How to Prepare for term One of University

Whether you’re moving out of your family home to university for the first time or are returning to university after a long summer break, starting term is a big adjustment. I have compiled some tips to help you prepare.

1. Make a clear packing list and organise the items into groups before you pack.

Section the packing list into different areas such as clothes, toiletries, technology and kitchen items. I recommend labelling the boxes and packing a particular section into a certain case. Packing cubes and putting clothes into sealed vacuum bags helps make packing much more effective and is easier to transport.

2. Find your reading lists on Talis Aspire

This is a Warwick reading list system that compiles required reading and viewing, as well as anything that would be helpful if you need additional information. You can search by module name or module code. You can then add your current modules to your favourites so they will be on your Talis Aspire home page and easy to access.

3. Get acquainted with Box of Broadcasts media player

BoB is a recorded media player that allows you to watch both archives and recent television shows and films with your university login. If you are a Film student like me, it is a resource you will need to use regularly. It would be useful to make a BoB playlist of your required viewing for each module and would make exam revision simpler. Especially if you’re a fresher I would recommend getting used to the system before teaching starts. Even if you are studying a different subject than me you still may need BoB to access informative documentaries for your seminars.

4. If you are a fresher take board games and cards with you

Playing board games and card games with your flatmates is a good way to break the ice in Freshers and slowly get to know each other. Also if you don’t enjoy clubbing and partying it’s a good way to socialise in a more introverted way that you feel comfortable with.

I hope you found this blog post useful in terms of preparation and have had an enjoyable summer.