First Steps
Moving to higher education, whether in college or university, an exciting time with many new starts, challenges and opportunities. However, this can be the first time you have lived away from home and this this can come a wide range of concerns and worries. This toolkit has been developed to support your health and wellbeing while you make your transition into your new life as a higher education student. It will give you advice, case studies and hacks to help you maintain you physical, mental, emotional and social well-being.
The toolkit will enable you to make connections and building your social support network; avoid tendencies to view crises as insurmountable challenges; accept that change is a natural and unavoidable part of life; move them towards your (realistic) goals; take decisive actions that will help you face challenges; look for opportunities for self-discovery; nurture a positive view of yourself and your abilities; keep things in perspective and in context; maintain a hopeful outlook on life; and take care of yourself.
Other topics covered will included healthy lifestyles; clubs and societies; safe spaces; services available; student activities; setting goals; inclusivity; personal finances; as well as advice and support.
KNow before you go
Hacks for your First steps
If you are moving out from home, being completely independent for the first time can be a very anxious and stressful time. However, you can take a few steps to reduce your worries.
Things to Buy Before You Go
You will need your own bedding (duvet and pillow as well as covers and sheets), towels and personal toiletries. Depending on where you live, you may also need to get some cooking equipment likes pots and pans as well as plates, bowls and cutlery. You may also want a few home comforts, if this can be managed on your budget, such as a photo frames, pictures or a lamp. And yes, while you are on your higher education course, you will still need some basic stationery to take notes during classes.
Things to Learn Before You Go
As this is the first time you will be living along, you may want to learn how to cook a few simple meals. You can only survive on take away, fast foot and instant noodle for so long before you need proper nutrition. Not only is this type of food not good for you but eating like this every day is not cheap. Cooking good quality food is not only better for you, but also cheaper. YouTube has a host of videos to show you how to cook pretty much any dish!
Things to Get Before You Go
It is important to set up a bank account before you go and esnure you have a bank card. You may wish to set up an overdraft, so that you are no charged if you become overdrawn. You may also want to get a credit card for emergencies. As with your statements and bills for these things, updating your address with your bank as well as things such as your mobile phone is a good way to make sure you do not miss any bills. Or you could go paperless with online statements and billing.
Useful Sites to Learn More
Times Higher Education
Save the Student