Settle In

Make a #homeawayfromhome with Settle In! We're the UK's number 1 international student support service. Tag your #studyabroad photos to get featured!

[settlein-blog]

Study tips

Listen up! Work smarter not harder with these effective study tips

1. You don’t have to take notes to study. I know school has taught most people to record new information this way- but it helps to switch it up once in a while. Try recording yourself reciting what you’ve learned, or write a song to help you remember something. You could even watch a documentary about your subject.

2. TAKE BREAKS! Obviously, don’t go overboard with them (or you’ll just be procrastinating). But remember: you are NOT a robot. You need rest! It will just be counterproductive burning yourself out.

3. Find out your learning style. There is auditory, social, visual, kinesthetic, verbal, solitary and social. Research into what works best for each type. It will save so much time when it comes to revision!

4. Think about your mental state first. You can’t study well if you’re unstable. The human brain is incapable of retaining new information if it is clouded with stress and harmful thoughts. Don’t force it.

5. STOP. COMPETING. WITH. OTHERS!!!!!! If you are around people who like to compare their achievements to yours in a toxic way- cut them off. Study in peace ~

6. Be selfish. Make time for yourself. Reward your achievements. TREAT YO’SELF.

7. Stay organised - colour coordinating resources helped me. Making a timetable for your studies outside of classes is also a good idea tbh.

8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! (important)

9. Be a few days ahead of schedule. This helps prepare for unexpected obstacles and worst case scenarios (’what essay?!’ - we’ve all been there...)

[settlein-blog]

Back to school tips

be kind

stay hydrated

do your best

stop comparing yourself to others

[settlein-blog]

Tips on decorating your room at university

Lighting is key

You can get lots of cheap lights from supermarkets and high street stores, don’t forget to use your student discounts. Also, every student seems to have fairy lights because they’re pretty. I had them. No regrets

Storage is life

If you haven’t moved in yet, look at floorplans and photos to get idea of how much space you will have. If you want to make the most of your space, it might be a good idea to invest in storage drawers.

Show off your interests with PRIDE

Posters aren’t just for kids. Throw up some of your favourite bands, movies, celebrity crushes, etc.

Stock up!

I’m talking snacks, teabags, treats, sodas. Those storage drawers would come in handy for these, eh?

Deck out your desk

You’ll probably have a study desk in your room. Take this opportunity to make #deskgoals with well-lined stationery, pen holders, motivational quotes in frames, a sweet bowl… A plant? :O

Make a space where you feel HAPPY to study in!

Pillow talk... I mean, let's talk pillows

Unpopular opinion: you can never have too many pillows. What’s better than coming home from a loooong lecture and crashing on a bed of fresh pillows? Nothing

Photos!

Of your loved ones, of your friends, of your dog. Anything that will help you feel settled in. Homesickness is a real thing, and it’s completely normal! Photos give a sense of comfort, especially knowing you have so many happy things to come back to after your time abroad

[settlein-blog]

What to bring to university

Thank us later:

Do not forget to pack your underwear and socks! Start there. Also, the more you bring, the less frequently you’ll have to do laundry.

Go-to’s, i.e. shirts, trousers, shorts, skirts, and COATS. When you start university, you’ll realise that many people just wear the same thing every day. The stigma of outfit repeating doesn’t exist for students.

Travel clothes. There will be so much to explore, so travel in typical student-style by packing joggers, leggings, hoodies… Generally comfy clothes.

Sports clothes are a good idea especially if you’re going to join a club or society. Most universities have a gym you can join and working out is a great way to relieve stress and boost mental health.

Bathing suit – you never know. It’s best to have one even if it just sits in your closet for the whole year!

If you plan on going out-out, even if it’s just for Freshers Week, bring some outfits you feel fresh in - AND 1 (one)  FANCY DRESS COSTUME

Comfortable shoes for walking in any weather, and trainers to run to lectures in for when you miss your alarm.

Flip flops are ideal if your accommodation has shared bathroom facilities. Shower shoes are a thing.

Toiletries

I recommend bringing these with you instead of buying them when you land:

Toothbrush + toothpaste + floss

Travel-size shampoo + conditioner + body wash (buy proper bottles once you’ve arrived and settled in)

Makeup

Moisturiser is pretty essential in the UK. Cold weather can take a real toll on your skin.

Feminine products

Contraceptives

Medications or prescriptions. It’s also important to register with a GP as soon as you can so that you can access health services in the UK. Pro tip: don’t wait until you get sick to do this.

