How to Structure and Write Amazing Essays

Essays are a regular standard for university and wrapping your head around what examiners are truly expecting out of you will ease the stress when you’re writing your essays. Even if you are someone who really enjoys writing, learning the theory behind writing a well-rounded essay is a critical skill to learn and put in practice. Here are a few tips and things to remember when essay season begins!

Prep Time

1. Spot the keywords

Before you even start writing or planning, it’s important to go through the assignment and examine it in detail. You need to know and really understand what the examiners want from you and what they will be expecting from the essay. A helpful tip is to analyse the content/assignment given to you and spot the major keywords. This will help you figure out how to format your essay and focus your writing.

When looking over your assignment, there are a few words to look out for to better understand the goal and expectations of the essay. With the word “explain”, you are expected to provide a heavily detailed description. Other words/phrases such as “justify”, “discuss” or “critically assess” all require you to engage in a debate or even a full discussion, with the expectation that you will challenge or provide a supportive argument with regards to the subject.

2. Spot the subject

Another important tip for creating the best writing you can, is to ensure that you are crystal clear on the subject you have been asked to write about. This is the main purpose of your essay in the first place, so if you forget about the original subject you will most likely loose a lot of marks from the overall piece of work.

When examining the given assignment, it is important to figure out what the intended focus is; is it a person, event, scene, key concept or a mixture? Once you have found this piece of information you need to ensure that everything you discuss in your essay links straight back to the above subject.

Planning

1. Word count

Planning before you actually start writing can save you a lot of time in the future from extra editing and cutting and can generally help to ensure your writing is well paced and makes sense. Start writing down some of your ideas, focusing on your intended key points and making sure you link the best possible evidence to go alongside and support your ideas.

2. Structure

It is important that your writing makes sense and is clear throughout and a big way to help with this is to gather all your ideas and research and begin to structure them into paragraphs prior to writing. This will help you visually see what the sections look like and whether they work. You will also be able to figure out whether you have paired the best evidence accordingly to your ideas, giving them as much power and accuracy as they can have.

Once you have put everything into sections, you can then start to assign each section with a word count. Try leaving 500 words for the intro and conclusion and decide how to best use the remainder of your word count. Do all sections need the same word count? Are there any that will require more in-depth writing?

3. Organisation

As you go along planning and organising your sections, focus on clearly illustrating the key points you want to make, always leading right back to the initial focus of the essay. Don’t just concentrate on the information that you have gathered, but rather making a point that best helps you answer the initial question.

Writing Time

1. Construction

As stated previously, the way you construct your essay will heavily affect the overall flow and how clear the points you make will be. It is also extremely important to begin each paragraph with a strong topic sentence. Start by creating a clear analytical point that showcases what you aim to explore in this paragraph. The rest of the paragraph is solely focused on backing up this point, trying to make it as convincing as possible.

Put in key evidence or counter evidence to support your ideas, but also make sure you explain your evidence and why it supports your stance. Once your writing is pretty much finished, read your essay out loud, paragraph by paragraph, preferably even to someone else. This is a crucial step, as it will help you hear if your grammar is correct, your paragraphs make sense and whether your writing flows naturally.

2. Introduction

The introduction of your essay is a very important part of your essay. Examiners do not like being surprised, so the introduction is where you are expected to sum up your argument in a short but strong way. This is where you will need to set your scene and answer the initial question immediately.

Tell your examiners exactly what you will be doing and writing about in this essay; you can give information as a preview to the content you will be providing, like key events, scenes or even theories. Use this introductory paragraph to showcase your aim clearly and in an interesting way, ensuring you stay away from waffling and keep it short and concise.

3. Conclusion

Similar to the introduction, the conclusion needs to be a strong and concise piece. This is your chance to once again state exactly what you wrote about, how you proved your key points and show how much you engaged with the essay topic you have written about. It’s also the last paragraph the examiners will see, so it’s vital that you can end with a bang that will leave a lasting impression.

Start your conclusion by repeating the key argument using 1-2 sentences, to remind the examiner what you have talked about so far. Just like the introduction, it’s important that you avoid waffling and keep this paragraph short and strong. In some subjects, something you could even try is finishing with a statement of change and providing a way forward or a possible solution. This can be a very powerful finale for some topics which it applies to.

