Before leaving home and heading off to university, it is worth taking some time to work things out before throwing yourself into all that university has to offer.

Here are a few tips to consider from University of Bedfordshire’s Assistant Director of Student Experience and Head of Student Support Ruki Heritage:

• Find out where your nearest supermarket is and stock up on essentials;
• Consider fresh fruit and veg and healthy snacks as priority items to keep you going through the busy time of Freshers’ Week;
• Look out for a recipe book or mobile phone app to help you plan cheap, well-balanced meals (Bedfordshire runs cooking workshops for students that always go down well);
• Keep an eye on your spending in the first few weeks at university – make use of banking apps and text alerts. At Bedfordshire you can go along to finance workshops where you can get advice on how to save money and put together a budget;
• Use Google Maps or similar apps to help you find your way around campus and beyond, and make sure to plan your route back before you set off. Have the number of your local taxi firm to hand in case you need them. It may also be reassuring and good safety advice to travel in a group with friends.

The Head of Student Support said: “The first few weeks of university are your chance to make university a home from home. You will soon be presented with lots of fun options for how to spend your free time, and it is vitally important to take up opportunities quickly to build up a network of friends to see you through your first term and beyond.

“Joining clubs and societies can also help to keep your mind off home, giving you the chance to try out things you never thought you would while meeting new people and staving off any feelings of homesickness.”

With the support of your friends, family and university you will find yourself quickly settling into independent living, and with three years of university life ahead, there will be plenty to look forward to.