Practical Advice
Our practical guides simplify university life, offering relatable advice on jobs, finances, studies, and settling in to help you thrive.
What important paperwork should I organise as a student?
Keep key documents together — ID, student finance letters, tenancy agreements, insurance details, and medical registration forms. Having digital copies backed up can save time if anything is lost or needed quickly.
What are the best ways for students to save on travel?
Apply for railcards, bus passes, or student travel cards to cut transport costs. Book tickets early, travel off peak when possible, and check for uni specific shuttle buses. Cycling or walking can also save money and keep you active.
How can I save money on everyday student living?
Plan meals, shop in bulk, and use loyalty cards and discount apps. Look for second hand furniture or textbooks, and share household items with flatmates. Always ask for student discounts and keep an eye on local deal pages.
What practical steps can help me stay safe at university?
Keep emergency contacts saved in your phone, know local taxi numbers, and plan your route home before nights out. Lock doors and windows, register valuables, and use trusted apps to share your location with friends if needed.
Your dream career starts here! Our jobs and careers section is packed with tips on CV writing, interview prep, and finding part-time work while you study. No matter what stage you’re at, we’re here to help you build the skills and confidence to succeed in the world of work.
International students
Moving to a new country for university is an adventure, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Our international students’ guide offers advice on everything from visas to settling into student life in the UK. We’re here to make your transition smooth, so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad.
Making friends as an international student at university
Studying in the UK as an international student: what to expect
The life of an international student
Need a hand with your studies? Our academic support section provides practical tips on managing your coursework, structuring assignments, and choosing the perfect dissertation topic. Whether you’re tackling your first essay or your final project, we’ve got the guidance you need to stay on track.
Can you use ChatGPT to write an essay?
Key takeaways ChatGPT can assist in brainstorming essay topics and structuring outlines It helps in summarizing literature and refining sentence construction Overreliance may hinder critical thinking and violate academic integrity
Budgeting and Money
What is the 5p money saving challenge?
How much does DSA pay towards a laptop?
Budgeting at university
Featured student writers
Our content is for students, written by students.
Hi I’m Sophie! I’m a creative writing student currently studying in London. I love writing both fiction ranging from short stories to flash fiction and non-fiction consisting mainly of book reviews. In my spare time aside from writing fiction I'm usually head down into a book or two.
Top tip for students? You deserve to be exactly where you are and deserve to want more. Always be willing to take on opportunities that will help you move forward in your career.
Hi I'm Mia, a History & Sociology Student studying in Manchester. My current favourite hobby is taking photos of rave culture at events with my friends in the city, as an EDM music lover myself. I love to post my pictures on my personal blog and fall into wormholes on Pinterest. If I'm not with a camera in hand, I'm probably curled up with a cuppa creating another vision board collage.
Top tip for students? Don't let bad grades in your first year get you down too much. It is such a huge step up from the school system and everyone, even the overachievers (me) need time to adjust. Academic validation isn't everything, but you are capable of anything if you take it one step at a time!
Hi, I'm Rachel! I'm a student at the University of Exeter and I study French and International Relations. When I'm not doing my seminar prep, I'm either reading a good fiction book, listening to a pop culture podcast or on the New York Times website! I enjoy writing the articles and guides I wished I had when I first started university.
Top tip for students? Make use of your professors' office hours as much as you can!
Hi, I'm Aiden! I'm a student at the University of Manchester studying Medicine! I'm passionate about writing and sharing my experiences to try and keep students well-informed. When I'm not in lecture or at the library, you can find me spending time with my friends, hiking on a scenic trail in the Peak District or in my flat's common room writing with a snack in hand.
Top tip for students? Ask why and how, and link new material to things you already know; don't just commit things to memory. A deeper understanding will help you remember, apply, and perform better.
Hi I’m Thea! I'm an undergrad anthropology student at the SOAS. I love all things pop culture, going to concerts, journaling and reading romance books.
Top tip for students? Time management is key - waiting until the deadline to start your assignment will only make your life harder (trust me I would know).
I'm Lola, an English Literature student in Bangor University. I'm passionate about Wesh culture, and poetry.
Top tip for students? Always make sure you find a good study space! It'll help you get your work done easier.
Hiya! I'm Jessica and I'm studying English at Ulster University where I spend most of my days trying out the local coffee shops with a good book in hand. My course allows me to do the thing I love (reading) both inside and outside of the classroom!
Top tip for students? Get involved! This is a fantastic way to make friends as well as elevate your uni experience.
I’m currently an English and Classics student in Birmingham. I’m an avid reader, and I love everything from modern French classics to ancient Greek poetry. In my free time, I also like gaming, art, and listening to music with my trusty noise-cancelling headphones!
Top tip for students? Try as many new things as you can! It may seem intimidating, especially if you’re in a new place or on your own, but stepping outside your comfort zone can lead you to discover things you love.
Hi I'm Emily and I'm a journalism student currently studying at Sheffield Hallam University. I've been in love with writing since I was ten, back when all my stories involved vampires. These days, I love writing about the realities of student life - sharing honest experiences and perspectives to help others. I'm also a big fan of long walks, live music, and Wes Anderson films!
Top tip for students? It's okay to take your time - university might feel weird at first, but it will settle. Go at your own pace and prioritise your mental health.
Hi, I'm Tori! I'm a recent Business & Management graduate from UWE Bristol. I'm an avid concert attendee outside (and alongside...) my studies, with my favourite genre being K-pop! As I take my first steps into a professional career, I'm using writing to bridge the transition between full-time academic writing to a corporate lifestyle.
Top tip for students? Don't get complacent! University might seem to take a step back and seem more chill than college but it's never too early to prepare for things, and there aren't always times when you will be prompted to start, so stay vigilant, and stay ahead. Good luck!
Hi! I’m Bea, and I’m a master’s student, studying History at Durham University. When I’m not studying or writing, you can usually find me listening to music, trying new recipes, or getting involved with theatre at uni. I love all things arts and culture, and will get involved at any opportunity.
Top tip for students? Throw yourself into everything! If it interests you, give it a go - you never know where new opportunities will take you.
Hi, I'm Mariam! I'm a Law student at the University of Leicester. I love writing, hiking and reading.
Top tip for students? There is something for everyone at university, so put yourself out there. It’s the best time to explore your interests and discover yourself, so try to get involved as much as you can!