenty of exercise by either joining a gym, going running. swimming, cycling, or by walking to the shops, your campus, etc.
• Don't go to bed too late and get enough sleep.

All of these will help you stay in a good state of physical and mental health, so you're ready for lectures, studying, socialising, and anything else that comes your way during uni life!

For more advice, take a look at our student health guides, as well as our blog post on staying healthy at university.

How do I get a job at uni?

To secure a part-time job at university, we recommend you:

How should I socialise at university?

Ways to make new friends when starting uni include:

• Joining clubs and societies during Freshers' Week
• Hanging out in communal areas
• Get a part-time job
• Take up a new sport
• Arrange group activities
• Keep your door open during Freshers' Week!

For more tips and advice on socialising at university, read our student socialising guides.

Should I study for my degree abroad?

There are many reasons you might choose to take your higher education overseas. These include:

• Learning a new language
• Overcoming challenges
• Gain a high quality education
• Immerse yourself in a different culture
• Enhance your CV and career opportunities
• Make lifelong friends
• Gain independence

If this sounds like an adventure you might be willing to try, take a look at our studying abroad guides for more information adnd advice.

How can I study smart at university?

To help you study better at university, we recommend you follow these top tips:

• Use flash cards and mind maps
• Take regular breaks
• Find somewhere quiet to study with no distractions
• Turn off your phone or put it out of sight
• Join a study group
• Review your progress regularly
• Learn different topics throughout the day (don't just focus on one)
• Test yourself frequently
• Reward yourself
• Drink plenty of water
• Get lots of sleep
• Eat nutritious meals
• Don't cram.

If you want to learn more about studying effectively at university, read our studying and revision guides for lots of information and advice.

How do I apply to university in the UK?

To apply for a degree programme in the UK, you will need to:

1. Register your details with UCAS, the University and College Admissions Service. Make sure you fill out all your details correctly.
2. Choose which course you want to apply for. We have lots of advice on choosing a the right one for you with our Choosing A Degree guide.
3. Find which universities you want to apply to. Again, we have lots of information and advice on this in our Choosing A University guide.
4. Fill out your UCAS application form and submit it before the deadline. This includes writing a great personal statement to help your application stand out from the crowd.
5. Wait for replies. Once you have sent off your application, the universities will have time to consider it and decide whether they want to offer you a place on their course.

For more detailed information and advice on filling out your UCAS application form, please see:

• UCAS Application Guide
• Subject Application Guides
• Personal Statement Examples
• Top Rated Personal Statements
• Personal Statement Editing Services
• Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
• Analysis Of A Personal Statement
• The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
• Personal Statement FAQs
• Personal Statement Template
• Personal Statement Timeline
• 10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
• What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.