4. Sources

To make it easy on yourself, try gathering potentially useful information as you go. When using your sources and information, always ensure you are giving the reason as to why it’s useful; does it come from an expert in the field who has conducted research, someone who has a wide knowledge and experience of your topic, or does it corroborate with the other source material you have provided? It is also important to find a diverse range of sources and information which all points right back to help prove the points you are making.

The more essays you write, the more confident you will feel. Even though they can be daunting at first, essays are a big part of university and once you have mastered the technique, you will have the ability to create phenomenal pieces of work to be proud of.

Unihousing

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Pre-Christmas Plans and Birmingham Student Accommodation

 The end of the year is not far away and Christmas is on the horizon. There’s plenty of time to plan for the festive season as the time approaches, but for now it’s a good idea to get organised, work and have fun before you head to Christmas.

If you’re unhappy with your current student living and accommodation, then get in touch with Unihousing. Based in Selly Oak, Unihousing are registered lettings agents who specialise in student studios and houses. The high-standards and impressive furnishings of Unihousing’s Selly Oak student studios and houses is sure to make your student experience comfortable and enjoyable.    

Taking a Break     

At this point in the year you probably feel as though you’d benefit from a pause in the study schedule. So why not have a little get-together with friends? You could take the lead on organising this, meaning you don’t have to wait to be asked or invited to something.

Doing some planning now will set-up something fun. It also ensures you get a good chance to see everybody before things get busier in December and people start drifting off to other places for the Christmas period.

What’s the Plan?

If you can’t think of places to go out to, maybe start by considering places that are comparatively cheaper. Or find those offering special student deals. Or see where you can get discounts through other websites to narrow down your choice of places to go to with your friends.

You might choose to just have a gathering at your digs or someone else’s. This can still be a great way for you all to socialise and have a good night together.         

Sort Your Aims

Although you’ve maybe had enough of thinking about uni’, it’s definitely worth ensuring you reach the year’s end in the fashion you want to. This could involve a thorough evaluation of how you’ve done so far. You could then see where to improve and what to do next. Be honest with yourself, take a positive approach, and give yourself real focus going forward.    

  

Birmingham Student Accommodation with Unihousing

For a fresh start to living in student accommodation, you might want to get in touch with Unihousing. Unihousing’s Selly Oak student studios and houses have spacious interiors and are equipped with all the furnishings needed for student living.

They are also brilliantly located. Great for student communities, our Selly Oak accommodations provide quick and easy access to public train and bus services. Also nearby is a range of shops, amenities and nightlife options.

Contact Unihousing today to find out what we can do for you!!

Your Uni’, Your Facilities, Your Experience!

When you’re at uni’, it can be easy to fall into routines and not notice things around you. You may find that the facilities around you are something you’re aware of but have not really looked into. If you find yourself heading home after lectures or meeting with mates without ever making the most of what’s available, it might be worth taking a look into, as it could really change your experience at uni’ for the better.

Student Studios with Unihousing

Your accommodation is a big part of your student life. With Unihousing, Selly Oak student studios and houses to share are of an impressive standard and are ideally situated, too. Furnished with everything that the modern student should need from day-to-day and highly affordable, Unihousing Selly Oak studios and houses are the end of your search for better Birmingham student accommodation.

Sports Facilities

One fantastic way to combine fun, fitness and the opportunity to make friends and socialise is through playing sports. You’ve probably come across the sports facilities at your uni’ before, but even if you don’t think of yourself as a particularly sporty person, it’s an opportunity you should consider as there are many benefits that come with playing sports or going to the gym. And if it’s done on your own time at your own speed, there’s no pressure.

Socialising

The Students Union should be pretty easy to locate at any uni’. And that’s great for you because it can act as a nice starting point for making friends or spending time with mates when you want a break from the routine of lectures and studying. Utilise this facility as it’s there for you and can make your academic experience more enjoyable. It might also be a good way to meet people if you’ve struggled to make friends since starting at uni’ in September.

