University life isn’t just about lectures and deadlines — it’s also about learning to live independently. Whether you're moving away from home or commuting in from nearby, developing everyday life skills can make your transition into student life much smoother (and far less stressful!).
🧠 Preparing for University: Beyond the Classroom
You might be focused on reading lists and course modules, but don’t overlook the value of preparing for the day-to-day side of student life. That includes everything from cooking to budgeting, to keeping on top of laundry and self-care.
Top student life skills to build before term starts:
• Practice cooking 3–5 basic meals you enjoy (think pasta, stir-fry, or baked potatoes with toppings)
• Create a loose weekly routine with time for meals, study, and downtime
• Start managing your own appointments (GP, dentist, etc.) and try tracking your spending for a week
• Get familiar with basic cleaning and laundry tasks — yes, separating darks and lights does help!
Establishing even a bit of structure before you arrive can make a big difference to how confident and capable you feel in those early weeks.
📣 Meg’s Experience: The “Adulting” Was Real
“I didn’t realise how much adulting was involved in uni life until I was actually living it!
Cooking, budgeting, even just keeping on top of laundry — it was a lot at first. But once I got into a routine and learned a few basics, it got way easier.
Having a few go-to meals and a simple weekly plan really helped me feel more in control.
As discussed, uni isn’t just about lectures – it’s about learning to look after yourself too, and that’s just as important.” – Meg
🛠️ Independence Doesn’t Mean Perfection
Being independent doesn’t mean you need to have everything figured out. It’s okay to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn as you go. The key is being open to developing new habits — and giving yourself credit for every small win.
Whether it’s learning how to budget your student loan, cooking your first solo dinner, or remembering to book a dentist appointment — these are all part of building the confidence that will help you thrive both academically and personally.