If you’re heading into the summer break about to start university life, there are a few things you need to prepare beforehand. Making the step from being a secondary school student to a university student is a big one, and a major milestone in life, so using the summer to prepare is important.
Of course, the summer holidays are all about relaxing and unwinding after your studies have ended, allowing you to refresh for the entire summer before getting started again in September.
However, you must try to keep your brain active around your summer holiday to ensure you’re ready to hit the ground running at university.
So, what can you do during your summer break to prepare for the new school year at university?
Read on to find out.
What to do during your summer holidays to prepare for university life
While moving to university can be daunting, using your summer break beforehand to relax, unwind and prepare for the next step in your education is crucial. Whether it’s at a local university or somewhere further afield, you must make the same steps to prepare.
Here’s what we believe are the ideal things to do in the summer months to prepare students for university.
Maintain reading skills
Whatever subject you’ve signed up to study at university, you will be required to read a lot. Whether it’s creative writing, coding, performing arts, or graphic design, you’ll likely have to read quite a lot during your studies.
So, don’t show up on day one rusty; read during the summer break and ensure the first few weeks of uni life get off to a good start.
Whether you’re busy with summer activities or chilling at home in the sun, have a book by your side so you can keep your brain active in your free time.
Sign up for summer programs & online courses
University is a lot different to secondary school as you’re expected to look after yourself and work on your skills in your free time. In secondary school, teachers will pull you along and help you with your work, but in university, tutors are simply unable to give you as much of their time because of the number of students in their classes and the opportunity for independent working.
To prepare yourself for higher education, consider joining some free online courses or a summer program to pick up some skills and knowledge before your full-time studies begin.
These small steps in the summer can give you an almighty boost as you start university – and it’s likely to put you out in front of your fellow students, who may have spent the entire summer working or holidaying.
Stock up on all study essentials
Next up is an important one. Whatever subject you’re preparing to study, you need to stock up on the essentials.
Of course, it’s important to have a laptop or tablet for studies but you can never go wrong with a classic notepad and pen, so be sure to pick up a couple.
You’ll be surprised at how useful traditional pen and paper can help with your studies as you jot down thoughts, notes, plans, lists and more.
Improve time management and organisational skills
As you’ll be left to your own devices at university, you must ensure you have good organisational and time management skills.
If you’re always late to lectures or seminars, you may not be allowed into the classroom, and poor organisation will mean you’re scrambling to finish work right before a deadline.
Use the summer months to read up on ways to improve your organisation and time management skills so you’re ready to tackle your schedule in the new academic year.
Fix your sleep schedule
It can be tricky to do in the summer because you don’t have to get up for college or school, but you should try and fix your sleep schedule before heading off to university.
And yes, some days you won’t need to get up in the morning for lectures so there’s the possibility of a lie-in, but we still believe you should sort your sleep out anyway!
Getting up at a good time in the morning allows you to be more productive with your time. It allows you to potentially head to the gym for some exercise, explore the local community, join a club, work a part-time job, or get a head-start on some work.
Ensure student finance is in order
Financial aid is another important factor you should arrange before the new school year starts. Set up a student bank account so you can take advantage of some potential benefits from your bank and ensure your student finance is arranged before your studies begin.
If you’re moving away from home and require financial support to pay for your accommodation during your studies, you’ll require student financing, so use the summer months to ensure everything has been agreed upon and is in order.
It’s also a good idea to save money before heading to university. This can help you have an exciting time in the first few weeks before your financial aid arrives in your bank account.
Relax
So, you’ve got everything for the start of your university life – now it’s time to relax. After years of hard work in school to achieve the right grades to earn a place in higher education, and getting everything in order so you’re ready for the next step, it’s important you take some time to relax.
Resting is key to refreshing yourself so you’re emotionally and physically ready to get stuck into university. Put your feet up a little – you’ve earned it.
Student accommodation at Orlando Village
The final thing to arrange before starting university is your accommodation. Whether you’re staying in the city or moving away from home, you’ll need to arrange accommodation.
Many students choose to live in student accommodation provided by the university. If you’re attending the University of Bolton, you can choose to live at the wonderful Orlando Village.
We have a wide range of rooms available to choose from in a high-quality, safe and clean environment where you’ll be able to meet other students your age and build lifelong friendships. We’re a quick walk to the university campus and have all the on-site amenities you could need.
If you need any information about our types of accommodation, don’t hesitate to contact us.