Library Services

This next entry on the list may be less interesting perhaps, but it’s important. The library is a tool and it’s a tool that can help you, lessening the pressures you might face as you study. Researching when you need to for assignments is of course essential. There’s nothing to stop you reading around the subject when you can though, maybe even ahead of lectures on a particular topic, as this can deepen your understanding of what’s involved and make your learning much easier as a result. If you don’t know where to begin, try asking a librarian, as they have been trained to help students like yourself to find the material you need.

Medical

You may also discover medical facilities at your university. Your health is very important and not something to take for granted. Make sure you get registered with your local doctors and dentists, so you can visit them straight away when you have a problem. It might also be worthwhile saving their numbers into your phone.

Student Groups/Student Societies

Have a look into the societies that can be accessed through your university. It might actually surprise you as to the variety of different groups that are on offer through your uni’. By not getting involved you may miss a chance to take part in something that could really be good for you.

These groups can act as a way to build friendships, especially as they bring together people who share similar interests, making it less difficult to ‘break the ice’ when meeting others. Plus, if you choose to try and set-up your own group this could provide you with skills and experience that become advantageous to you and your career following your graduation.

Better Birmingham Student Life with Unihousing

Spacious and well-presented, Unihousing’s Birmingham student accommodation is well-suited to today’s student needs and is unmistakeably convenient, too. Alongside this, though is the fact that Unihousing’s student studios and houses are perfectly located, making access to the local trains and buses hassle-free. It also means the local shops, supermarkets, pubs, clubs and restaurants are within a short walk from your front door!

Contact Unihousing today to find out more about our properties and register interest!

A Break from the Norm: Places to Visit in Birmingham

While you may be in Birmingham to study at university, it makes sense to make the most of the opportunity and visit all the interesting places Birmingham has to offer. Here, are some ideas of places to visit when you want to take a break from your university work; ideas that may be useful when things get a little more stressful. These Birmingham activities are a great way to enjoy yourself with friends and relax, and are well-suited to the student budget, too.

 

It’s also worth noting that if you or your friends are looking for student accommodation, Unihousing’s Selly Oak student studios and houses to share are ideal for contemporary student living. With their excellent locations giving you quick and easy access to the local train station and public buses as well as shops, supermarkets, pubs, clubs and restaurants, Unihousing’s Birmingham student accommodation offers convenience with ease of living at an affordable price.

Fat Penguin Comedy Club, Kings Heath

Sometimes all you need is a laugh to let off a little steam. But, with this being a blog about student activities, the cost is an important factor. Fortunately, Kings Heath Comedy Club at the Fat Penguin is both funny and easy on your wallet. It’s actually free with a recommended donation of £5. Bringing together an array of different acts on a regular basis, the Fat Penguin is pretty easy to get to and with it being so economical, it is just right for you and your friends to enjoy yourselves on a night that suits you.

The Oasis

For some people, hitting the shops is a great way to enjoy yourself in whatever free time you have. And, obviously, making some purchases is pretty essential if you find that the wardrobe is looking a little past its best. What you may not be so aware of is Oasis.

This market on Corporation Street in Birmingham’s City Centre is layered over various different floors, each with its own distinctive character. It is there that you can pick up clothes, jewellery, memorabilia and other items for reasonable prices. Oasis has a distinctly alternative feel, encompassing a range of styles and products that you wouldn’t normally find on the High Street. It’s worth looking into as you might find something that really takes your fancy. Even if you don’t decide to buy anything there, it’s an interesting place to just go in and have a look around.

The Custard Factory

If you’re not new to Birmingham you may have heard of this place before. The Custard Factory is a brightly coloured, fascinating mix of unique shops, cafes, a cinema and more. It is always a good idea to check what is taking place at the Custard Factory, as it offers so much and always seems to be such a quirky contrast to so much of what else is in the City Centre. If you’re looking for unique and interesting events, make sure you check out what’s going on here.

The Electric Cinema

The oldest working cinema in the country, the Electric Cinema is still a draw for those wanting something a little different from going to the movies. So, if you’re a little bored of heading to the big, shiny multiplexes on week after week, the Electric Cinema might make a nice change for and whoever you go with. Presenting a more cultured choice of films as well as the selections that would ordinarily make it to the mainstream cinemas, Electric Cinema also features special themed nights and events. Keep an eye on their schedules and you might discover something that you simply must see or take part in.

