Things to do before term starts

Starting university this year? What practical stuff can you get done before you start classes? Here are my top ten tips.

1. Register at the doctor

The Cambridge campus has a doctors' surgery on site you can register at. There is also Red House Surgery where you can get an appointment if it’s urgent and the campus surgery doesn't happen to have appointments available. If you are on medication, get registered as soon as possible to avoid disruption to your prescription.

2. Get to grips with your timetable

It will organise your life, make friends with it!

3. Get to grips with Canvas

Canvas is the University’s site for students and tutors where you can see your reading lists, what you’ll do in class each week, access the material used for class, read about assignments, and book private consultations with tutors.

4. Get your reading list and books

The ARU online bookshop has all the books needed for your course; check it out.

5. Work out food and supplies shopping

Asda is the nearest supermarket to the Cambridge campus. There is also a Tesco Express opposite the uni.

6. If you’re living in halls...

...meet your neighbours!

7. Go for a walk around town

Cambridge is a beautiful city and the uni is so close to the city centre, you can go for lunch between classes.

8. Work out campus

There are several buildings. There are also signs everywhere to point your way.

9. Get your student card

You get it at the iCentre, which you can’t miss because there’s a huge sign above it. The card is your key to the library, signing into class, it has your student number on it in case you forget, and you will most likely need it for exams. Plus you get to choose your ID photo: none of those awful passport-style photos. They even accept selfies!

10. Get yourself signed into everything

Come up with your passwords for wifi, student email, everything. Write them down so you don’t forget!

And finally...

I would just like to point out, you don’t have to run around like a headless chicken trying to get these all done before you start classes. Everyone works at different speeds and a lot of the uni experience is working out which speed is best for you.