Starting University: the book that helps students prepare for university
No. 1 Bestselling Student Guide
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The coronavirus has caused disruption, upheaval and uncertainty. With so many unknowns surrounding what university will look like in 2020, this useful and practical book provides a reassuring look at university life and helps students prepare for happier times ahead.
Packed with helpful advice, hints and links, the book includes:
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Starting University and the Coronavirus
Starting University was published in 2019 - before the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world. I've been asked if the book is still relevant to current students given the present situation. Yes it is! The book covers a range of challenges that new students face when they start university - and those issues persist, regardless of the coronavirus.
I carried out extensive research to understand the concerns new students have and, importantly, what strategies they can use to address these worries. The chapter contents are listed below so you can see, in detail, what's included in Starting University. Reading this, I hope you feel confident that the book would be helpful.
The coronavirus presents an enormous challenge to universities, worldwide. At the time of writing (August 2020) UK universities are still determining how they teach, accommodate and allow students to grow in a safe environment. I've included a number of proposals here, put forward by UK universities, that describe how they intend to do this in 2020.
I carried out extensive research to understand the concerns new students have and, importantly, what strategies they can use to address these worries. The chapter contents are listed below so you can see, in detail, what's included in Starting University. Reading this, I hope you feel confident that the book would be helpful.
The coronavirus presents an enormous challenge to universities, worldwide. At the time of writing (August 2020) UK universities are still determining how they teach, accommodate and allow students to grow in a safe environment. I've included a number of proposals here, put forward by UK universities, that describe how they intend to do this in 2020.
Starting University: Contents
INTRODUCTION
COUNTDOWN TO LEAVING
CHAPTER ONE
How Are You Feeling?
Can’t Wait!
Bit Worried About Leaving Home
Other Possible Concerns
CHAPTER TWO
Important Things to Do Before the Start of Term
All New Students
If You’re Living Away from Home
Checklist: Documents, Essentials, Stationery
CHAPTER THREE
Living Away from Home: Your New Accommodation
Freedom!
Typical First Year Accommodation
University Halls of Residence
Private Halls of Residence
Privately Rented Accommodation
Applying for University and Private Halls of Residence
How is Accommodation Allocated?
Unhappy With Your Accommodation?
Your Study Bedroom
Kitchen
Bathroom
Being a Good Flatmate
Some Cleaning Tips
Checklist: Study Bedroom, Personal/Hygiene, First Aid, Other Useful Stuff, Kitchen, Bathroom
CHAPTER FOUR
Laundry
Frequency
Temperature
Cost & Paying for Laundry
How to…
Checklist: Laundry
Key to Common Laundry Symbols
CHAPTER FIVE
Food & Drink
What Constitutes a Healthy Diet?
Spoon Sizes in Recipes
Cooking - Some General Advice
Five Easy Meals
Light Meal/Snack Ideas
Checklist: Useful Shopping List
CHAPTER SIX
Friendships & Relationships
Friendships
One of the Best Things about Being at University
Finding and Making New Friends
Freshers’ Week
Don’t Panic
I Know We’ve Only Just Met But Shall We Live Together?
Relationships, Sex and Intimacy
Questions to Ask Yourself
Advice on Intimacy
Existing Relationships
CHAPTER SEVEN
Money: Where It Goes & How to Get More of It
Where It Goes
Rent
Accommodation Deposits
Healthcare Costs
Tuition Fees
How to Support Yourself Whilst Studying
Maintenance Loan
Government Grants/Allowances
Your Family
Savings
Scholarships, Bursaries, Grants & Awards
Part-Time Paid Work
Fee Waivers
Hardship Funds
Bank Overdraft
Emergency Money
Shop Savvy
Before You Go Shopping
Where to Shop
What to Buy
Deal or Not Such a Good Deal
When to Buy
Discount Deals
Save Money: Alternatives to the Typical Degree
Accelerated Degree
Degree Apprenticeship
Sponsored Degree
Money Difficulties - Do Not Panic
Repaying Government Loans
CHAPTER EIGHT
Staying Safe at University
Keeping You & Your Belongings Safe
Alcohol
Impact of Alcohol
You’re Not Drinking?
Initiations
Strategies for Managing a Night Out
Drugs
The Risks
How to say No
Smoking/Vaping
Traditional Cigarettes
E-cigarettes
CHAPTER NINE
Feeling Stressed, Worried, Overwhelmed, Lonely or Worse
New Student Blues
Study Stresses
Money Worries
Feeling Overwhelmed
Loneliness, Sadness and Homesickness
If Things Become More Serious: Getting Professional Help
Worried about a Friend
If You’re Considering Leaving
CHAPTER TEN
Parents’ Chapter
Emotional Impact
Staying Connected
Help for Sad Parents
Help for Worried Parents
Financial Implications
Weekend & Holiday Visits: What to Expect
Useful Things To Do Before They Leave
END NOTES
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
COUNTDOWN TO LEAVING
CHAPTER ONE
How Are You Feeling?