Better Student Accommodation for You

If you are in need of student accommodation in Birmingham that meets your high standards then Unihousing may be the best route to take. Registered lettings agents based in Selly Oak, Unihousing’s well-presented, spacious studios and houses are furnished with all that’s needed for daily living and are ideal for the student who wants the right combination of comfort and convenience on a daily basis.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more and register your interest!

Five Tips to Help You Revise

Revision isn't something that should be restricted to the exam period. By getting into good revision habits now, you can save yourself a great deal of stress in the future. Here are 5 simple tips that can help you to keep your head above water when it comes to revising for your exams.

Planning/Scheduling

Planning your weeks/months is one of the best ways to ease your brain from stress and anxiety. Having to hold all the info of your exams, projects, lectures, along with all your other interests in your brains can be extremely overwhelming. By planning and writing down important dates, study material, and anything else regarding your studies, it can help you free up some headspace.

Though university is extremely important, it’s also just as important to have a life that you are excited about living outside of your studies. Try making weekly and monthly schedules where you write down all your lectures, meetings, revising times and even hobbies/other activities to stay organised and keep your brain feeling refreshed. This is the best way to ensure you are staying sane and not forgetting important information regarding your course but also your everyday life.

It is also crucial to include some much-needed relaxation time in the planning to ensure you stay as stress-free and relaxed as possible. Being tired, stressed and overworked will only have a negative effect on your results and your mental health.

Know Your Learning Style

Everyone revises and learns differently and it’s important to find out what works best for you. There are many learning style tests on the internet aimed at helping you discover which learning style best suits you and how your brain retains information. Working out your unique style can help you to feel confident in what you are learning and can give you the best possible chance to succeed. Whether you write countless pages of notes or make bright and colourful diagrams, make sure the information is sticking in your brain. Here are four different learning styles that are quite common:

·         Visual: people who prefer to learn by looking at pictures, images and watching videos.

·         Verbal: somebody that learns best using speech and writing.

·         Aural: these people learn best using sounds and music.

·         Physical: people who learn by actively doing something.

By finding out which style works best for you, you can maximise your performance and be confident in your own work. You could even be a mixture of two or more learning styles, so try experimenting and see what works best for you. There are many varied types of resources online that you can find for free or for a small amount of money which can help you revise and can make learning more interesting for yourself. The goal is for you to do the best you can, so make sure you give yourself the time and space to figure your style out, in order to maximise your performance and come out with the best results you possibly can.

Prioritise Each Subject

Any subject that you find particularly difficult should be at the top of your list. Subjects that you feel less confident in should get the most revision time. Your time is precious and needs to be used well, so there’s no point dedicating time to subjects that you already know well. Instead, try to find new and exciting learning material that will make the difficult subjects more interesting to revise and allocate more time to the ones that need it. Try focusing on the tough subjects first, that means you can look forward to your more favourable subjects down the line.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

It’s easy to forget, but our brains function the best when we are drinking, eating and sleeping well. Drinking energy drinks or coffee all day to keep yourself going is not a good idea and can set you back in the long run.

Additionally, try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Although it may be much easier to grab quick takeaways, they can leave you feeling sluggish, making it harder for your brain to concentrate and retain information. Our diet is directly linked to the well-being of our body and brain, so try to give yourself fresh, nutritious food. Great brain foods include nuts, blueberries, eggs and broccoli.

You can also try doing some regular exercise to keep your brain active and alert, and don’t forget to take time to relax and unwind. It is just as important to rest your brain as it is to revise and keep your brain active. Minimising your screen usage or simply taking short breaks from all screens will also help your brain truly relax and get some rest. Our day-to-day lives are constantly taken over by our phones, computers and TV, but by giving ourselves a little rest from screens we are more likely to feel rested and able to concentrate better.

Avoid Distractions

Distractions are everywhere and can be super difficult to escape. Try tuning yourself out of your digital life by silencing your phone and moving yourself to an area with no TV or anything that may cause distraction. Find a quiet area in which you are able to focus. If you struggle to do this at home, try heading to your local library or park where you will be unable to distract yourself.

