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6 Things That Will Definitely Happen During Your First University Term

33 Thoughts You Have In a 9am Lecture When You’re Too Tired To Function

Posted in Student life on August 22, 2017 by Annie Thompson

Making the effort to pull yourself out of bed to turn up to your 9am lecture always seems like a good and responsible idea. Until you actually get there, that is.

If you’re a student that has ever attended a 9am lecture when you’ve been way too tired to function, the following thoughts are bound to have crossed your mind at some point…

1. I made it on time! Who even am I?

2. Wait, did I walk into the right lecture? I don’t even know…

3. I don’t think I can do this.

4. I’m so hungry. I totally should’ve grabbed some fruit on my way out.

5. Who am I kidding? I don’t have any fruit.

6. At least everyone else looks just as tired as me.

7. Except for that girl over there… is that a full contour routine?!

8. Listen, my under-eye bags are couture.

9. What is this lecture even about?

10. This is the actual worst.

11. Oh shit, I left my lecture notes at home. It took me 15 minutes to realise this.

12. Can’t I just go back to bed?

13. Like, I definitely need to go back to bed.

14. Auto-pilot mode: activated successfully.

15. What I wouldn’t give to be asleep.

16. Honestly, the lecturer looks just as fed up as I feel.

17. Coffee. On a drip. That would be nice.

18. Is anyone else actually paying attention?

19. I literally can’t stop yawning.

20. I don’t even know what’s going on right now.

21. I bet that guy at the front knows what’s going on. Kudos to him.

22. Why does one hour feel like my whole life?

23. I wonder if that breakfast place is still serving waffles…

24. If anyone asks questions at the end and keeps us back, so help me…

25. If I got up and sneaked out through the back, would anyone notice?

26. Would anyone care?

27. I’ve taken nothing from this lecture.

28. I might just sleep here.

29. No, you! Shut up! No questions. Put your hand down!

30. If I don’t get my hands on some coffee soon I won’t be responsible for my actions…

31. Are we done here?

32. Honestly, I’m staying in bed next time. I don’t even care.

33. Not this morning, Satan. Not this morning.

Are you off to university in September?

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6 Things That Will Definitely Happen During Your First University Term

Posted in Student life, Tips on August 21, 2017 by Katy Mairs

Ah, your first ever university term.

Starting university is a brand new chapter in the book that is your life. It’s a fresh start. You get to live away from home, make incredible life-long friends, broaden your mind and so much more. But first, you have to navigate your way through your first ever uni term.

Later in your university life, you’ll muse on this period of time with reflective fondness. When you’re in the midst of it, though, it’s a different story. Your first term at university can, from time to time, feel a little bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re all in this together.

To prepare you as best we can for what is to come, we’re talking through a few of the things that will most definitely happen during your first term at university.

1. You’ll (probably) drink more than you ever thought possible.

It’s no secret that students love a good night out and there are plenty to be had during Freshers’ Week. When you’re all of a sudden dropped into a brand new environment away from home and are keen to make friends, it’s all too easy to get swept up in a week of partying. If that’s your thing, that’s cool! That’s what Freshers’ Week is all about, right? It is (for the most part) happy mayhem. (Just look after yourself, okay? Stay hydrated and don’t be that person who ruins themselves so badly on the first night that they can’t enjoy the rest of the week. It’s totally not worth it; the FOMO will be too much!)

On the other hand, although Freshers’ Week culture often seems to be all about partying and getting drunk, if that’s not your thing, that’s cool too. You should never feel pressured into doing something you don’t want to do. Though, we get it, when all of your flatmates are hyped about their fourth night in a row of partying and you literally can’t think of anything worse but everyone else is doing it – it’s hard to be the only one to decline.

At the end of the day, you have to stay true to yourself and what you feel comfortable with. If drinking and partying isn’t your thing, there are loads of events going in during Freshers’ Week that don’t involve alcohol and you’ll end up finding a ton of like-minded people.

2. You’ll get lost.

Kudos to you if you manage to navigate your way around your new university campus successfully from the get-go. But let’s face it: you probably won’t. Sorry to break it to you, but there will be that one lecture that may as well be located on another planet because trying to find it will fluster the hell out of you, resulting in you being at least 15 minutes late, profusely apologising to your lecturer between each quickened breath.

In case it does happen, leave for your lectures and seminars that little bit earlier. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions if you’re really struggling – you’re new, you can’t possibly be expected to know the campus like the back of your hand in the first few weeks.

3. You’ll sign up to too many clubs at Fresher’s Fair.

Ah, Freshers’ Fair. Or ‘societies fair’ as it’s sometimes known – is an event typically held in the middle or towards the end of Freshers’ Week. It gives new and current students alike the chance to discover all of the societies and clubs running at your institution.

There are weird and wonderful societies aplenty to be found at Freshers’ Fair. It’s likely that you’ll see more than one or two that align perfectly with your interests and you’ll be signing up to everything left, right and centre. Everyone is guilty of it.