Can’t Wait!
Bit Worried About Leaving Home
Other Possible Concerns
CHAPTER TWO
Important Things to Do Before the Start of Term
All New Students
If You’re Living Away from Home
Checklist: Documents, Essentials, Stationery
CHAPTER THREE
Living Away from Home: Your New Accommodation
Freedom!
Typical First Year Accommodation
University Halls of Residence
Private Halls of Residence
Privately Rented Accommodation
Applying for University and Private Halls of Residence
How is Accommodation Allocated?
Unhappy With Your Accommodation?
Your Study Bedroom
Kitchen
Bathroom
Being a Good Flatmate
Some Cleaning Tips
Checklist: Study Bedroom, Personal/Hygiene, First Aid, Other Useful Stuff, Kitchen, Bathroom
CHAPTER FOUR
Laundry
Frequency
Temperature
Cost & Paying for Laundry
How to…
Checklist: Laundry
Key to Common Laundry Symbols
CHAPTER FIVE
Food & Drink
What Constitutes a Healthy Diet?
Spoon Sizes in Recipes
Cooking - Some General Advice
Five Easy Meals
Light Meal/Snack Ideas
Checklist: Useful Shopping List
CHAPTER SIX
Friendships & Relationships
Friendships
One of the Best Things about Being at University
Finding and Making New Friends
Freshers’ Week
Don’t Panic
I Know We’ve Only Just Met But Shall We Live Together?
Relationships, Sex and Intimacy
Questions to Ask Yourself
Advice on Intimacy
Existing Relationships
CHAPTER SEVEN
Money: Where It Goes & How to Get More of It
Where It Goes
Rent
Accommodation Deposits
Healthcare Costs
Tuition Fees
How to Support Yourself Whilst Studying
Maintenance Loan
Government Grants/Allowances
Your Family
Savings
Scholarships, Bursaries, Grants & Awards
Part-Time Paid Work
Fee Waivers
Hardship Funds
Bank Overdraft
Emergency Money
Shop Savvy
Before You Go Shopping
Where to Shop
What to Buy
Deal or Not Such a Good Deal
When to Buy
Discount Deals
Save Money: Alternatives to the Typical Degree
Accelerated Degree
Degree Apprenticeship
Sponsored Degree
Money Difficulties - Do Not Panic
Repaying Government Loans
CHAPTER EIGHT
Staying Safe at University
Keeping You & Your Belongings Safe
Alcohol
Impact of Alcohol
You’re Not Drinking?
Initiations
Strategies for Managing a Night Out
Drugs
The Risks
How to say No
Smoking/Vaping
Traditional Cigarettes
E-cigarettes
CHAPTER NINE
Feeling Stressed, Worried, Overwhelmed, Lonely or Worse
New Student Blues
Study Stresses
Money Worries
Feeling Overwhelmed
Loneliness, Sadness and Homesickness
If Things Become More Serious: Getting Professional Help
Worried about a Friend
If You’re Considering Leaving
CHAPTER TEN
Parents’ Chapter
Emotional Impact
Staying Connected
Help for Sad Parents
Help for Worried Parents
Financial Implications
Weekend & Holiday Visits: What to Expect
Useful Things To Do Before They Leave
END NOTES
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Starting University: What Students Say
"Everything about going to university is made so simple. There were things I hadn't thought of doing and the double checklist is great!"
"I loved it and felt there was nothing missing. My mum and I wished we could have had this book because she felt we were doing it blind."
“I really enjoyed reading this book and I LOVE that both sides (positive and negative) of social media are highlighted. And listing the different places you can reach out to if you’re really struggling is great - it highlights that there are lots of options!”
“This is a really thorough and informative guide including everything you need to know before you go to uni. I especially love the checklists!”
“This is really useful explaining how to prepare for university”
“I wish I had this student guide when I started uni because there were so many things that I didn’t even think about bringing with me. I also found the chapter on money very useful and it has given me lots of ideas on how to save money and spend wisely.”
"I loved it and felt there was nothing missing. My mum and I wished we could have had this book because she felt we were doing it blind."
“I really enjoyed reading this book and I LOVE that both sides (positive and negative) of social media are highlighted. And listing the different places you can reach out to if you’re really struggling is great - it highlights that there are lots of options!”
“This is a really thorough and informative guide including everything you need to know before you go to uni. I especially love the checklists!”