Additionally, try to figure out what things help you concentrate. For some, that may be listening to music in the background; and for others, it could be needing complete silence. Do you study better alone or with people, meaning you can keep each other accountable? And don’t forget that many devices offer applications that will block your ability to use social media, video sites or gaming, this can be one of the best ways to reduce distraction.

Unihousing Student Lets

If you're looking for student accommodation in Birmingham, Unihousing offers quality, studio lets in Selly Oak, ideal for students at the University of Birmingham. These studio apartments come fully furnished and have high-speed fibre optic internet and utilities included in the rent.

Don't miss out, contact us today to speak to our team or register interest. 

Freshers week: Birmingham

Freshers week is just around the corner, and all the new and existing students will be preparing for a week of fun, and of course drinking, that they may never forget. Getting involved in this fantastic week is a great way to start your university experience, meet new friends and see what Birmingham has to offer.

So, what’s going on for fresher’s week this year in Birmingham? Find out in our day by day guide below:

Monday

Considering Monday is generally considered the worst day of the week, Monday 23^rd of September is set to be a great one.

Olivia’s Townhouse: Birmingham’s exclusive venue is now opening its doors on a Monday night all year round. But what makes this Monday special is that students can expect great prices on drinks, helping you to protect your student bank account. Also selected groups will be picked to receive a free VIP Booth on the night. This could make for a fantastic evening, so don’t miss out.

Tuesday

Work-It: Another massive night to put into your calendar is most defiantly Pryzm’s Work-It night on Tuesday 24^th. Pryzm holds its own, battling the rest of Birmingham’s great nightlife for the title of best club in Birmingham, offering great deals on drinks and a night life you won’t quickly forget. Head down for their freshers Work-It night and you’ll be sure to have a blast. On the night students can expect to hear hip-hop, RnB, disco, garage and maybe even a little grime.

 

Wednesday

Disco Time: It’s Disco time at Lab 11. One of Birmingham’s most notorious ‘rave’ venues, Lab 11 will be hosting a soul, funk and disco night on Wednesday the 25^th of September. You can be sure that this will be a wild event with students from all backgrounds attending. The music is sure to bring the boogie out of you. Find tickets at Skiddle.com and join everyone else for this great event in the heart of Digbeth.

If disco isn’t your thing then maybe a massive student party at Rosie’s bar is. Glowsticks, bouncy castles, Co2 cannons, giant foam cannons, huge ball pits, bucking bulls, a supersized glow in the dark robot and fire breathers all await inside. This night will be exactly what you are looking for if you like cheap drinks and a great place to dance.

Thursday

The Freshers Zoo: While this event may sound a little bizarre, it’s safe to say this won’t be like a normal night out. Heading down to Popworld on Thursday 26^th will definitely be an experience. Dressing up is the name of the game, anything zoo or animal related will do. While at the event, Popworld will be giving out free inflatables, free masks and animal shaped treats. Music on the night will included hip-hop, RnB, house, commercial and grime.

Friday

Players Birmingham: It’s a BIG Friday night at Players in Birmingham. Already one of the city’s most popular venues, Players will be hosting their own ‘JUICY’ event which will start on Friday 27^th and continue throughout the year. Consistent with this week’s trend, students will also find cheap drinks and great music. Room 1 will consist of classic hip-hop, party RnB and funk while Room 2 will be blasting both old and new pop classics.

Saturday

Calling All Ravers: For all the drum and bass ravers among you, Saturday is your night to shine. Hosted at the Mill in Digbeth, you can find Kings Of The Rollers present: Royal Rumble. A massive event which is meant to kick off the student year for everything drum and bass. On the night you can expect to see acts including; Serum, Bladerunner, Voltage and of course King Of The Rollers. The event starts at 9pm and concludes at 5am the following morning.

Sunday

Student Fest Birmingham: What could be one of the weeks biggest evenings is student fest hosted by love island hunk Tommy Fury. This massive event is hosted across 5 different venues and combines 3 different universities all in one massive night out in Birmingham. An expected 4000 students will be dancing and singing between Popworld, Reflex, Walkabout, Players and Rosie’s all with the aim to start their university year off with a high. Tickets are available to purchase now, with each ticket including a T-shirt which will gain you entry to venues on the night. All this and more awaits you on Sunday 29^th of September in the heart of Birmingham.