Fast forward a few weeks later, when you start settling into more of a routine and don’t have time for absolutely everything alongside studies, socialising and enough sleep; you’ll realise that signing up to the Nicolas Cage Appreciation Society was maybe a step too far.

4. Your first ever university assignment will be due.

After the blur of Freshers’ Week has passed, trust us, your lecturers will not waste any time getting into the work. (Yes, believe it or not, you do actually attend university to work! Who knew?) Before long, your first ever university assignment will be due. *Gulp*

Don’t worry too much. As it’ll be your first ever university assignment, your lecturers won’t be expecting perfect scores. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still try your very best, though. There are a ton of resources out there to giving you a helping hand.

5. You’ll have a 5-minute-best-friend.

Or two. Or three.

The thought of starting university and not knowing anyone is a pretty daunting thought. Keep in mind that essentially everyone is in the same boat, and as such, everyone will be trying their very best to make friends and fit in as soon as possible.

This means that you’ll likely end up attaching yourself to someone – anyone. Be it your next-door neighbour in halls or the person who sits next to you in lectures on the very first day. Though, soon enough, you’ll realise that you probably don’t have very much in common with this person and the two of you will likely spend the rest of the year awkwardly avoiding each other at every given opportunity…

Alas, don’t worry. Eventually, you will find your very own group of like-minded people who will go on to be life-long friendship material. Don’t panic if it doesn’t happen overnight.

6. You’ll have a few what-the-hell-am-I-doing moments.

When the dust from Freshers’ Week begins to settle and you find yourself curled up in bed suffering with the infamous Freshers’ Flu (yes, it’s real) wishing more than anything you were back at home in your own bed with your parents looking after you; you’ll probably start to feel a little doubtful about university life and whether you’re cut out for it all.

Those what-the-hell-am-I-doing moments plague almost everyone in their first term at university – you’re not the first and certainly won’t be the last to feel this way. However, typically, this feeling of dread is nothing more than a result of homesickness, Freshes’ Flu, sleep deprivation and this big, sudden change in your life. It’s totally normal.

Having a good chat with someone from back home will make you feel more at ease, as will getting a good night’s sleep and maybe eating a nutritious meal or two. Uni life is likely a world away from the life you had back home and so it will take some time to adapt.

However, if these feelings do continue even well into your second semester at university, it may be worthwhile having a chat with your course tutor (or even your GP) to figure out what your options are and, ultimately, what is best for you moving forward.

Are you off to university in September?

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33 Thoughts You Have In a 9am Lecture When You’re Too Tired To Function

18 Signs You’re Screwed When You Go Back To Uni In September

Posted in Student life on August 21, 2017 by Lana

You blinked and summer was over. September is looming and a few things are making you realise how totally and utterly screwed you are when you go back to uni… *gulp*

1. You forget how to use a pen.

2. You literally cannot remember a single thing you learned last year.

3. You had all of these grand plans to be productive during your time off, but you have literally achieved nothing since the start of the summer break.

4. Whenever you think about all of your responsibilities, you feel a wave of panic and then choose to ignore everything in the hope that it will somehow go away.

5. You haven’t logged into your uni email account once since the end of term because ignorance is bliss.

6. You still haven’t unpacked your suitcase…

7. You’re already counting down the days until Christmas break.

8. You’re not even entirely sure which modules you’re doing next year.

9. And when you think about it, you throw up in your mouth a little bit.

10. You can count the amount of times you’ve left the house since coming home on one hand. So, you’re not entirely sure if you know how to do social situations any more.

11. When you think about going back to uni, you only think of seeing your friends and being able to drink on weekdays. You often forget about the whole ‘degree’ part.

12. Despite the fact that you’ve done nothing all summer, you somehow still have absolutely no money, so the countdown to your student loan is serious at this point.

13. There is legit nothing left to watch on Netflix. You’ve watched the entire history of TV and film.

14. You’re already preparing excuses for your lecturers when they ask about how much work you’ve done or why you didn’t manage to get any internships or work placement.

15. Your sleeping pattern is so irreversibly messed up that you genuinely believe it might be physically impossible for your body to wake up before 9am.

16. Even though you’re so bored and desperately crave structure, you’ll be sad that you can no longer just nap in the middle of the day anymore.

17. You’re caught in this hideous dilemma of trying to make the most of the rest of your summer break whilst also simultaneously trying to do all the summer work that you’ve left to the last minute.

18. Deep down, you know you’re going to do neither of those things and continue to vegetate in your bed.

Are you off to university in September?

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19 Types Of People You’ll Meet in Fresher’s Week

Posted in Student life on August 10, 2017 by Annie Thompson

Wondering who and what to expect from Fresher’s Week? Don’t worry, StudentJob has got you covered. Here are the 19 types of people you’ll meet in your first week at uni…

1. The Mum

Whether it’s antibacterial gel or a pack of tissues you need, the Mum has got you covered. She’ll take you home after a messy night out and make sure you’re on time for your 9 AM. The Mum is a friend for life, keep her around!

