University - A Survival Guide

Title: UNIVERSITY – A Survival Guide
Author: Anne Coates
Price: Not shown
Publisher: Need2Know (2009)
ISBN: 978-1-86144-072-3
No. of pages: 95

This guide gives clear and concise information and tips to potential students on how to prepare, work, live and enjoy university life.

Many young people who go away to university may also be living away from home for the first time, perhaps hundreds (or even thousands) of miles from friends and family, making this an exciting, but also a scary  time.

Obtaining a degree is, of course, the ultimate aim, but there will no doubt be many questions and concerns about coping in this new environment: ‘How will I make friends?’, ‘Will I have enough money?’, ‘What if I’m homesick?’ This guide to surviving the transition from home to university life gives practical and timely advice and could prove invaluable to potential students (and their parents!).

The information, which is presented under clear, helpful headings, addresses the majority of the most pressing concerns of the potential student and includes information on the many things that need to be done before arriving at university. 

It is written in an uncomplicated and easy to read style and the comments and tips from existing students help to make the information ‘real’ and relevant. 

Each chapter covering an aspect of student life, with a summary of the most important points at the end of every section, makes this guide a very handy tool.  

Everyone knows that moving away from home can be a very stressful time, but being prepared will make the transition much easier.

The section on what to do before the start of term is particularly helpful; giving advice on choosing a bank and opening a student bank account, finding a doctor, explaining why it is necessary to have insurance and suggesting a list of essential items that will need to be packed (don’t forget the bottle opener!).

There is also practical advice about living in shared accommodation and how to get on with flatmates, how to make new friends and overcome homesickness, and the section on Freshers’ week gives plenty of information on getting organised, checking courses, sorting local travel and joining clubs - as well as partying!

When living at home it is quite likely that everyday things such as meals, cleaning, and health matters were all arranged by Mum, and taking on all these responsibilities will seem challenging, but the advice given on how to eat healthily, but cheaply, how to stay fit and get enough exercise and how to tackle any health problems, should they arise, will reassure the student and help to allay any fears.

Of course, no guide to university life would be complete without addressing concerns about sexual activity, illegal drugs and alcohol abuse and this guide gives straightforward advice on these matters, as well as web addresses for sites where fuller information can be found.

The section on how to cope with relationships has many helpful hints, reminding the student that the internet and social networking sites are a way of keeping in touch with old friends (and family) as well as new.

It is a sad fact of life that living at university nearly always means having to live on a limited budget, but there is plenty of information in the guide on student loans and other potential sources of income, for example, from part time work or work done during the holidays, as well as suggesting many ways of making the money available go further, with many money saving tips.

One big difference between school and university is that in university the onus is on the student to organise their study time and ensure that work is completed and assignments are given in on time, but once again this guide has identified the most pressing concerns and addressed them in a clear and concise way. 

Explaining who does what in a department and giving tips on how to complete assignments and meet deadlines as well as giving advice on revising for exams and dealing with exam nerves.

The last chapter in the guide focuses on 'life after university'. In addressing the issue of giving 'added value' to a C.V. so that it stands out from any others, a number of helpful ideas are put forward, such as doing volunteer work or undertaking work experience in the holidays.

Many students will want to find out more about some of the topics covered and the help list, at the back of the guide, containing contact numbers and web addresses of various organisations, will facilitate this.

I think that this is an excellent publication and an extremely useful tool for the potential student. It gives them an overview of what to expect from university life, and will help them to prepare for the new life and experiences they will encounter as a university student.