From High School to Uni
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about University and Student Life
Here, you will find answers to some of the most common questions that students have asked us about starting university or life on or off campus.
We are here to help you make the transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Do you need help with your essential university shopping list, a list of the official documents you will need, packing lists, how to create and plan your budget and manage your money, house sharing, or anything else related to student life? We have the expert advice and resources to help you.
If you can’t find what you need below, contact us and we will do our best to help you.
How do I make friends at university?
The quickest way to make friends at university is by signing up to join clubs and organisations, and attending campus events, particularly during Freshers’ Week.
You may also make friends with other students attending the same classes as you, study groups, as well as your flat-mates or neighbours living in halls of residence.
An alternative way if you prefer to meet people outside of the uni environment is by volunteering (charity shops, NGOs, or other societies) or offering your services like dogwalking, shopping for the elderly, etc.
What are some challenges related to living on university campus?
We address some of the following potential challenges you may experience as a university student in our book and our free resources and blogs - check them out for advice on how to deal with them.
Homesickness (you may miss family, but call often and embrace your new independence)
Transitioning to university life - the noise and crowds
Roommates (noise and respect levels)
Effective studying (being disciplined and finding your groove)
Time management (again, discipline - use the planners in our Resources section)
Budgeting (a big challenge for most)
Relationships (focus on what is important)
Partying (enjoy yourself, but be reasonable)
Read our blogs for help
Common Issues that uni students most struggle with include the following:
Anxiety, test anxiety, or panic attacks. Seek help from a professional to guide you on the triggers and remedies should you feel anxious.
Family expectations or problems. You can't worry about what you can't control - focus on doing your best at university, seek help if you need it, and try not to let any family issues affect your wellbeing at university.
Depression, lethargy, feeling overwhelmed, low self-esteem, homesickness, loneliness. Don't suffer alone. Speak up to your friends, student counsellor, program director or wellbeing office. The university has a duty of care to its students and is there to help you.
Relationship difficulties (emotional and physical aspects of intimate relationships). Relationships can be challenging at all stages of life and require effort - but don't let it take over. Keep your own interests and activities as well as your own friends and strike a healthy balance.
Budgeting - managing your finance and student living allowance is probably going to be your biggest challenge at university. Create a budget and learn to stick to it - this may take a few months, but you'll learn pretty quickly or risk going hungry if you don't! Check out our blogs and templates for help with creating a student budget.
How can I stay safe while living in the university town or city?
To stay safe while living in the university town or city, be aware of your surroundings, lock doors and windows, and avoid walking alone at night.
Know the location of emergency resources and have the phone numbers of Campus Security and your friends on speed dial.
Always let 1-2 friends know your plans and whereabouts or install the Find my phone or Life360 app which your friends will be able to access for an additional safety measure.
What are some tips for managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle at university?
To manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you need to prioritise self-care, exercise regularly, eat well, get enough sleep, and make use of campus resources such as counselling services.
Consider taking supplements to ensure you have a balanced nutritional intake should your diet fulfil all the normal requirements.
It can be an overwhelming time, particularly if you’ve left home for the first time, and your mental health is important.
Read our blog on Feeling stressed about University or college for more guidance.
I'm really struggling. Can I drop out of university at any time?
You can drop out if you really feel you want to.
However, can you identify what is the issue? You may just need some guidance to help get you back on track.
Try to identify if it is financial worries - then explore if you can get financial aid or ask for help with your budget management (hint, we can help with a budget calculator - ask us if you can't manage our membership fee).
Is the subject matter not your thing? As your course director or tutor if it is possible to switch courses. You may need to apply again next year if too late into the term.
Are you struggling with mental health issues and need support? Contact your student support services, tutor, or medical services to get help.
You may be able to request an interruption of studies so you could return to complete your studies after an agreed break when you feel ready and able to handle it.
Talk to your university support services to discuss why you are thinking of dropping out and what can be done to support you.
What are effective strategies for coping with homesickness at university?
If you are feeling homesick at university, there are several things you can do to cope.
Firstly, do keep in touch with loved ones back home, but don’t beg to go home! You can get through it! Schedule regular phone or video calls, text, or emails with your family and friends to stay connected.
Second, get out and about, make new friends and socialise with people on campus. Join clubs or societies that interest you, attend events and get involved in activities.