2. The Borrower

Coming to uni with a single fork and two pairs of pants, the borrower is far from prepared. Watch out for your cheese and milk… You might find that they disappear sooner than you would expect with the borrower around.

3. The Cheapskate

Ah, the cheapskate. This one is practically the cousin of the borrower. They refuse to spend a dime unless there’s a 20% student discount involved. You’ll notice how they never pay you back for that Uber ride or the extra drink they promised you.

4. The Workaholic

You imaged yourself receiving endless free meals and drinks since your new flatmate got a part time job. However the reality of this is very different. You never see the workaholic, ever. Then if, for some miraculous reason you do, they are so tired from working that they don’t have any time to hang out with you anyway…

5. The Best Friends

They’ve just met and yet somehow they already have 5 friendship bracelets and have planned their summer holiday to Marbella.

6. The Procrastinator

No one knows how he even got into uni. He turns up to 2 lectures a term and hasn’t started his essay that is due at 4 today . There is one thing he’s mastered though, and that is – ‘the art of napping’…

7. The Lad

Just got back from a cheeky Nando’s with the boys, he’s always up for a good time. The lad is the first one on the dance floor and the last one to leave the kebab shop. He’s a solid mate to have, I’d keep him around if I were you.

8. The Neat Freak

“Whose stuff is this on the side? Can you move it please!” The neat freak is your best friend and your worst enemy. They’ll drive you insane with their nagging but you’ll thank them in the long run; if it weren’t for them, your flat would be a pig-sty!

9. The ‘Gap Yah’

One piece of advice: don’t try and compete with the gap yah kid. They have a story to top everyone’s. You’ve been surfing in Cornwall? They went surfing in Morocco. You’ve volunteered at a charity shop? They trekked Mount Everest for charity – 3 times. You like chocolate? They invented it.

10. The Dealer

He can get you anything, anytime. Enough said.

11. The Mummy’s Boy

When he’s not sobbing on the phone to his mum, he’s telling you stories of the baking they used to do. He doesn’t have a clue how to do his washing and he hasn’t cooked a meal in his life. This mummy’s boy was not made for the uni life… not at all.

12. The Hermit

You think you have a 6th roommate but no one is sure. There were rumours she entered the kitchen one dark Sunday morning but that could be a myth. She’s not the greatest addition to the flat but on the bright side, at least she doesn’t take up any cupboard space.

13. The BNOC (Big Name On Campus)

Now this is a friend you need to hold on to. He knows everyone and everything. You can’t walk down the street with him without stopping 239470 times to chat to all his mates. The BNOC is the true man, myth and legend.

14. The Couple

They met in high school and of course ended up at the same uni ‘by accident’. They are inseparable and sickly but also kind of cute. Just watch out for the breakup… things could get messy.

15. The Fake Friend

She’s your best friend for fresher’s week then you don’t see her again. Her Facebook picture changes every week to feature a new friend and she loves a good gossip! Don’t worry, this one isn’t worth holding onto.

16. The Hottie

You’ve caught glimpses of this beautiful stranger everywhere but you just can’t find out his name. Just wait until you see him in the club… that bottle of wine will give you the Dutch courage you need to woo him!

17. The Repeater

If you need any tips, this is the guy to go to. He’s done first year at least 3 times and is the resident expert in everything.

18. The Teacher’s Pet

The teacher’s pet is every uni student’s worst nightmare. He completed the reading list before you had even been accepted. If we can give you one piece of advice, it’s to befriend the teacher’s pet. He may be annoying but trust us, he’ll help out big time when you’re too hungover to attend your 9 AM…

19. The Note Writer

Passive aggressive notes are her speciality. You left your milk out of the fridge? Haven’t cleared up after pre drinks? Missed the bin when you threw away your tissue? She’s seen it and you better believe she’s not happy. Expect an angrily worded letter under your door within the hour. We’ll pray for you.

Written by Saffron at StudentJob. Student Job brings you into direct contact with interesting companies that are looking for temporary, part-time or full-time employees.

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The ULTIMATE Guide To Moving Abroad As An Expat

Posted in Tips on August 4, 2017 by Katy Mairs

Moving abroad and leaving your home country is a major life decision.

More and more people are choosing to move overseas for employment or retirement reasons or simply just to experience a different lifestyle and culture. At the end of the day, it is important that you have carefully researched into all factors mentioned down below. Followed by carefully evaluating the pros and cons of each aspect that would best suit you and your family before you decide. It’s best to refer a handful of websites in your destination country that would feature information with personal blogs and articles on practical advice and recommendations. In the meantime, we’ve put together this handy guide covering everything you need to know about moving abroad as an expat.

Preparing for your move abroad:

Visas and immigration

No matter which country you’re travelling to, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to deal with a huge amount of paperwork and bureaucracy. One of the most important things to do is ensure all of your information is up-to-date, since the rules and regulations may have been revised since the last time you checked. Ensure that you obtain this information from a trustworthy website or call the consulate in your country.