Sunscreen – the UK can be a scorcher during the summer as it is harsh in the winter! Take care of your skin out there

Misc - the little things that make a big difference

Here’s a comprehensive list of items which make all the difference to your university life. Thank me later.

A bottle opener

Coat hangers

At least 1 formal wear outfit

Spare bed sheets (!!!!!)

Portable chargers

Portable speakers (cheap ones are great)

Extension leads

USB memory stick

Stationery (or at least highlighters and a ruler… No one seems to have a ruler after leaving school)

A decent mug (to keep in your room so no one steals it)

A photo of your loved ones

Earplugs (in case you want/need an early night!)

CONTRACEPTION

What NOT to bring

Unnecessary items that will weigh you down, i.e. bath bombs, plates… 

Packing tips

Do not leave it until the day before! If you pack last-minute, you’re bound to forget something. Don’t even tempt fate like that. Dedicate a day to plan and pack your stuff to be safe. It’s a very exciting time, so make a day of it!

Consider how much storage you’ll have in your accommodation. Look at photos and floorplans to figure out how much you can bring with you. You want to be prepared but you want to make the most out of your space.

Unpack and repack. It’s a great way to recall exactly what you have and what you might need.

[settlein-blog]

How to Reset Your Peace

Tidy your room

Organise your workspace

Drink tea

Drink water- take a sip every 20 minutes

Meditate- and don’t give up 2 minutes in!

Watch an episode of your favourite show

Wear a facemask

Write a letter to someone (or yourself)

Have a hot shower

Go for a walk

Go for a run (if you’re really stressed)

Make a bucket list

Wash your face

Make an accomplishments list

Tick off a daily to-do list

Get lost in music

[settlein-blog]

How to manage your time!

Make a to-do list in the morning

Prioritise your tasks- do the most important things first.

Work in a distraction-free zone (turn your phone notifications off)

Keep going! Resist procrastination and reward yourself every hour instead of after every task. This helps avoid burning out.

Be flexible. If something doesn’t turn out the way you’d planned, break the task down into step-by-step actions to overcome it.

[settlein-blog]

8 Mistakes Uni Students Make

Only study - you need a life outside of lectures!

Don’t go home - If you study away from home, it’s important you see your family and catch up with your friends at home during school breaks

Not getting enough sleep - don’t make the mistake of staying up until 4AM every night just because you can. Big no-no.

Skip lectures - It’s a slippery slope. Once you miss one, you’ll convince yourself missing another isn’t so bad, and then another, and so on.

Leave assignments until the last minute

Choosing the wrong course - You shouldn’t study a degree you don’t enjoy. You are achieving your degree for yourself. Not your parents or your teachers.

Forget about student discounts

Not using the library

[settlein-blog]

Reasons to Study in the UK

The history, the sights, and the cultural diversity

Develop language skills

Unrivalled hospitality - cup of tea, anyone?

It brings fiction to reality (you’ve seen it in the books, now live your dreams! I’m looking at you, Potterheads and Wholockians)

Nando’s

Make friends for life

The sports (rugby, cricket, football, tennis, rowing...)

British humour - need I say more?

Everything is within reach

500,000 courses to study

World-class reputation - UK unis are ranked top in the world

[settlein-blog]

University Tips:

Keep a calendar and stay on top of your schedule!

Make a timetable of your classes/seminars

Check emails often

Don’t skip lectures!

Sit in the front row. This will make you focus and help your lecturers remember you - which is actually more important than people think

Build a good relationship with your lecturers AND peers

Visit your professors’ office hours regularly and have catch ups

Go to the library to study! You’ll be more distracted trying to study at home/in your room. If you have to study in your room- turn your phone off

It’s okay to not want to party like everyone else :)

Write down your notes in lectures and type them up after

Join a society/club! This will make sure you have a great work-social life balance, and give you the opportunity to learn something new at least once a week

Colour code notes

It’s just as important not to overwork yourself as it is not to procrastinate (too much)

Keep your desk clean and organised! 

Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before lectures and have a good breakfast in the morning. You will be more focused for it

Keep a journal of your experiences and ambitions

Go to counseling services. UK Universities will have counselling services that can tackle anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Your well-being is as important as your grades

Your degree doesn’t define you. You still have time to explore your options. You don’t have to know what you want to be right now. University is about developing yourself as it is finding a career.

Don’t burn bridges with your friends/loved ones at home. They will be there for you should you need to go home

Live on or near campus. This will save money and give you a sense of belonging

Eat well!

[settlein-blog]