Finally, make your new living space feel like home. Bring some familiar items with you, such as photos or decorations, and create a comfortable and cozy environment.
What can you do to avoid feeling homesick at night?
Feeling homesick at night is a common experience for many university students when you have some downtime and start to miss our routine at home.
To avoid it, you can try to establish a relaxing bedtime routine to help calm your nerves and get a good night’s sleep. This could include watching a movie, re-runs of FRIENDS, reading a book, doing some yoga, or listening to calming music.
Make your sleeping environment as comfortable as possible. Use comfortable bedding, cushions, and blankets, and try to keep your room at a comfortable temperature.
Avoid scrolling through photos of friends and family back home, as this can make you feel even more homesick.
Is it normal to feel homesick while studying abroad?
It is perfectly normal to feel homesick while studying abroad!
It's a big change to move to a new country and leave your familiar surroundings behind. It's important to remember that many other students will feel the same way.
Try to make friends with other international students, and explore your new surroundings to get the most out of your experience.
Go on day trips, take the bus and visit the area, explore the campus, and get to know the coffee shop owner.
All these things will give you a confidence boost and help you settle in.
How can parents deal with their student's homesickness?
If you are an adult or parent supporting a student who is feeling homesick, there are several things you can do to help.
First, listen to their concerns and offer emotional support.
Encourage them to stay in touch with loved ones back home and help them to find ways to make new friends and socialise on campus.
Finally, try to be patient and understanding. Homesickness is a common experience, and it may take some time for your student to adjust to their new environment.
What is the best advice for students living away from home?
If you are living away from home, the best advice is make new friends, socialise on campus, and create a comfortable living environment for yourself. It is important to stay connected with your family, friends, and loved ones to keep in touch.
Remember that it is normal to feel homesick, while your routine changes and you settle into your new environment. It is important to look after your mental health and wellbeing so seek help from university support counsellors if you need to.
Try to stay positive and make the most of your university experience.
How will withdrawing from a university course affect my future?
Withdrawing from a university course can have an impact on your future, but it's not necessarily a negative one.
It's important to consider the reasons why you want to withdraw and how it will affect your long-term goals.
Some employers may view a gap in your education negatively, but others may see it as an opportunity for personal growth and development, especially if you can demonstrate good use of your time spent following your withdrawal.
Work on your accomplishments to showcase real achievements if you go for an interview.
What should I do on my first day at university?
Get organized and Get out there!
On your first day:
Try to arrive early (if you haven’t been allocated a specific timeslot for arrival)
Drop your bags immediately in your room
Check out the kitchen and choose your kitchen shelves/cupboard
Make up your bed
Go food shopping. Don’t buy too much! Just enough to make sure you are immediately settled for the next few days.
Then walk around to familiarise yourself with the campus, meet your flatmates, and attend any introductory classes or orientation sessions. Read our blog on https://www.fromhighschooltouni.com/post/moving-into-university-halls-dos-and-donts.
How to unpack your Uni dorm
After picking up your key or building security badge/card, start organising your room.
Make up your bed and hang up your clothes.
Check out our Dorm Room and storage suggestions to store your clothes as you will likely have open shelves in your university accommodation.
Then unpack your bathroom items and study space essentials to make your dorm room feel like home.
Set up your study area using our Study Space checklist available in Member Resources.
What student services and resources are available on campus?
Contact Your Student Union for advice
Campus services and resources include academic advice, counselling services both for academic and personal situations or mental health. Resources also include career guidance services, health and wellness resources, recreational facilities, and technology support.
Check your university website for details, or contact the Student Union for advice.
Student Counsellors are usually assigned to a group of students to be their ‘guardian angel’ for guidance during the first few months.
What should I know about university culture and the local area?
To get to know the university culture and local area, attend Freshers’ Week events, join clubs and talk to other students.
Research the local area, including popular attractions and events, and get to know the people and places around campus by just exploring and getting yourself out there.
How do I find out what is on the university campus?
Explore the Campus Online or Arrange a Campus Tour
Most university websites will have a campus map online for you to explore in the comfort of your own home. The university website may even have webcams or provide 360 tours online.
Alternatively, if you are unable to attend a University Open Day, write to the university to arrange a campus tour, or just walk around. Guided tours are usually organized for Freshers Week, so try to attend events and activities, join clubs and organisations and meet up with other students.