“This is really useful explaining how to prepare for university”
“I wish I had this student guide when I started uni because there were so many things that I didn’t even think about bringing with me. I also found the chapter on money very useful and it has given me lots of ideas on how to save money and spend wisely.”
Starting University: What Parents Say
“So many things to think about in such an easy to read format. I love the checklist and ticking it off twice – great idea to help feel in control of jumping off the precipice into the unknown. I wish I had this book when I went off to university - it would have made my first year so much easier!”
“It’s very easy to read and digest. Really nicely presented with not too much information on each page to overwhelm you! The link to the website that shows how much they pay in rent at each university and how much they spend on food etc is a great idea!! It’s useful to get an idea of monthly outgoings and that looks spot on!”
"This book is helpful on so many counts. I'm a planner and the timeline is really useful in telling me what my daughter needs to do and by what date. Also, the money section prepares us for how much we'll need to give her and how much she'll need to pay back when she graduates. It's brilliant: one place to go to for everything we need to know."
"Not only is this informative and funny in places but it's also written in a kind and reassuring way."
“This is awesome. Lovely writing and very accessible.”
“This is amazing. Totally understandable even to a non-uni goer like me. So well written and I can totally see why both students and parents would benefit from reading it.”
“Really good and a huge amount of information”
“With each page I discovered more and more useful hints to get my family and I through the complex and high-stress university process”
"Impressive stuff. Thorough, detailed, thought of everything. I can’t fault it"
“An indispensable guide that navigates you through the complexities of modern student life. Every aspect has been thoroughly researched and thoughtfully written - especially useful was the section on money that had so many valuable money-saving hints and tips I would never have thought of!”
“I’m so glad this book’s been written - it’s brilliant! It’s got some fab information in here and is so comprehensive. Just as a mother/cleaner/general dogsbody around the house there are a few things that I love - use a different set of gloves to clean the loo than you do in the kitchen!! Don’t leave plates of food in your room or it will attract bugs!!! Those among many others have made me smile!!”
“The 'Countdown to Leaving' section gives a reassuring view of what’s needed to be done and when – so I feel I’m not missing anything out! And I was really impressed with the ‘Parents’ section, a thorough guide to how things affect us and how we can help ourselves and our Daughter prepare.”
“Fascinating and full explanation of how student finance works…we now have a better idea of how much money we need to give our son.”
“It’s very easy to read and digest. Really nicely presented with not too much information on each page to overwhelm you! The link to the website that shows how much they pay in rent at each university and how much they spend on food etc is a great idea!! It’s useful to get an idea of monthly outgoings and that looks spot on!”
"This book is helpful on so many counts. I'm a planner and the timeline is really useful in telling me what my daughter needs to do and by what date. Also, the money section prepares us for how much we'll need to give her and how much she'll need to pay back when she graduates. It's brilliant: one place to go to for everything we need to know."
"Not only is this informative and funny in places but it's also written in a kind and reassuring way."
“This is awesome. Lovely writing and very accessible.”
“This is amazing. Totally understandable even to a non-uni goer like me. So well written and I can totally see why both students and parents would benefit from reading it.”
“Really good and a huge amount of information”
“With each page I discovered more and more useful hints to get my family and I through the complex and high-stress university process”
"Impressive stuff. Thorough, detailed, thought of everything. I can’t fault it"
“An indispensable guide that navigates you through the complexities of modern student life. Every aspect has been thoroughly researched and thoughtfully written - especially useful was the section on money that had so many valuable money-saving hints and tips I would never have thought of!”
“I’m so glad this book’s been written - it’s brilliant! It’s got some fab information in here and is so comprehensive. Just as a mother/cleaner/general dogsbody around the house there are a few things that I love - use a different set of gloves to clean the loo than you do in the kitchen!! Don’t leave plates of food in your room or it will attract bugs!!! Those among many others have made me smile!!”
“The 'Countdown to Leaving' section gives a reassuring view of what’s needed to be done and when – so I feel I’m not missing anything out! And I was really impressed with the ‘Parents’ section, a thorough guide to how things affect us and how we can help ourselves and our Daughter prepare.”
“Fascinating and full explanation of how student finance works…we now have a better idea of how much money we need to give our son.”
Starting University: What the Professionals Say
"Starting University is packed with tips and information for the prospective undergraduate...it would make a useful addition in the Sixth Form Library...an excellent source for pastoral staff...or as part of PSHE generally."
The School Librarian the journal of the School Library Association
The School Librarian the journal of the School Library Association
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Starting University: What to Expect, How to Prepare, Go and Enjoy
available on Amazon and Ebay and in bookshops including Waterstones and Blackwells |
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