Confirm that your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining, just to avoid any complications. Other essential documents that you should bring are birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational certificates, tax and social insurance records.

Once you have arrived in your new country, you may be required to apply for a residence permit or an identity card. However this largely depends on the country you decide to reside in. It’s best to research this before making your move. Familiarise yourself with the immigration procedure in your destination country, for example, any registration required with the immigration department, especially if there are fees involved.

Moving your stuff

If you’re considering taking your own car, weigh up the cost of transporting the vehicle and paying import duties, compared to the cost of buying a new car in your destination country.

Travelling overseas to reside permanently inevitably means lots of bulky luggage, and the cost of hiring an international moving company can be extortionate when you’re transporting absolutely everything you own. You can always research other options when it comes to moving your stuff overseas. As a cost-effective alternative, you could ship your luggage to your new home with Uni Baggage’s door to door service that aims to deliver your luggage quickly and efficiently at a competitive price.

Property and accommodation abroad

Normally, expats fall into three groups: those who intend to rent accommodation only, those who have already bought a property and those who intend to temporarily stay in a rented accommodation and search for properties once they arrive.

Seek out the expertise of a relocation agent, or ask any fellow expats who are already living there to recommend any suitable locations or a local real estate agent.

Prepare to be flexible in terms of your living arrangements, such as that you may prefer to live in a house but an apartment may be the more realistic option if you’re going to live near the city. It’s also helpful to evaluate how cost effective the accommodation will be. Furthermore, depending the length of time of your stay, it will also impact on whether you will be renting or buying. It’s essential that you conduct research on factors such as: capital tax, property insurance requirements,

Be careful of property scams and such, always make sure you’ve taken legal advice before signing any contracts or agreements when buying or renting property.

Health

In many countries, you may have to pay for medical care, although emergency treatments in some hospitals may be free of charge. Nonetheless, make sure you have your medical card with you. Private medical insurance may be needed in countries where healthcare is expensive. Before travelling to your destination country, check with your employer about what the health insurance, if any, does or does not cover.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk) and the U.S. Department of State (www.travel.state.gov) both provide up-to-date information on the health and other risks associated with travel to countries around the world.

Managing your finances:

Employment

In general, you would be more successful in securing a job overseas if you’re qualified in specialist or professional fields such as IT, medicine, engineering and management professionals as well as qualified English language teachers. You should research whether the qualification you have previously obtained are still recognised in your destination country. Moreover, if there’s a possible for any further training or additional skills you will have to acquire before starting work.

The European Employment Services website (EURES) at http://ec.europa.eu/eures/ is an useful resource for information on job vacancies within EU countries. Also check for any advertised posts online from your country’s recruitment agencies.

It’s also advisable to learn the local lingo. Having some kind of fluency in the local language is beneficial when interacting with your colleagues, superiors and clients.

Cost of living

The first few months should be the time when you are extra careful of all expenditures as well budgeting for all cost of living until you are sure you start to maintain a steady income. Things that you should be budgeting for will include: alcohol and tobacco, clothing, communication,education, furniture and appliances, groceries, healthcare, housing, miscellaneous, personal care, recreation, restaurants and hotels and transport. We often find that we spend more than we expected, even if we live in a country with a low cost of living. If you are moving abroad to take up a job, find out what benefits you are entitled to that would subsidise your relocation expenses, such as travel or catered accommodation.

The salary offer you are going receive may be considered high in different countries, and you should take this into account and be realistic about the lifestyle you can afford.

Currency transfers

With the recent events, fluctuations in exchange rates can make a big difference to your income as an expat. Before accepting employment, make sure you’re aware of these differences due to the exchange rate. Or the one solution could be that the payment is made in the currency of the country where one will be living and working. The currency exchange rate also affects tourism which may in turn affect expats living in the local area. Countries that rely heavily on tourism – often those countries popular with expats – may find that holiday makers choose to go elsewhere where their money is worth more, which again, may cause the cost of living to rise.

There are many methods of transferring money overseas, such as International Bank Transfers (e.g. HSBC), Cash Machine/ATM Withdrawals and currency brokers. Although for the first two options, you will need to arrange either regular transactions with your bank. But beware of the hefty charges that some banks may exercise.

Taxation

It is always worth taking on professional advice on tax matters, especially in countries where taxation is a complicated matter, this may depend on how much more or less you are required to pay.

You may want to start by taking the income tax rate into account when moving to a particular country. Some countries such as Belgium have an insanely high tax rate of 50% of monthly salaries, whereas countries like Saudi Arabia are exempt from tax. You should always check your liability for tax in your home country for any annual tax returns.

For more information on this, visit:

UK Tax: http://expatfocus.com/uktax

US Tax: http://expatfocus.com/ustax.