No matter what you plan to do, Birmingham freshers is sure to be a big event, so enjoy it while you can. Get out there, experience Birmingham, and make some new friends in the process.

Looking for student accommodation? Unihousing have student housing available for the academic year 2019/20. Register your interest with us today.

Diet, Food, and a Good Night Out in Birmingham for Students

Getting a Good Start

It’s easy to overlook the importance of healthy eating, or to be a bit complacent about making mealtimes healthier- especially when it can be so easy to order a pizza sometimes. With just a little bit of effort though, it’s not difficult to increase your intake of the foods you should be having more of and reducing those you should be consuming less of.

What is also easy to do is to not realise how much better you can feel by changing your diet. With the new academic year on the horizon, altering your habits could get you off to a healthy and positive start.

Places to Eat in Selly Oak 

The reality is that it’s unlikely anyone would really avoid take-aways and eating-out altogether. So, with that in mind, it’s worth knowing that if you are a Selly Oak student looking for a quick meal or dinner out with friends, Selly Oak has a lot of options. As well as some of the bigger name restaurants like Frankie & Benny’s and Nando’s, Selly Oak includes other places like the succulent chicken-skewer serving Paprika Grill UK on Raddlebarn Road, and other cafes too.           

Digbeth

It probably goes without saying that the city centre of Birmingham is ideal for students, as its plentiful supply of places to get something to eat and drink pretty much caters for all tastes and makes for a great night-out. What may not be so obvious is the fact that Digbeth is a less-familiar location stuffed with little surprises- including a location for some totally terrific food.

The food is brought to you courtesy of Digbeth Dining Club. Digbeth Dining Club is held every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and asks for a small entrance fee to get in, but it’s absolutely worth it. This unusual yet buzzing little event brings together a diverse collection of street-food vendors that are spread-out through its busy venue. Sandwiched between the two halves of the DDC layout is a bar, making it easy for you to get yourself a drink when you want it. A vibrant place in distinctive surroundings, Digbeth Dining Club is accompanied by DJ music overflowing from its speakers into the masses, providing a bouncy backdrop to this lively food experience.

    

While You’re There

Just because you’re in Digbeth to get a little something to eat, doesn’t mean the night has to start and end with this eating experience. The reason for this is that Digbeth also offers other interesting places to go to that you may not have heard of before. There’s Ghetto Golf; an imaginatively decked-out, urban twist on standard crazy golf that’s strictly for adults only. There’s also a variety of bars to head to. And, don’t forget The Custard Factory: great for visits day or night, The Custard Factory has its own cinema called The Mockingbird that shows a unique range of films, which could make it the ideal way to round-up your evening.  

   

Student Accommodation with Unihousing

On the previously-mentioned subject of the forthcoming academic year, it would be helpful to be aware of the impressive Birmingham student accommodation that Unihousing can provide you with. Registered lettings agents that offer you student housing for a reasonable price, Unihousing boasts a number of student studios and houses to share within the busy, bustling town of Selly Oak. Spacious, tastefully modern and featuring all of the furnishings that are suitable for everyday student living, Unihousing’s student studios and houses’ superb situation also means that in just a quick walk you can get to the local train station and other public transport points. Positioned with a variety of shops, supermarkets and pubs nearby as well, Unihousing student accommodation makes your day-to-day student living easy, convenient and enjoyable.

Contact Unihousing today to find-out what we can do for you!!

16 Tips to Help Prepare Yourself for University – Part 2

We're back with another blog containing some useful tips and ideas that are worth considering before your university experience begins in September. If you’re well prepared, you’ve probably already thought of the last 8 tips. However, these 8 should be a little more out the box and hopefully inspire you to make some more headway in your preparations towards university.

1. Build a Film Library

During your time at university you will find that you have periods of the day and week where there isn’t much going on; you’ve completed all of your university work, none of your friends are available, or you have some time to spare. After all you can’t be out socialising every minute of the day, and it can sometimes help to spend a little time on your own recharging. Therefore, we it can help to have a film library which you can dive into during your free time. While accumulating a load of DVDs or Blu-Rays is one way of doing this, spending some money on Netflix, Amazon prime or other streaming services can give you a lot of choice. If you’re sharing accommodation, it might be worth sharing a family account with your housemates.

