How to arrive ready to start uni
Getting ready to join us
You've been accepted to uni and all you need to do now is get ready to start. So what comes next?
You can do a few things in the months leading up to your arrival to prepare for university, including figuring out what to bring from home, learning to cook for yourself and sorting out your finances. Use our guide to starting university and feel at home before you move in.
Hear from students about their own experiences
Starting Uni: What I Wish I’d Known is a warm and practical guide for new students stepping into life at University of Portsmouth. From first-day tips and study support to balancing life and learning, this series offers real advice from students and staff who’ve been there. Whether you're nervous, curious, or just excited to begin, you'll find reassurance, community, and confidence to help you thrive in our Island city from day one.
All episodes
In this episode of What I Wished I’d Known, Associate Dean Mary Williams chats with first-year student Chelsea about her journey through university life at the University of Portsmouth. From pre-arrival worries to mastering independence, Chelsea shares how supportive flatmates, joining the Dance Society, and embracing the Portsmouth community made her first year unforgettable.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.
In this episode of What I Wished I’d Known, James from the Student Life team is joined by Kevin Child, Director of Support Services at the University of Portsmouth. Together, they explore how new students – especially those with disabilities or neurodivergence – can prepare for university life.
From early planning and accessing learning platforms to peer support and student-led guidance, Kevin shares how the University fosters a safe, compassionate, and inclusive environment from day one.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.
In this episode of What I Wished I’d Known, Senior Lecturer Lee Woods chats with University of Portsmouth alumni Mimi Nwosu about her journey from sixth form to discovering civil engineering and thriving in the industry.
Arriving with no set expectations, Mimi embraced new opportunities, built lasting friendships, and found her passion. She reflects on how Portsmouth’s supportive and diverse community helped her grow both academically and personally – and how forming networks at university laid the foundation for her career.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.
In this episode of What I Wished I’d Known, Associate Dean Mary Williams chats with recent graduate Sophia Joshi about how she balanced part-time work, studies, and social life during her time at the University of Portsmouth.
Sophia shares practical tips for staying on track, including how she made the most of her mornings and evenings, found unexpected study spots, and built lasting friendships. Her story is a reassuring reminder that with flexibility and support, it’s possible to thrive both academically and personally.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.
Decide what to pack
Start thinking early about what to pack for your new student room. Resist the temptation to bring everything you own. You won't have loads of space in your university accommodation, especially if you're sharing a kitchen and bathroom. Use our packing checklists to make sure you have everything to you need.
Find out what to pack for university
Get posters for your walls
If you're moving into uni halls, you'll want your room to feel cosy and customised to your tastes. Get a few prints and posters for your wall. Print off photos of friends and family and make them into a collage in case you miss them.
Protect your possessions
When living away from home, especially in shared accommodation, you should reduce risks to your possessions. Get contents insurance when you start uni to protect your possessions from theft, fire or accidents.
Prepare to cook for yourself
You'll need to know how to cook when you arrive at uni. Cooking your own food will save you money and keep you healthier than buying ready-made meals or fast food. Bring your favourite cookbook or follow some good student cooking blogs or YouTube channels for meal ideas on a budget.
Practice recipes
Ask your mum, dad or guardian to teach you how to cook your favourite dish. Or learn your favourite recipes with friends. Practising recipes when preparing for uni will make it easier to get into the habit of cooking. Being able to cook your favourite recipe will also give you a taste of home when you're away.
Order a food delivery
Plan your first food shop just before you get to uni. Ask your parents or guardian if they'll show you how to order your groceries online. Order a food shop to arrive on your first weekend. You won't have to worry about finding the closest shops while moving in, and you'll get supplies delivered straight to your door.
To find out more about where to go for great food, culture, shopping and green spaces in Portsmouth, visit our Life outside Study pages.
Sort out your finances
If you can, save up some money before you arrive at uni. Plan your spending wisely and take advantage of the many student discounts on offer to save while you study.
Make a budget
It's a good idea to make a budget when preparing for university. You should have an idea of how much money you'll have in the bank each month, depending on loans and savings you accumulate before uni.
Add up your monthly essential expenses and take this away from the total money you expect to have each month. Essentials will include your rent, bills, transport costs and food. Plan your extra spending such as clothes and nights out using the money left over.
Apply for a student bank account
You can have a regular bank account as a student, but a student bank account has extra benefits. The benefits are different depending on the bank you choose. They could include an interest-free overdraft, a free railcard or free cash.
Get your student discount card
Totum is a discount card and app exclusively for students. It's approved by the National Union of Students (NUS) and gets you money off clothes, shoes, electronic devices, entertainment and restaurants.
Apply for a railcard
You should consider getting a young person's railcard if you travel by train regularly. The railcard costs £30 a year (or £70 for 3 years) and gets you up to 1/3 off rail fares across England, Scotland and Wales.
You'll save a lot of money if you're planning to visit friends and family by train. You can also use the railcard to get savings on experiences and days out.
Find your way around campus and the city
If possible, take a trip to your new uni campus and get an idea of where the main buildings are – including the Students' Union. You'll feel more comfortable arriving for your induction if you've already walked around campus.
Find out how to get from your accommodation to the main lecture theatres and the library. You could also download Google maps of the city or campus to your phone so you're prepared when you arrive.
Look out for important services when you're getting to know the campus, such as IT, student finance, careers, wellbeing, and the Students' Union.
Register with a GP
To make sure you can get medical treatment if you need it, you should register with a GP as soon as you get to university.
As a new student, you'll need to provide proof of your new address and fill out a medical questionnaire.
Think about transport
Consider if you need a bus pass or a bike, or a parking permit if you're bringing a car.
At Portsmouth, you can use our University buses. The bus routes passes our main University buildings and the most popular student residential areas.
We have over 1,500 cycle hoops and bike racks across campus, including secure 4 cycle cages that require a student or staff ID to enter. Our guide to staying safe on campus gives more advice on protecting your bike.
Explore societies and sports clubs
Prepare for university and for making new friends by joining a student-led group. The Students' Union will have a list of societies and sports clubs on their website. Look over the list before you arrive at uni to know what societies and sports clubs to visit during Fresher's Week.
Our Students' Union has over 120 societies and sports clubs, and you can find out more about staying active in the city at our Sport website.