How to find your flat mates at university
Connect on social media!
Once you receive your accommodation offer, you will be able to access Freshers pages and social media to start finding and connecting people in your accommodation.
If you haven't yet found it on the university pages, try creating or searching on Facebook, WhatsApp or Snap Chat the details of your university / hall or building name / block / flat number.
It's a good idea to discuss what people are planning to take, so you don't each turn up with a toaster. But start cautiously! You don't need to take the kitchen sink with you, and can buy or identify the extra things you need once unpacked and on site.
How do I create a student budget in Excel?
To create a student budget in Excel, you need to list all your expected sources of income (such as student loans, grants, and part-time job earnings) and expenses (such as tuition fees, rent, Wifi, bills, food, and transportation).
Subtracting your expenses from your income will indicate if you have enough funds to cover your expenses, or if you will need a student loan, overdraft, or get a job!
Subscribe to our Member Resources to get a student budget calculator, take our mini Budgeting Basics for Students course and read our blog on How to create a Student Budget for University.
How can I stay organised and manage my time effectively at university?
To stay organised and manage your time, use a planner, prioritise tasks, make to-do lists, eliminate distractions and find a study routine that works for you.
Check our blogs on effective studying tips for students.
Do you have any time management tips to use during revision time?
It is important to note your exam dates in advance, and work backwards so you know when to dedicate blocks of time for intense revision periods.
However, you should begin revising the material covered in the exams as soon as possible and preferably throughout the course.
Repetition is key - so you really memorise the material.
Set up your own quiet study space. Read the practice questions in textbooks, review quizzes or tests set by lecturers, and do an past exam papers you can find, in order to see how questions are asked.
Go to revision sessions and workshops, and ask your lecturers or student counsellors for help.
What are some tips for students on meal preparation and food shopping?
Meal preparation and planning a list before food shopping can save you time and money, and is one of the best ways to make your budget stretch further.
We have created an innovative student meal planner and shopping list in Member Resources, and you can read more essential tips on food, finding recipes online, batch cooking, making and storing leftovers, and when and how to shop at local supermarkets.
What are some useful study habits for students to improve productivity?
To improve productivity, create and schedule a regular daily or weekly study routine, breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, and avoiding multitasking.
It is also important to take regular breaks, stay hydrated and get enough sleep.
Try active learning techniques such as summarising, note-taking and self-testing to help them retain information.
What are some daily planning strategies that can help students stay organised?
Having a daily plan can help structure your time and enables you to be more efficient.
The easiest way to start is to grab a notepad, make a to do list, then colour-code it to prioritise the most important or urgent tasks first.
Set specific goals! Don't bite off more than you can chew! Make each task specific, not generic so you don't get overwhelmed. For example, don't say "Revise for Chemistry exam", instead try "Make study notes of Chapters 1 & 2 of xx book".
What is the best way to revise?
Write a revision plan.
Split your time into 30 min chunks, and assign a topic per timeslot.
Make flashcards and carry them round with you to revise on the go. Bus ride? Revise. Coffee Shop? Revise. Getting your nails done? Revise!
What is the 2 3 5 7 revision rule?
Revise the first day, revisit the 2nd day, then the 3rd, then the 5th, then 7 days later.
When you sit down to revise a topic, take notes, revisit it the next day, then 3 days later, then 5 days later, and then 7 days later.
It is considered to be the right amount of time for your brain to digest and remember information.
How can I make revision for exams more fun?
Ways to make revision more fun and effective
Try different self-organisation strategies to see what works for you.
Start by decluttering your study space, so that - like an artist - you have a clean canvas on which to work.
Create a filing system for papers and for revision notes on your laptop.
Use colour coding or labels to categorise information and make it easier to find.
If you're not a revision cards type of student, try 'blurting' instead.
Turn the quiz you took in class into a revision guide. Take your paper home with you, and note the questions you got wrong, so you learn the correct information to retain in future. Check out this blog for more insightful details.
It is important to regularly review and update your system to ensure it remains effective. Remember the KISS rule - Keep It Simple, Stupid!
What is an effective study hack?
How to develop effect study habits?
Some of the most effective study hacks include developing good time management skills - be efficient with your time.
