Once you have a place

When you have a place, you will have to adjust to it all becoming a reality at last. This means there will be dozens of things to do.

• Start by accepting your place (check your Confirmation letter for instructions on any action you need to take)
• Make sure of your accommodation
• If you haven’t already got one, open a bank or building society account
• Make sure your student support is organised (loans, bursaries, scholarships – see Money matters).
• Check your parents really are going to pay their whack (and when!)
• Get lots of passport photos (essential for university ID in the first week of term)
• Read the mass of administrative stuff the university will send you
• Find your exam certificates (results slips will only be acceptable for the most recent exams)
• Get an NHS exemption certificate if you think you will qualify for free prescriptions, dental charges etc
• Get yourself vaccinated against meningitis (free from your GP or university health service)
• Buy supplies of stationery, suitable clothes etc
• Check whether you need to take bedding, cooking equipment etc in the accommodation you have
• Do not let the gigantic reading list you will be sent put you into a cold panic
• Sort out travel arrangements and make sure you get there when you need to
• Arrange cash for the start of term.