Help them prepare for University

Have a look at this timeline to see the sorts of tasks they will need to do before studies begin, and when they will need to do them to keep on track. This includes things like enrolment (online), and confirming accommodation where necessary.

Help them get all the items together on their packing checklist.

Please remember that students need a TV licence for watching live TV or certain on-demand channels.

Please help them to ensure all their vaccinations are up to date for life in the UK; this includes the MenACWY vaccination for first-time university entrants. Students should also be up to date with their Covid-19 vaccinations, if eligible.

If they'll be moving to Keele to study with us, they will need to register with a local GP surgery. We have one on campus, and we encourage them to pre-register before arrival.

If this will be their first time away from home, it’s not too late to help them prepare for living independently. For example, it’s worthwhile teaching them how to cook some basic, nutritious meals, how to shop on a budget, and even things like how to use a washing machine, or change bedding.

Our Residence Life team will help students to settle in if they are in on-campus accommodation, and can provide some helpful advice and guidance for communal living. 

Alongside lifestyle tips, we recommend that you give them some suggestions for how to manage their finances. We understand that managing a budget for the first time can be difficult, so Keele has invested in Blackbullion, a learning platform to help students get to grips with their finances. All new students can register, even before they arrive, using their Keele email address.

• Help them to plan for the activities that they want to get involved in. All events during their time at Keele are in the Keele App in the 'What's On' section.
• Signpost them to our pre-arrival resources to help address any worries they may have about starting University.
• If they are worried about attending events when they don’t know anyone yet, remind them that all new students are in the same situation and that the events are an opportunity to get to know others. If they are living in halls, encourage them to spend time in communal spaces to get to know their flatmates.
• Students can also use the Students’ Union run Freshers Facebook page to get chatting to other new students before they arrive – click here.

Please advise them to get in touch with Student Services as early as they can to let us know of any particular support needs. Our experienced team will help them to feel supported. Advice and guidance can be provided online before they start with us, so there’s no need to wait until they arrive before contacting us.

Students can also contact our counselling and mental health support team or disability support and inclusion team directly too.