Making the transition to university

Going to university is often talked about as one of the best times of your life. And often, that's true; but it's not necessarily an easy transition from the life you've been living "at home" to becoming a university student. Here is a collection of a few resources that will help you to plan, prepare for, and navigate some of the possible challenges of student life.

Free online resources

• Know Before You Go
  studentminds.org.uk/knowbeforeyougo.html 
  This life skills resource helps you to anticipate, identify and navigate situations you will encounter when entering higher education. It contains information on many topics including paying bills, study skills, housemate issues, identity questions and embedded throughout is how to maintain good mental health and seek help as needed.

• Transitions
  studentminds.org.uk/transitionintouniversity.html 
  This resource is designed to help you be successful on campus, focusing on time management, relationships, identity, finances, sexual activity, mental illness, suicide and addictions and more. It also includes tips and strategies for helping students through challenging times and recommendations of where to go to get additional help, if needed.
• Top Tips for Freshers Week
  thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/preparing-to-go/after-results-day-get-ready-for-uni/top-tips-for-freshers-week 
• Starting University
  studentminds.org.uk/startinguniversity.html 

• How to Cope with Student Life
  mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/student-life/becoming-a-student
  Explains how you can look after your mental health as a student, giving practical suggestions for what you can do and where you can go for support.

Books

• U-Thrive: How to succeed in college (and life)
  worldcat.org/oclc/956625208 
• Staying Well and Safe @ College
  worldcat.org/oclc/1056197176 

More help

If you're staying in our Intercollegiate Halls, your Warden and their team of Resident Advisors are available to talk through any issues or difficulties you might encounter in any area of life: home, hall, college, friends, relationships, family, finance, study, health, or anything else. You can contact them by asking at the reception desk in your hall.

Your college will asign you a personal tutor. You can talk to them about any worries or challenges - especially academic or study-related concerns, but they're also able to talk through more personal matters.

You college will also have a student support team, including advisors, counsellors, and therapists. Search for "student support" or "wellbeing" on your college website or intranet for information about how to contact them. Most students' unions also have a welfare officer.

Finally, we strongly recommend that you register with a GP doctor near where you're staying in London, as soon as possible after your arrive. Your college may have its own medical service, or you can search for a GP using your postcode at nhs.uk/service-search.