Starting university means a lot of small jobs with real deadlines: replying to offers, student finance, accommodation, money, health registration and packing. This plan puts them in order, starting twelve weeks before you go and running to the end of your first month.
Each step is small enough to finish in one sitting. Figures and deadlines for student finance change, so the steps point you to GOV.UK and Student Finance instead of quoting numbers.
Copy it into Tatask and the dates are set for you. Adjust them to your own start date and tick things off as you go.
What's in this plan
See every step
12 weeks before(day 0)
Place and course confirmed
Reply to your university offers in UCAS Track
Choose your firm and insurance choices by the deadline shown in Track. Check the date on UCAS.
Check the conditions of your firm offer
Note the grades or other conditions you still need to meet.
Save your offer emails in one folder
Read the university's pre-arrival information page
Student finance applied for
Create or log in to your Student Finance account
Apply through GOV.UK. Check the current deadlines and what you can claim there.
Submit your student finance application
Ask your parent or partner to complete their income details if asked
Whether this is needed depends on your situation. Student Finance will tell you.
Upload any evidence Student Finance requests
Check whether you can apply for extra support
Look at the support listed on GOV.UK, such as help for disabled students or students with children.
8 weeks before(day 28)
Accommodation sorted
Choose and confirm your accommodation
Read the contract length and break clause before you sign. Have a parent or the students' union advice service look over it if unsure.
Check what the accommodation provides and what to bring
Ask about bedding, kitchen items and the internet.
Pay the accommodation deposit or first instalment
Check whether you need a guarantor and arrange one if so
Budget set
List your expected income for the first term
Include loans, grants, savings and any job.
List your fixed costs such as rent, phone and travel
Open a student bank account if you want one
Compare the offers on the banks' own sites, and read the overdraft terms.
Set a weekly spending amount for food and going out
Book any vaccinations your university or the NHS recommends
Ask your GP surgery which are advised for new students.
Order repeat prescriptions to cover the move
Speak to your pharmacist or GP about timing.
Check your accommodation contents insurance options
Packing done
Write a packing list from your accommodation's guidance
If you want a starting point, paste the prompt below into an AI assistant.
Prompt to copy
Make a packing list for a first-year UK university student in <halls or shared house>. I will have <kitchen, bedding or nothing> provided. Group items by room. Do not guess prices.
Buy the items you are missing
Pack documents in one folder
Include ID, offer letters, tenancy agreement and bank details.
Label boxes by room
Travel planned
Book your arrival slot if the university offers one
Arrange transport for you and your belongings
Buy a railcard if you qualify
Check eligibility on the railcard's own site.
Plan how you will travel home for the first break
1 week before(day 77)
Final checks done
Check your enrolment email and complete online enrolment
Do this before you arrive if the university allows it.
Take photos of your ID and key documents and store them securely
Share your new address and contact details with family
Check your reading list and buy only what the first module needs
Goodbyes planned
Arrange a get-together with friends before you go
Agree how often you will call family
Set up a simple way to share your location with a trusted person
Week 1(day 84)
Settled in
Complete in-person enrolment and collect your student card
Check Student Finance has paid your first instalment
If it has not arrived, contact Student Finance through GOV.UK.
Learn the route to your first lecture
Add your timetable to your calendar
Join two clubs or societies at the freshers' fair
Meet your personal tutor or course contact
Money and admin set
Register with the local GP if you have not yet
Check whether you need to register to vote at your new address