For many, studying begins a whole new phase of life with new tasks. Most of the time, this also includes moving out of home. However, some students prefer taking tuitions help. For instance, law students take help from online LNAT tutors, such as Law-mind.co.uk. So that they don’t lose track of things before and after they start their studies, we have put together the ultimate study checklist for you. This means you are prepared for applications, looking for accommodation and financing.
1. How to apply for a degree
In order to begin your studies, of course, you first of all need a place to study. Once you have decided on one or more degree programs, you have to apply for a study place. For this you definitely need a certified copy of your high school diploma. Depending on the course and university, it may also be necessary:
- Internship certificate
- Proof of language proficiency
- Motivation letter
You can find out which documents you need directly from your university.
In the case of non-admission courses, you already have your place in your pocket with an application within the deadline. For other degree programs, your application will go through a selection process. Your high school certificate usually counts for this. However, it is also possible that you have to conduct an interview or hand in a folder with work samples for your place at the university. This is particularly the case with creative courses or private universities.
2. You have to take this into account when you enroll
Once you have been accepted for your place at the university, it is now a matter of enrolling. You also have to adhere to a deadline by which you have to re-register (by the way, this is also the case in all upcoming semesters). For enrollment you also have to fill out some documents and send them to the university. It is also important that you transfer the semester fee in good time. Then nothing stands in the way of your enrollment.
Important documents: ID and semester ticket
When you enroll, you will also receive some documents that you will need as a student. First of all, this is your student ID. You can usually pick up the ID at the university or have it sent to you. You need it, for example, for exams or in the cafeteria to prove your student status.
But your student ID can also be useful outside of the university, as you get discounts in many places as a student. The semester ticket, which you will receive after you enroll, is also useful. This allows you to use public transport anywhere in the state in which your university is located. So you can not only use it for the trip to the university, but also for all other excursions and on the weekend you can usually even take someone with you for free.
3. Finding the right apartment
If you have to or want to move for your studies, the search for an apartment is also at the top of the checklist for your studies.
Flat share, student residence or your own apartment?
You can decide for yourself whether you want to concentrate on your own apartment, a shared apartment or a student residence. All types of housing have their advantages and disadvantages. To make your decision easier, we’ve made a list of benefits for each option.
Organizational matters
A move always includes some organizational things that you have to clarify. This includes:
- Report the move to the residents’ registration office
- register with the university
- Take out an internet tariff
- Conclude an electricity contract
Some of these points can already be done, especially in a shared apartment, so that you don’t have to worry about them when you move in. Nevertheless, it is not bad to keep an eye on the cost items from time to time. In addition, you do not have to pay any fees if you have already received scholarship.
The main furniture and furnishings
Regardless of whether you move into your own apartment or a shared flat, you should think about which furniture and everyday objects you will need for your new phase of life. Of course, it is crucial whether you move into an apartment that has already been furnished or whether you have to furnish yourself from scratch. We have therefore put together a checklist for you with all the things you need for your first own apartment. There you can simply tick off what you already have and what you still need to get hold.
4. O week: Get to know the campus and make contacts
Especially at the beginning of your studies, make use of every opportunity to get to know the campus of your university and the people in your degree program. The O-Week at the beginning of the course you should not miss. There you can make contacts and maybe your first friendships will emerge. You will also learn to orientate yourself on campus. Depending on how big the university is, it’s not that easy. Some places are particularly important for your studies, so you should know where to find them on campus. It includes:
- Study administration
- Student Advice
- Digital and physical library
- And of course, the cafeteria
One way to get in touch with your fellow students at the beginning of your studies is through groups for graduate students, for example on Facebook. Questions that many people ask themselves in the first semester are often discussed there. If you want to get to know people outside of your semester and degree program, university sports are a great opportunity. For little money you can attend sports courses there for the whole semester and get to know people with similar sports interests.
5. Create a timetable
Your to-do list at the beginning of your studies and every new semester should definitely include the creation of your timetable. This also means that you find out about possible preliminary courses before the start of the semester and that you take them if necessary.
Unlike at school, you will no longer get your timetable ready. Every student puts together their own schedule. You should proceed in a structured manner:
- Look in your study plan are provided by which the seminar and lectures for your semester.
- Check whether you have to register for individual events and, if necessary, register in good time.
- Enter all events that you were able to successfully register for in your timetable.
- After the first sessions, you should also note the exam or submission dates of the respective events in the calendar.
It is also a good idea to set your goals for the semester right at the beginning. Are there any things you would like to do outside of your compulsory courses? For example, a language course or participation in various working groups or the student parliament would be possible. If you formulate your goals clearly at the beginning, it will be easier to achieve them.
6. Material: As a student, you should always have this with you
In addition to the timetable, the equipment is also important for a successful degree. Regardless of what exactly you’re studying, there are a few things that you should definitely have with you in your backpack:
- Laptop
- Pad and pen
- Wallet with student ID
- Cell phone and charging cable
- Coffee mug
- Headphones (especially useful if someone is making annoying noises next to you in the library)
7. Financing your studies
Studying always means costs, for example for rent, food and learning materials. You should therefore think about how you can finance it by the beginning of the first semester at the latest.
scholarship
Another way to finance your studies is through a scholarship. This is just not the case with particularly good academic achievements; you can also apply for a scholarship at the beginning of your studies. Good prerequisites for this are, for example, good school grades and volunteer work.
Part-time jobs
Earning money ass, a student is of course also possible with a part-time job. There are very different ways. For example, you could, work as a student assistant, or serve as a waiter. In order to gain valuable experience with your part-time, you should, if possible, make sure that the job also has something to do with your future occupation.
