Before You Arrive

Connect Socially:

So, you have just found out that you are coming to the University of Leicester, and you are really excited and want to know how you can get involved and meet people as soon as possible

Here are some tips in how you can do so:

Leicester Student Union Website:

Within our opportunities section of the website we have a list of all the student groups and sport teams that are affiliated with the student union. Joining a student group is the easiest way to meet people and groups are always excited to gain new members On top of this you could gain a new skill, do something you love alongside studies and struggle having a bored moment alongside your studies.

Simply click on a group’s page and follow their social media links, then you can start having a chat with committee members and seeing what they have planned during Fresher’s Week

Join your Hall’s Facebook Group:

Living in halls and nervous about moving away from home? Then follow this link: https://www.browzer.co.uk/le/join-your-hall-facebook-group_88215

Join the group dedicated to your hall and say which block and flat you have been allocated and then you can find others in the same building. If you say which course you are doing or what groups you intend to join you may even find people here who are in the same position.

Doing this before you come to University can make the experience even more exciting, calm your nerves and solve simple issues like “who should bring the toaster?”

Here are some of our suggestions of what you can pack when coming to University

• Hangers for your clothes
• A suitcase for your trips home
• Bedding
• Pots & Pans, Crockery, Cutlery and Utensils
• Something to decorate your room to make it yours
• Something that reminds you of home
• Food (if self-catered)
• A laptop and core textbooks (though the library does provide rental of both of these, alongside free computer labs)
• Bag to transport things to and from University
• Reusable water bottle/coffee cup (makes drinks a lot cheaper!)
• Important documents: Passport, ID (e.g. drivers licence), Bank cards and banking information, National insurance card, Medical documents (such as proof of disability, or NHS number), University acceptance letter
• Fancy dress will always come in handy during our welcome events fortnight!
• Stationary and Writing Pads
• Toiletries and First Aid Essentials
• Door stop (useful when getting to know everyone)

This is a list of things that you don't need to worry about if you are moving into one of our student accommodations owned by the University of Leicester

• A Kettle
• An Ironing Board
• An Iron
• A Vacuum Cleaner/Mop
• Furniture
• A Car (parking is limited, and Leicester is very walkable with lots of options See transport)
• Candles (they are not allowed)
• A desk chair
• A mattress

Picking a student bank account

What you need to consider:

• Do you need an overdraft and how much
• If yes then make sure it is interest free
• If yes then see if you can convert it to a graduate account after you finish University so you have time to pay off any overdraft without interest
• What freebies does the student account offer (it’s a competitive market, some offer railcards, others offer Amazon vouchers)
• Be aware of the documents you will need to open one and they will most likely run a credit check
• Make sure you do it in time before starting the University year
• Update your bank details on student finance if this is the account you want your loan to go in to
• Register it with your home address, your university address will most likely change throughout your time at university
• Think about how accessible the branch is in your university town/city (e.g. Leicester Student’s Union is home to a Santander)
• Be responsible if your account also accompanies a credit card