Pensions

A percentage of expats may be retirees – those who have finished working and looking forward to settling down abroad and enjoying a new life. For state pensions, you should ensure that you are entitled to some kind of old age pension when you retire. However, you will not be able to claim this money until you reach the retirement age of the country where the contributions are paid when you move abroad. It may be possible for you to make contributions to your state pension at home even if you are working abroad, so you can still add to your pension fund although you are not in the country.

It is unlikely that any expat worker will be entitled to a state pension from the country that they have been working in unless they have permanent residency status and have been there for a set number of years, making the necessary contributions into the social security system. Any overseas scheme that you wish to transfer your pension to must be approved by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Adapting to your new home:

Safety

Make sure to read travel advisories and stay ahead of any news regarding travelling pertaining to your destination. It’s vital that you fully analyse the background of your chosen city, for example the crime rate, the effectiveness of law and order, and the general political and economic stability of the country. Also ensure that your luggage content are within the the restrictions and security requirements before you travel.

Other helpful tips include familiarising yourself with emergency phone numbers, such as the local police department, fire emergency services, and the ambulance etc. And make sure you have an emergency contact locally just in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Language issues

Although the English language has become the global international language in the last 200 years, it’s always a good idea to educate yourself in the local language as much as you can to prevent language barrier issues. It is worth checking out the embassy of the destination country in case they have information on any helpful language courses.

Pets

Pets are an integral part of family life, and as such, many expats will want to bring theirs to their new home in a new country. However, it is imperative to research whether your destination country (as well as your new accommodation) allow the importation of your pet. Important information to double check for may be quarantine requirements and any vaccination schemes, as well as your pet’s documents.

Culture shock

Don’t be embarrassed if you end up breaking some cultural taboos once you first arrive in a foreign country, even if their culture may not be all that different on the surface. Subjects such as religion are sensitive subjects, therefore you need to be aware of these differences and refrain from offending anyone or coming off as insensitive.

All in all, it’s no secret that relocation can be extremely stressful, and the negative effects can hugely impact on your mental well-being which in turn affect work and personal lives. Be sure to take time out to de-stress and relax, because after all, moving abroad to an exotic place that’s wholly different to your country of origin is an experience to be enjoyed!

Are you planning to move abroad? Get a quote from Uni Baggage today!

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The Ultimate Guide To UCAS Clearing 2017 – How To Apply & What To Expect

Posted in Preparing for university on July 30, 2017 by Lana

The Ultimate Guide To UCAS Clearing 2017 – How To Apply & What To Expect

If you missed the grades to get on the university course you wanted or don’t have any offers – DON’T PANIC!

Clearing is an ideal way for you to find a place on another university course or even another university. Every year, tens of thousands of students attend uni after finding alternative courses through Clearing.

Sometimes your university journey doesn’t happen exactly the way you planned. Although it might be initially disappointing to not achieve the grades you hoped for, Clearing offers a different route and for many, their unexpected journey leads them somewhere more exciting and enjoyable.

So, in this guide we will explain exactly what Clearing is, how it works and how to apply for Clearing.

What Is Clearing?

Clearing is a way for universities to fill any places they still have on their courses. It’s also a way for students who didn’t get the necessary grades, to find a place on another course.

Who Applies For Clearing?

Clearing is open from July to September. You can use clearing if:

You applied to university after 30th June. If UCAS received your application after this date, it will go straight into Clearing.
You applied before 30th June and didn’t receive any offers.
You applied before 30th June and declined all your offers.
You didn’t meet the conditions of your Firm and Insurance offers offers and they declined you a position.
You were not offered an alternative place (changed course offers).

How Do I Know If I’m In Clearing?

You will know if you’re in Clearing as it will be displayed on your UCAS Track. You’ll also find your Clearing number there. You’ll need to provide this number when you are talking to universities and discussing your options.

You must pay the full £23 UCAS application fee to be eligible for Clearing. If you have only paid the £11 and made a single choice, you will need to pay an additional £12 to enter UCAS Clearing.

When Does Clearing Happen?

Clearing officially opens in July and remains open until September. If you have received your exam results and have no offers, you can apply through Clearing from July. In the majority of cases, Clearing is used after Results Day by students who did not get the grades they needed.

Scottish applicants can use Clearing from 9th August until 6pm on 10th August. After this and until A Level results day, you will have to phone UCAS to add a Clearing choice.

A-level applicants will be able to add a Clearing choice on UCAS Track from 5pm on 17th August. If you have your exam results and know that you’re in Clearing you can contact universities in advance to get invitations to add a university/course as a Clearing choice when the option appears on UCAS Track.

The majority of Clearing places are allocated during the week after A-Level Results Day but some places will be available right up until September.

Where To Find Clearing Lists?

Most universities will publish their list of Clearing vacancies on their own websites. This is the best and most accurate place to search for available places.

The UCAS website features electronic clearing lists which are updated frequently.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper also publishes a full list of Clearing places on the Monday before results day. But as these places are filled quickly, it’s best to use the up-to-date Clearing Search Tool on their website.

Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and LSE typically do not offer Clearing lists as they are more competitive.

NOTE: Clearing is updated regularly. So if you don’t see a course you want, you can try again later or call universities directly.

How To Apply For Courses Through Clearing

Once you’re sure that you’re in Clearing and you have your Clearing number to hand, you can begin searching for available courses.

You do not have to choose a place at the university you planned to attend and you do not have to select the same subject you were originally interested in. For many, Clearing gives students the opportunity to reassess their decisions and try something new.

Once you have found a course, you must call the university on their Clearing line and provide them with your Clearing number and Personal ID, as detailed in UCAS Track.

Talk to them about the course you’re interested in and find out if they are willing to accept you. You may be put on a reserve list or you may be turned down.

If you’re certain about a course and they are willing to accept you, ask for written confirmation of their offer. If you want to browse further options, confirm their offer verbally and informally.

Once you have been offered a place by a university, you can add a Clearing choice in UCAS Track. Fill in the course details by the date the university/college gave you on the phone. Most offers will only be valid for a set period of 12, 24 or 48 hours.

This counts as you officially accepting the offer, so if they confirm, it will show as an acceptance on the choices page of Track. You will then be sent out an AS12 email and confirmation letter.

NOTES:

You can only add one Clearing choice at a time, but if the university/college doesn’t confirm your place, you’ll be able to add another.

When talking to universities on the phone, always take note of everything that was said and take the name of the person you were speaking to.

You can only add a Clearing choice in UCAS Track if the university has offered it to you.

What Is Adjustment?

If you’ve been researching Clearing, you may have also come across part of the UCAS Application process called Adjustment.

Clearing and Adjustment are very different. Clearing is for students who did not achieve the necessary grades and did not get an university offers.

Adjustment is for students who exceeded their necessary grades and want to browse better options elsewhere.

Students using Adjustment have added security, as they can keep their Firm offer as they look through other opportunities.

Adjustment options are often published on the university websites and Clearing positions are also open to students in Adjustment.

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What To Bring To College – The ULTIMATE College Packing List

Posted in Preparing for university, Tips on July 20, 2017 by Katy Mairs

What To Bring To College!

The ULTIMATE College Packing List by Uni Baggage!

Your academic future is shining brightly on the horizon and it literally feels like your whole life has been leading up to this very moment. The prospect of moving to college is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting times of your life. Though given the fact that it’s likely going to be your first real, extended period of time away from home, coupled with the fact that you have to pack up your entire life and move it into a (tiny) dorm room; it’s also inevitably going to be one of the most daunting times of your life. No pressure, right?

The majority of freshmen haven’t spent more than a few weeks away from home, so unsurprisingly, it’s difficult to know exactly what to bring to college and what to leave behind. What if you forget something important and can’t get it until Thanksgiving? Thankfully, we at Uni Baggage totally get it (we’re experts at this sort of thing…).

To give you a helping hand, we’ve decided to put together a comprehensive college packing list to ensure you have everything you really need for your big move to college. We’ve covered absolutely everything; from your dorm room essentials, to your bathroom essentials, to your academic supplies, to your medical supplies, to the important documents you simply can’t leave behind and we’ve even included a few non-essential-but-useful-nonetheless-items; all to save you from any moments of panic on move-in day.

But remember: you’re not moving to another planet. It just isn’t feasible to take everything with you (we hate to break it to you, but college dorm rooms are generally very tiny), so if you realise a month into your first semester that you need something important from home, your parents can always use Uni Baggage to send it to you without any hassle.

Dorm Room Essentials:

It’s important to be aware that most, if not all, college dorm rooms will be furnished with all of the essentials; a bed, a desk, a desk chair, a bedside table, etc. So, generally speaking, it won’t be necessary for you to go all out in furnishing your dorm room. As well, don’t forget to check the size of your dorm room bed!

Duvet
Sheets
Mattress protector
Comforter
Pillows
Pillowcases
Waste basket

Bathroom Essentials:

If you’re sharing a communal bathroom, it’s always a good idea to bring your own towels, etc. As well, you’ll likely be very thankful for shower shoes, trust us…

Towels (for hands, face and body)
Toothbrush
Toothbrush holder
Bathrobe
Shower shoes

Kitchen Essentials:

Before packing up mini-fridges, coffee makers and microwaves, it’s always worthwhile checking what your college dorm will be facilitated with. Many will already have these appliances, so all you have to do is think about the kitchen basics. Bring some of your own utensils and mugs, as well as a couple of useful items such as reusable food containers (for lunches) and a water filter.

Utensils
Mugs
Plates and bowls
Can opener
Reusable food containers
Travel mug
Bottle opener
Can opener
Water filter

Laundry Supplies:

One of the least exciting aspects of moving to college is the thought of doing your own laundry. Yawn. You’ll need something to drag your clothing to and from the laundry room, and don’t forget to bring some spare quarters. However, bonus tip, you can save on dryers by packing up your own drying rack.