2. Get to Know the Washing Machine

It’s unlikely that the washing machine you use at university is going to be an exact copy of the one you have at home, so getting some tips from mum and dad will come in very handy. Things such as knowing all the different materials and how to wash them, what all the washing symbols mean on your clothes, or how to remove certain stains can all come in handy. The more familiar you are with your washing machine, the more likely you are to adopt regular washing routines, which is especially important for your towels and bedding. If you do find that you don’t know how to wash something or how to use a certain washing machine, don’t be afraid to search online. This is a great tip to help you ease into living independently.

3. Work out the Local Transport Routes

Most students won’t be lucky enough to have a car at university as they are expensive to run. This means that you will be left with walking, cycling and public transport. Getting to know the public transport routes in the area will help you to travel the city with ease. You could also find you save yourself a little money by doing this. In addition to this, buying a rail/bus card can save you loads of money if you use public transport frequently.

4. Find Ways to Save Money

Saving money is much easier then you may first realise; cutting back on simple luxuries will help you save money for the more important things in life. Making use of loyalty cards can help you get some money back, as can getting a student discount card. Not sure if somewhere is offering a student discount? Just ask! Being savvy and making the most of any discounts or deals when they come about can really help you save money in the long run, just be careful about falling into the trap of buying something because it’s on sale, even though you don’t need it. Make sure you get your student discount card over the summer, so you have it when you need it.

5. Look for a Good Gym Membership, or Join a Sports Team

While films are a great way to fill your time, they are not the only way you can use your free time constructively at university. Being active and partaking in sports, or visiting the gym, is great for releasing stress and tension. Exercise can help your mental health and can even help with studying [1]. Start looking for ways to get exercising; the sooner you get into the routine of looking after yourself physically, the easier it’ll be.

6. Look at Your Study Modules

It’s always worth checking your course before you start in September. This will help you to get a bit more knowledge about your subject and get you excited for starting. There can also be work given over the summer, and it’s good to get this done so you’re prepared for the next year. A common one is reading specific books, but it is often course specific.

7. Learn How to Make New Friends

For students about to tackle the first year of university, making new friends is important. Your experience at university will be much more enjoyable if you can enjoy it with the people that you are living and working with. The best method for doing this is to join societies, sport teams and getting to know the people in your student accommodation. Everyone will be in the same boat of looking for new friends so don’t be worried.

8. Don’t Panic

Thinking about University may fill you with fear, and that not a bad thing. Spending time away from your family and friends, having to live and fend for yourself can be a difficult task but don’t forget, you’re not alone. Students from across the country will be experiencing the exact same thing, so relax and trust in your ability to succeed.

That wraps up our 16 tips to help prepare yourself for university. Hopefully these tips have helped to motivate and intrigue you enough to make an impact on what is for most students, the most memorable time of their lives. Good luck to all students starting University in September and thank you for reading. Don’t forget, if you haven’t sorted your student accommodation yet, we still have some available studios. Call today to book a viewing.

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-benefits-of-exercise/

16 Tips to Help Prepare Yourself for University – Part 1

Doing all you can to prepare yourself for university can help make student life much less stressful and busy. There are quite a few things to consider before September rolls around, so it’s best to start early and get everything sorted. In part 1 of this 2-part blog series, we take a look at 8 tips that can help you get prepared for university:

1. Get into a Routine

It’s good to hit the ground running when you get to university, so it can help to adopt regular routines to help you get the most out of your days ahead. You can try more regular sleeping patterns in the week, normal eating hours and even exercise to keep you refreshed and feeling on top of your life. This will also give you lots of energy to study well, be social and enjoy the craziness of weekend fun. Having healthy routines can enable you to get all your most important jobs and responsibilities done and out of the way, leaving you with plenty of time for friends, flatmates, going out and enjoying your independence.