Remember, TikToks are fun and so informative for learning random stuff - but if you are scrolling for hours, you won't get your assignment done!
Block time for your studies. Commit to learning or revising a specific topic during that study session.
Use memory techniques such as mnemonics, acronyms, visual aids or revision cards to remember information better.
Remember to consult your professors, lecturers and student counsellors for help too. They are there to provide their expertise and support to you.
How do I stay organised?
Use a daily planner to block out time for tasks each day.
The best way to manage your time effectively is to use a daily planner or write yourself a to do list every night to plan out your day the next day.
Put your class schedule up on the wall by your bedroom or front door, so you see at a glance your daily and weekly classes.
Fill in any gaps with study time, assignments, regular revision periods, laundry, shopping, gym, etc.
By time-blocking, this will help you focus on getting tasks done and stay organised.
How can we split bills fairly among housemates?
Here are some options for you to consider when sharing a house off campus with other students:
Use a bill-splitting app like Splitwise to track shared expenses (utilities, groceries, etc.) and send automatic reminders for payments.
Divide costs by usage if appropriate (e.g., if one housemate uses a personal heater in their room, they might pay a higher portion of the electricity bill).
Set up a joint account for household expenses, where everyone contributes a fixed amount monthly.
For rent, split equally unless someone has a significantly larger room, in which case adjust proportions fairly.
Example: If the internet bill is $30/month and there are 5 housemates, each pays $6. For variable bills like electricity, share screenshots of the bill in a group chat to be transparent about the total sum.
For more guidance, read our blog How to split bills with house mates
How can you manage noise levels in a shared house?
Here are some options to manage noise when sharing a house:
Agree on quiet hours (e.g., 10 PM–8 AM).
Use noise cancelling headphones to drown out the noise, and for housemates listening to music.
Designate noisy zones vs quiet zones.
Communicate with your house mates about early starts or exam periods so you can revise effectively.
Example: Politely remind housemates about noise if needed.
For more guidance, read our 12 Essential House Sharing Tips for Students
How to manage cleaning duties when house sharing
Create a cleaning rota. With our Student Bundles, you can download our cleaning checklist and house sharing duties roster to help avoid arguments and show an easy list of who needs to do what!
Use whiteboards for reminders and agree on cleaning frequency. Once a month is probably a good idea!
Set a mess threshold (e.g., no dirty dishes to be left out overnight). It's a hygiene hazard to others, and especially annoying when you leave dirty pans in the sink. Nobody else is going to clean them for you!
Get a cleaner and everyone chips in to pay for it!
Example: Suggest everyone tidy up before bed.
For more guidance, read our 12 Essential House Sharing Tips for Students
How to set rules about guests staying overnight?
First of all, don't leave a discussion until an event causes an escalation. Discuss upfront with your house mates to avoid future arguments.
Set guest limits (e.g., 2 nights/week) with notice.
Ask long-term guests to contribute.
Respect shared spaces.
Use shared calendars to track guests.
Give advance notice and ensure responsible guest behaviour. The person hosting retains overall responsibility for their guests behaviour.
For more guidance, read our 12 Essential House Sharing Tips for Students
How to share the washing machine?
First of all, discuss and agree on a system for shared laundry.
Use a booking system (create a schedule or use Google Calendar).
Share loads to be more cost effective. Not enough whites to do a load but have something urgent? Ask your house mates if they any whites washed.
Set time limits during peak times. If everyone does their washing at the weekends, schedule usage by time slots (e.g., morning vs afternoon).
Set the rules - if you are not there when it's 'your' time slot, then it's fair game for someone else to do theirs. A text message checking would help too!
Empty your machines promptly when the cycle is finished. Don't hog the machine that others can use!
For more guidance, read our 12 Essential House Sharing Tips for Students
What is a fair way to keep a house tidy when you share?
Zone Assignments: Assign each housemate a "zone" (e.g., refrigerator shelves) to organize and clean weekly.
5-minute daily blitz: Set a timer for a quick group cleanup after dinner.
Photo reminders: Take a "clean standard" photo of the kitchen/living room for visual reference.
3-Strike Penalty: If a roommate consistently fails to do his or her part, come up with an appropriate punishment, like taking out the trash or recycling for a month to motivate them!
For more guidance, read our 12 Essential House Sharing Tips for Students