Laundry basket/bag
Drying rack
Mini sewing kit
Mini iron and ironing board
Quarters

Tech/Entertainment:

It goes without saying that you’ll want to bring all of your beloved tech and entertainment with you to college. Check with your college whether you’ll need to pack an Ethernet cable. You can also check if you can bring your own TV.

Cell phone charger
Laptop
Laptop charger
Extension cords
Cable organiser
Speakers
Headphones
External hard drive
Ethernet cable, HDMI cable, etc
Cable adapters
Camera

Clothing Essentials:

You’ll likely know which items of clothing you want to take with you, but we thought we’d summarise it into a handy list (including a few extras that you may have forgotten about) just to make totally sure you’ve got everything covered.

Clothes hangers
Backpack
Gym bag
Bathing suits
Underwear
Professional clothing
Comfortable clothing
Everyday clothing
Formal clothing
Semi-formal clothing
Seasonal clothing (hats, scarves, gloves)
Costume clothing for theme parties
Raincoat
Rain boots
Pajamas

Toiletries/Medical Supplies:

Although you may not think you need a bunch of medical supplies with you at college, it’s always good to have them there just in case of emergencies.

Allergy medicine
Antiseptic wipes
Aspirin or other pain relievers
Multivitamins
Supplements
First aid kit
Bandages
Birth control pills
Condoms
Menstrual pain medication
Insect repellent
Personal prescription medicine
Retainer/mouthguard
Sunscreen
Tampons/sanitary pads
Nail clippers
Razor
Contacts, solution and case
Comb/brush
Cosmetics
Hair ties
Bobby pins

Academic Supplies:

Academic supplies can take up a surprising amount of space in your luggage, so don’t panic, you can always buy more when you actually get to college. Most college campuses will have a store providing all of the essential items you need. But here are a few of the basics you might want to take with you to start with.

Planner
Textbooks
Highlighters
Index cards
Stapler and staples
Sticky notes
Pens and pencils
Paper clips
Sticky tape

Essential Documents:

All of these documents will be super important for your move to college, especially during Orientation Week. Put them all together in a secure file to ensure you don’t lose anything, and don’t forget to make copies of some of the most important ones.

Credit/debit card
Driver’s license
Bank documents
Copy of birth certificate
Copy of Social Security card
Passport
Student ID
Financial aid documents
Health/dental insurance cards

Miscellaneous:

A few of these items might slip your mind when packing for college, but you’ll be surprised how lost you could be without them when the time calls for it.

Umbrella
Safety pins
Tool kit
Handheld vacuum
Beach towel
Books
Sports equipment

A few essential non-essentials…

The following items wouldn’t necessarily be classed as essentials, but it’s very likely that most (if not all) new students will want to pack them and bring them to college to have in their dorm room, just to give it that necessary homely touch…

Photos of family/friends
Fairy lights for decoration
Throw blankets/cushions for decoration
Fake plants for decoration
Wall mirror/full-length mirror
Bulletin board/dry-erase board

A few things you should check first…

Many college dorms will already be facilitated with certain kitchen appliances, and they may also have restrictions on items such as candles (open flames can be a fire hazard) and posters/wall art (you may be forbidden from hanging these on the walls). So before you pack up the following items, be sure to check first!

Microwave
Mini-fridge
Toaster
Coffee maker
Printer
TV
Posters/art
Candles for decoration

Got something you think we should add? Tweet us your suggestions!

Moving Your Stuff To College

Once you’ve finished packing up all of your stuff, you then face the challenge of moving all of your personal belongings to your new home at college. It’s a daunting task, especially if you’re moving to another state, or perhaps moving to college from somewhere overseas!

Thankfully, that’s where Uni Baggage comes in. We specialise in transporting students’ belongings all over the world every single semester. We’re trusted by 30,000 students across the globe. You can read more about our services here. Get a quote below!

Learn more:

Uni Baggage Scholarship

Money Saving Tips For Travelling Students

College Finder

Freelance Content Creators Wanted

Posted in Uni Baggage jobs on July 11, 2017 by Katy Mairs

Uni Baggage is on the hunt for some fantastic video content creators to work on an exciting opportunity!

Are you interested in creating videos? Do you have a good sense of humour?

Uni Baggage is looking for freelance video content creators that can create viral-style posts for Facebook that are relatable and relevant for the student community to share.

Ideally, we are looking for 3-4 people to create 2-4 videos per week. Whether you are a student, a freelancer or create videos as a hobby – we’re interested in hearing from you. In a nutshell, we’re after someone who has the ability to trawl through the depths of the Reddit/the internet to find the most engaging content that appeals to a student audience.

We create most of our video content in-house and typically, they range from 5,000 views right up to 1.2M views per video. We have just over 60,000 Facebook fans and we are very keen to grow this number by curating relatable, relevant and engaging content.