2. Stay Organised and Keep on Top of Your Days

The best way to have the least amount of anxiety and stress about your weekly schedule is to plan and stay organised throughout the week. You can use daily/weekly planners to help you remember your lectures, one-on-one meetings with tutors and staff, crucial deadlines coming up, utilities and rent due dates, and even fun nights out to look forward to! By knowing your schedule, you can also plan the mundane yet necessary jobs like weekly shopping and other errands and chores. Planning and getting these done can free you up to spend more time with your friends.

3. Get Ahead

Even though it’s extremely important to have a well-deserved break throughout the summer, getting started on any work and learning what you can over the summer can really help your first weeks and months of settling back into university. Getting your freedom back and studying what you love can be brilliant, but it can also be very tiring and difficult to get back into the regular swing of things. While everyone else is cramming and stressing last minute about reading lists and assignments, you could be having a relaxed start to the year with plenty of time to adjust into your routines with little stress about outstanding work or study.

4. Keep on a Budget

Living on a budget can really help you to feel that you are on top of your life, instead of drowning in financial stress. Studies have found that half of UK adults in debt are also living with mental ill-health [1]. While sometimes it is fun and good to let loose, doing it too often with money you don’t have can begin to create large amounts of stress and burden in your life. Don’t be scared to check your bank balance frequently and know what you can spend, in order to avoid any extra mental strain that can affect the whole of your student life. You can still have fun weekends without over spending and ending up without money at the end of the month for food and other necessities. Be in control of your money, instead of letting your money control you!

5. Try out Meal Prepping

Weekly meal organisation can do wonders for freeing up your busy schedule. Try planning 3-5 main meals in advance, therefore saving yourself the brain power needed to plan your meals EVERYDAY. By shopping for a few different recipes in your weekly shop, you are free to cook whenever you want in the evening depending on what activities you have planned. There’s no need to keep on popping in and out of the shops after the long, busy days ahead and meal prepping can additionally help you create meals that are healthier, get you excited and give you something to look forward to. Another brilliant way to plan ahead and save money is meal sharing. Dinner with flatmates and friends can be a fun way to hang out while also sharing the cooking responsibilities in the house and saving money all around. You could also go to the shops and plan meals together as a way of keeping the process exciting. There are plenty of exciting meals you can have on a student budget [2].

6. Choosing your Accommodation and Flatmates

In order to have as little stress and worry as possible, it is good to get on top of finding your accommodation sooner rather than later. The earlier you look, the more choice you’ll have, and you’ll have plenty of time to find good and dependable flatmates to rent with you. Nonetheless, sometimes life gets in the way and/or plans fall through, but don’t let this stop you. Unihousing is here with plenty of options and properties for you and your friends. To ensure the best experience, try to team-up with people who will be good and reliable flatmates; who will help you take care of the house, share responsibilities, respect your privacy and will make the year a fun and exciting one without drama and complications.

Check out Unihousing today and see some of our available studios in September 2019 or subscribe to our newsletter to be among the first to see our student accommodation for the academic year in 2020/21.

7. Don’t Forget your Supplies

By this, we don’t just mean university supplies! Make sure you and your flatmates have all the necessities for your shared home including pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, cooking utensils, bedding, towels, cleaning products, and anything else you might need. It’s great to move into a space that already has all the things you need, without the stress of running around last minute and attempting to find needed home supplies. That being said, make sure you don’t forget about your university supplies either. Start your academic year feeling relaxed knowing that you have all your books, pens, notebooks, art supplies and anything else you will need to give you the best head start. Try picking the best supplies for you, things that get you inspired but will be practical for your needs. Having a fun trip to IKEA with your flatmates to pick out needed household items and supplies together is a great way of letting everyone contribute and can create a fun kickstart to the new university year.

8. Learn the Support Channels

University life can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, so it’s important to learn about all of the necessary support channels, just in case. In particular, the University of Birmingham has a wellbeing service [3] in place to help support your physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. Doing the necessary research now means you know where to go when you need help.

Making use of these 8 tips is a great way to make your university experience a great one. You’ll not only get the most of your education, but also make some great memories along the way. We’re not finished here though, keep an eye out for part two, where you can find even more helpful tips and tricks for getting prepared for university.

[1] https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/d/debt-and-mental-health

[2] https://www.amazon.co.uk/NOSH-Students-Student-Cookbook-Colour/

[3] https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/undergraduate/support/health/index.aspx