Preparing for University is a massive step in anyone’s life. For most, it will be the first time they’ve lived outside of their family home, or the town they grew up in. No matter how much you’re looking forward to it and feel emotionally ready to spread your wings, the next few weeks are going to be a rollercoaster of highs and lows as you swing between overwhelming excitement and anxiety. You can understand where Anna was coming from in Frozen now when she sang, “Don’t know if I’m elated or gassy, but I’m somewhere in that zone.” (Don’t pretend you weren’t a fan – we know.)
Now you’ve got your results and you’ve celebrated with your friends, family and A Level Tutors it’s time to get down to the real nitty gritty of getting ready for Uni.
Here’s a quick list of all the things you’re going to need to do as soon as possible once you know which University you’re going to:
Whether it’s going on holiday or heading off to Uni, many people get a bit giddy when it comes to packing. Yes, it can feel daunting leaving things behind (that voice will always be whispering in your ear, “But what if I need it later?”), but it’s important to remember you’re going to Uni, not outer Mongolia. There are going to be shops. Amazon will be able to deliver. Your parents can probably post things if you realise you do need them down the line.
It doesn’t matter if you’re living in Halls or a house share, there’s going to be limited space for you to store your belongings. The last thing you want is to have your entire room crammed full of clothes you’ll never wear, just because you’re preparing for all eventualities.
Hopefully, after an extended summer break you’re feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to get started with studies again. If you’ve spent the whole of the summer working and making the most of time with your friends, the idea of picking up a textbook or attending classes again may feel a little overwhelming. However, you’re sure to slide right back into the swing of things by the time lectures start.
Some of the best ways to ensure you’re fully prepared is to make sure you’ve got hold of all the text books you’re going to need. Each module you’re studying should come with a reading list, and may even provide you with tips on where to source second-hand versions of the books you require.
Once you’ve arrived at Uni and settled into your room, make time to visit the on-site library and discover where your subject section is. Organising your library card and orientating yourself to the catalogue is a great way to be ahead of your peers when lectures officially start.
Remember, Uni work involves far more independence than you were used to at A Level. You are entirely in charge of managing your time, your deadlines and your workload. Start as you mean to go on by keeping records of all important dates, and setting realistic schedules for completing conflicting deadlines.
Many students pick up part-time work whilst they’re at University, either as a means of earning some extra income (student nights might be cheap, but they’re not that cheap) or a way to make some friends outside of their course or social clubs.
Working alongside your studies is no doubt possible; however, it makes sense not to jump into everything at once. Take a couple of weeks to get used to the lay of the land when it comes to your lectures, and ascertain how much independent work you’re going to have to put in. The last thing you want to do is compromise time in the library because you’ve got to pull an extra shift at the local coffee shop.
One great way to earn some extra cash whilst ensuring your work fits in with your studies is to become an online tutor. Here at Tutorspot we’re always keen to hear from students who have excelled at their studies and are interested in becoming Chemistry Tutors, online physics tutors, or Online Biology Tutors. If you achieved As or A*s for your maths and further maths A levels, and are going on to study Maths at uni, you might like to work as an online maths tutor or further maths tutor as well.
Using your own academic knowledge as well as your recent experience of navigating the A Level exam system (and that nervous wait for results) is of huge benefit to students who are getting ready to go through that process themselves. For those wanting to be the next Einstein and who are just embarking on their college journey, working with an A Level Physics Tutor online who really does understand what they’re going through, and isn’t a career teacher or tutor can be precisely the kind of relationship that allows them to flourish.
The benefit, from your perspective, is that it can allow you to use the knowledge and skills you already have, all from the comfort of your laptop. This means there’s no need for training or travel, so you can utilise your time more effectively, refresh your own subject skills and earn extra money. It’s definitely a win-win.
To find out more about working with Tutorspot, either as tutor online or a student, get in touch with us today.
