This post is written in collaboration with BBC TV Licensing, but all thoughts and experiences are my own.
As many students prepare themselves for starting university this month, let’s take a look at things a university student should know.
Recently, Liv and I took part in a BBC TV Licensing (TVL) Family Quiz to gauge how prepared Liv is for university life, when the time comes. With 2 rounds of questions, featuring more pertinent questions leading onto a fun quiz, her answers did leave me chuckling! As part of a Uni Checklist, one thing that did become apparent was the fact students are likely to need a TV Licence.
As a parent, watching your child work through the education system, the phrase ‘time flies’ has never been truer! In the blink of an eye, you will be helping to prepare your child for university and the new chapter it brings into their lives.
Preparing for university comes in many forms! From teaching your child how to cook, clean, wash clothes to helping them understand bills… and paying for them!
Let’s take a look at things a student should know before going to university!
Students need a TV Licence
‘You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch, stream or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel or on an online TV service. You also need a TV licence if you want to download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer, on any device.
Weirdly, when I asked Liv if students need a TV Licence, she replied ‘yes’ without hesitation. I honestly did not think she would know. Maybe she has seen adverts across the internet, read up on it or actually listened to me when I discuss bills and how much they cost!
You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or streamed live on an online TV service. And that’s not just the BBC; it’s all channels on any platform and on any device. You also need to be covered to watch BBC iPlayer.
Learn to cook before you go to university
A really handy life lesson! Students should have a few recipes under their belt before they leave for university. Unless they plan to live on pasta, like Liv, who responded that pasta would be the first meal she would cook at university.
I’m not entirely sure what she was planning to cook with it, but granted, she can certainly cook pasta. Though hasn’t for me as of yet!
For many students, this is the first time they are away from home and responsible for their own meals. While university canteens and restaurants offer a variety of meal options, learning to cook simple, healthy meals is an important life skill.
Not only that but cooking your own meals will save you money. Eating out all the time can be expensive, and cooked meals are usually cheaper than takeaway food. My favourite Keto Cauliflower Cheese recipe is a great all in one pot meal that is the perfect treat for university students on a budget.
Wash your clothes and bedding regularly
At university, most students will have to do their own washing. I remember having to fish around for bundles of 20 pence pieces for my university halls laundrette. I cannot quite remember how much it was for a full load or the tumble dryer, but prices have certainly increased since then!
Liv thought a load would cost her £1, but the quiz revealed that the average is actually £4 per load and a friend recently complained to me that her local launderette had increased from £5 to £6 per load.
Regardless of your university, it will not be cheap, so ensure you have a full load and remember to separate light and dark clothing. After a recent mishap of my own, I now own a lot of pink tinged t-shirts, that were originally white!
Finding out when bin day is
As Liv struggles to find the bin anyway, it came as no surprise that she would simply ‘Google’ the information. Whilst this is handy to find out when your local council bin collections are, this may not be the case at university. If you think you will forget, then set yourself a weekly reminder.
Ask around your halls or campus if you are unsure on this, or any other question. Not only will you be more clued up on bin day, but you may meet new university friends in the process.
Google has all the answers
If in doubt, Google will have the answer according to Liv. This seemed to be a running theme with all her answers about university life and coping with moving away from home.
Including, possibly the most asked question… how long do you boil an egg for a runny yolk?
Admittedly I had to Google this myself! Though if you prefer a runny egg with your toast, then boiling an egg for 5 minutes should result in the perfect egg.
Aside from knowing students do need a TV Licence, there weren’t too many surprises. We are all guilty of using the Internet to answer questions and at least I know Liv would be able to cope relatively well.
The second part of the quiz was fun, though trying to guess what Liv was going to say was tricky!
Best student money saving tip
I truly thought she would advise to simply call home, but Liv mentioned using a piggy bank. This is all well and good in theory, but you need money to save in a piggy bank first!
As mentioned above, preparing, and cooking your own meals is a great money saving tip. Alongside shopping online to purchase textbooks.
Budgeting is so important when you leave home to move to university. We are all aware than university life is expensive but being in control of finances allows students to concentrate on their work, without added pressure.
Part time work is always a great way to bring in extra money around studies. Though be mindful that your studies could be impacted if work takes up too much of your time.
Stand on your own two feet
Moving to university can be liberating for students, especially when they no longer have a curfew. Though it doesn’t mean you have to completely blank your parents!
Liv seems to think she will not call home often. I on the other hand, know perfectly well she will send funny memes and requests more often than not.
I am aware she will need her space; it will be her first taste of independence and adult life and will enjoy it. It is perfectly normal to feel homesick though, so I will be packing an SOS box for her with home comforts.
Don’t sleep through lectures
Just like in school, students will be given timetables for their chosen courses. Those 9am Friday morning lectures can be annoying, but they are so very important. So, make sure you do not miss them!
When asked what time a student should go to sleep so that they do not miss a lecture, Liv responded with before midnight. I chuckled at this, remembering the nights that I was stood outside halls at 3am as someone had set a fire alarm off.
Once you are in the swing of things, 9am lectures will be a doddle, just don’t forget to set your phone alarm!
Final thoughts on things a university student should know
This guide features just a handful of things a university student should know. The most important being students do need a TV Licence if they want to watch live TV shows. Whether in student halls, a house share or property with a joint tenancy, make sure you are covered!
Attending university really is a marvellous experience and the start of a new chapter in students’ lives. As a parent, you can help your child prepare and brush up on things they need to know. However, expect a phone call at some point when Google doesn’t have the answer!
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