Some of our top examples of short video include…

Some of our top examples of long videos include…

What’s in it for you?

We will pay

£18 per short video (under 30 seconds)

£30 per long video (over 30 seconds)

plus:

£30 if the video is viewed more than 30,000 times.

£100 if the video is viewed more than 1M times.

We may also work with you on commissioning other longer custom videos.

We incentive you to create content that people will share and relate to, the more views the more Uni Baggage will pay you!

Are you interested? Apply below!

It is very easy to apply simply make a video (upload to youtube or vimeo.com) that you think would be great for the Uni Baggage Facebook Page and complete this for below:

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10 Useful Tips For Budgeting Your Student Loan

Posted in Preparing for university, Student life, Tips on June 26, 2017 by Annie Thompson

A sudden influx of money into your student bank account is bound to make anyone ecstatic and feel the temptation to go on a shopping spree…

(“Do you really need that…?” “Uhm, yeah? Everyone needs a new 30 inch flat screen in their flat.”) As my friends and I would say to each other all the time: “Go TREAT yourself!”

It’s incredibly tempting and all too easy to quickly blow your entire student loan on things you probably don’t need for ‘survival’ at uni. And so, read on for our advice on making your student loan stretch to cover you for the entire term. After all, we know all too well how bad it feels to be living on instant noodles and bread for an entire week…

1. Calculate how much money you’ve got to work with.

This is probably the most sensible advice out there. Once you get your loan and grant, make sure you work out the sum of money that will be granted to you every month, and also how much you will need to spend on food, tuition fees, textbooks, travel, and stationery etc. What’s leftover is what you can spend on yourself! That’s for drinks, social activities, shopping and other treats. To be even more savvy, divide these into the number of weeks in a term to set yourself a weekly budget to stick to.

2. Take out cash instead of paying with your debit/credit card.

To avoid the unavoidable, why not try taking out cash instead? That way, it’s much easier to track your spending compared to just swiping your debit card nonchalantly. Doing so makes it much easier to lose track of how much you’ve spent because you’re not making substantial payments. Remember: certain banks do not notify you when you start to step into your overdraft, so be careful.

3. Put away some savings for yourself, just for emergencies.

It certainly can be a life saver when you put your loose change away here and there to save them for a rainy day. Stash away your spare change on you each day and watch your piggy bank fill up.

4. Download budgeting apps and keep a record on your day.

Apps like Mint can really help out students that have trouble getting an overview of their spending, getting apps like these means that the info is right there on your smartphone! Now there is no excuse not to open it up and remind yourself that ordering Domino’s Pizza 3 times a week is definitely not A-O-K.

5. Cook for yourself.

You’d be surprised at how much money you could save by just buying all the ingredients yourself and start up a cooking sesh with your flatmates. Economical, and a fun bonding experience all in one*.

*Above advice is intended for those who are somewhat adept at the culinary art, and can whip up edible and semi-tasty meals. If you do not possess the above skill, please scroll down to number 6.

6. Get a student discount card.

One of the biggest perks of being a student is the sheer number of discounts you are entitled to. Ever heard of the NUS Extra Card? Or, if your University offers their own student discount memberships, make sure you take full advantage of it! There are usually offers on dining, shopping and more, both in store and online. Or just simply bring your student ID with you whenever you’re out and about.

7. Get a Railway Card.

I could rant about how overpriced public transport is all day along, or I could just let you know that you can buy yourself a 16 to 25 Railway Card that will save you 1/3 of the ticket price. This is especially helpful if you require rail travel to your university town, or even if you just want to hop on a train for an impromptu trip to a nearby city.

P.S. Make sure you actually take the card along with you on your travels.

8. Visit a student finance adviser.

Your student union and the student funding are there for you whenever you need some advice on the correct way to budget your student loan. The university financial services can grant you some emergency funding if you really need it. So, don’t be shy; ask for help if you really feel you need it.

9. Don’t give in to peer pressure.

Yeah we get it, you are more likely to conform to something if all your friends are doing it too. However, keep in mind that you also need to save some dosh from time to time, and cannot afford to go out every weekend. Don’t waste your money on something just because all your friends are egging you on to buy it; everyone has a different budget!

10. Priorities, priorities, priorities.

There are two kinds of people in this world: ones that step off the groceries bus with armfuls of hard liquor and crates of beers; and then there are also people who are carrying bagfuls of actual groceries. Make sure you understand what categorises as ‘essential’ and ‘absolutely necessary’. (And no, I don’t mean that life-size cut-out of Nicholas Cage or whatever else you stumbled across on Amazon Prime.)

Bonus Tip! – Saving with Uni Baggage

Uni Baggage helps you to send your luggage home at the end of term the SMART way.

Uni Baggage is the No.1 Student Luggage Shipping Company – we specialise in transporting student baggage across the globe, and we happily take all of the hassle out of getting your stuff home from uni. What’s more – our student-friendly prices mean you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.

Learn more: