Preparing
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Preparing
Studying at university is very different to secondary school and college. Students see their world changing rapidly. They need to adapt to an exciting new routine, environment and lifestyle.
On this page, we outline what the first few weeks at the University of East London (UEL) will look like and what you can do to help your young person prepare for life at university.
Before starting
The first step to becoming part of our vibrant, diverse and welcoming student community is to complete the pre-arrival checklist including enrolment essentials, applying for on-campus accommodation and getting ready for Welcome Week.
We also offer a Kickstarter Programme to equip students with key university skills before they start their academic year.
Their first week
This is where the fun begins! The first week is Welcome Week (although international students have an extra International Orientation week before this).
Welcome Week ensures students are set up for success at UEL and provides opportunities to meet new people and try new things. During Welcome Week they will:
- Set up their UEL student account, complete enrolment and attend their course induction sessions.
- Be able to take part in games, learn about the sports clubs and societies at UEL and attend engaging and informative events.
Their second week
Welcome Week will ensure that your young person is settled and ready to hit the ground running at university.
Teaching will start in their second week, and they should be clear on their timetable and when and where they need to be.
Support will be there when they need it, but students will need to take ownership of their own learning experience.
Top Tips
Top tips for students leaving home
- Plan ahead: It’s good to plan your departure together. Will they need a lift to campus or a helping hand packing their things? What time do they need to arrive to collect their keys? These are good things to run through before day one.
- Give them space: It's normal for young adults to want to be more independent at this point. They are exciting and a bit nervous about moving into a new environment and will want to do things their way as they are keen to make friends. Please do give advice and offer help, but let them decide how much support they want or need.
- Meal prep: If you’re able to do so, it can be useful to pack some food or take them food shopping for the first week. It’s also useful to take them shopping with you and talk to them about planning meals before they start university.
- Teach the essentials: It’s a great idea to teach your young person about how to do washing, especially separating whites and colours, the basics of cooking and eating a balanced diet.
- Registering with a GP: They’ll need to register with a GP close to their university. The health centre attached to their university will usually be the most convenient, and the doctors there will be experienced in student health.
Top tips for students staying at home
- Things will change: Your young person will have a new routine, new goals and new ambitions. They will need good time management skills to make sure they are on time for timetabled lectures, seminars and fun social gatherings. Students will need to be motivated to study the books on their reading list and undertake their own research on module content and will need time and space at home to achieve this.
- Grab every opportunity: University is an experience like no other. From opportunities to take part in new sports and activities to part-time work and exciting placements. It is a good idea to encourage your young person to go out and make like-minded friends – living at home shouldn’t stop them from having the full university life experience, and the soft skills they grow or learn at university will help them prepare for the workplace and a rewarding career.
- Making new friends: It’s important they remember that induction programmes are designed with this in mind, and everyone is in the same boat. Lectures and seminars are a great way to make friends as students will already have similar interests. Joining a sports club is also a fantastic way to make friends and get active.
General advice
- Money management: It’s important that your young person stays on top of finances while at university. You can encourage them to work out a weekly or monthly budget. Also, make sure they shop around for their student bank account, as many of them include offers such as free railcards.
Parents’ guide to university 2024 - Save the Student
