Five things to sort before September
1. Sort out your
living space early
Trust me, leaving this until late
August is a risky game. I once ended up sharing a house with five strangers and
one fridge (chaos). If you're living off-campus, try to confirm your tenancy
and housemates early. Get in touch with the landlord or agency to ask questions
like “Is Wi-Fi included?” and “How do I report maintenance issues?” — sounds
boring, but it’ll save headaches later.
Also, if you’re moving into halls,
double-check what’s already provided. You don’t want to show up with three
kettles and no bedding. I found student forums and TikTok videos surprisingly
helpful for packing tips. Bonus tip: bring some fairy lights or a few pictures
— they really help make your room feel like home.
2. Budget like a
boss (before the bank balance dips)
It only took me one term to realise
I couldn’t live off iced coffee and late-night takeaways. Make a realistic
budget. Include rent, bills, groceries, course materials, and a little “fun
fund” (yes, socialising counts). There are some great free budgeting apps out
there — I use one called Emma to keep track of spending.
Also, if you're eligible for student
finance or bursaries, make sure you've applied and that your details are up to
date. You don’t want any delays once term starts. I once missed a deadline and
had to live off my overdraft for two weeks — not ideal.
3. Refresh your
study setup
I’m guilty of spending weeks with a
dodgy laptop charger and a mouse that clicks when it feels like it. If you can,
spend some time in August refreshing your tech. Make sure your laptop is
running smoothly, software is updated, and you’ve got the essentials — charger,
USB, headphones, notebook, maybe even a desk lamp.
I also use cloud storage (Google
Drive, OneDrive) so my notes are safe if anything happens to my device — and
yes, I have spilled tea on my laptop before an assignment was due. Don't
be me.
4. Reconnect with
uni friends (or make new ones)
It’s easy to drift over the summer, especially if everyone’s gone home or off traveling. A simple message like “Can’t believe we’re back next month — fancy a catch-up call?” can go a long way.
If you're a new student, check the University of Hertfordshire's social media channels or chat to students in your School through Unibuddy. I joined a group chat before first year and made a few friends before I even moved in — it helped so much with the nerves.
Also, Herts SU societies often start
sharing welcome events in late August, so keep an eye out. Joining a society
(even if it’s just for the free pizza) was one of the best parts of my first
year.
5. Sort out your
mindset — gently
I know this sounds a bit fluffy, but
it really helps. September can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing
with homesickness, anxiety, or just trying to adjust. What helped me most was
easing back into routine: waking up earlier, spending less time scrolling, and
revisiting my uni timetable.
You don’t have to be “on it” from
day one. But having a flexible routine — and reminding yourself that it’s okay
to ask for help — can make the transition smoother. Check what wellbeing
services your uni offers too; you don’t have to be in crisis to use them.
Final thought
You don’t have to have everything
figured out before September — no one does. But getting these five things in
place early can take a load off your mind and let you focus on the exciting
parts of uni life.
 Hi, I’m Nuzhat Tasnim Rifa, a final-year Computer Science student at the University of Hertfordshire. I’m passionate about technology, learning new skills, and helping others navigate university life. Alongside my studies, I’ve taken a part-time role at the university as a Student Ambassador, which has helped me grow in confidence, communication, and leadership. I enjoy balancing academics with real-life experiences and love sharing what I’ve learned to support others on a similar path. This blog site is a space where I share tips, reflections, and insights to help students make the most of their time at university and beyond. |