How to prepare students for departure to university

As students prepare to transition from school to university, counsellors play a crucial role in helping them navigate the key areas of pre-departure preparation. 

In this article, I outline what students need to consider in order to begin their studies successfully. Depending on your country, there may be additional advice you would like to add. Any country-specific advice is noted where applicable.

Accommodation

Accommodation arrangements should be finalised before departure, especially for students heading to the UK. They should have booked accommodation for their firm-choice university and met any deadlines for confirming their place and paying the deposit. 

Missing these deadlines can result in the loss of their accommodation offer. Each university handles room allocations differently, so students must stay alert to institution-specific communication. They should also read their contracts carefully and take note of restrictions, particularly concerning electrical appliances. 

For countries where finding accommodation is more challenging – such as the Netherlands and Ireland, where accommodation options are often very limited – students should be advised well ahead of time about this issue and encouraged not to be too fussy, particularly in the first year.

Student finance and loans

Students heading to the UK who are potentially eligible for funding – such as British passport holders resident in the European Union (online through Student Finance England) or who have presettled status (a paper-based EU25N) – should have already applied for a tuition-fee loan if they want one. 

For those heading to the EU, personal investment loans are available. But students should look into the terms carefully, because there are high interest rates. It is important for students to evaluate these loans in detail and discuss them with their parents before proceeding. 

EU students going to university in Ireland are eligible for a SUSI grant. They should research it carefully and apply punctually. For the Netherlands, see Student finance: Eligibility - DUO. 

Visas and immigration

For students who require a visa for their chosen destination, it is essential that they apply promptly and understand the terms and conditions. In most cases, university attendance is a formal condition of their visa, and non-compliance – even with good academic performance – could result in their visa being revoked. 

Students should consult their university’s visa office if they have questions about what is permitted, and should always read all documentation thoroughly. It is also important to attend any compulsory meetings or briefings linked to visa compliance.

Enrolment and documentation

Enrolment may require students to present the original and colour copies of their academic documentation and certificates. Students should also take a copy of their passport and, for those heading to the UK, print out their visa share code. 

Enrolment is often a combination of online and in-person activities and tends to be busy during the first week, so students need to follow instructions closely and check in advance whether any additional payments are required. 

Healthcare 

Students should familiarise themselves with the healthcare system in their destination country. If they are EU students also planning to travel within Europe, they should carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to cover emergency care. 

In the UK, it is mandatory to register with a local general practitioner (GP), regardless of whether a student already has private insurance from their country. EU students and those from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who are studying in the UK and do not work during their course may be eligible for a refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge after they have started their studies; university staff can offer guidance on this. 

For Ireland and the Netherlands, additional health insurance may be required, and universities will provide detailed advice. Those heading to the US should research international student health insurance thoroughly. 

All students should ensure that their vaccinations are up to date, including the MenACWY vaccine. They should prepare their medical records, including details of allergies or chronic conditions, for registration with a doctor upon arrival.

Learning and well-being support

Students with learning support needs should be encouraged to contact the university’s support services as soon as possible. These departments may be called Student Support Services, Disability Services or similar. 

Whether or not a student has declared a need for support in their application, they are entitled to assistance and should provide any existing documentation to ensure timely arrangements are in place. This is especially important because university can be significantly more challenging than school. It is much better to start with the necessary support in place.

Academic integrity and AI use

It is crucial that students understand their university’s policies on artificial intelligence (AI) tools and plagiarism. There has been a significant increase in academic violations related to AI use, and students must be proactive in learning what is permitted to avoid accidental misconduct.

Preparing for university-level study

To boost academic readiness, students can complete free online preparation courses, such as those offered by FutureLearn or UCL Study Prep. 

Once at university, they should be ready to take advantage of optional workshops on academic writing, presentations and research skills, many of which are designed with international students in mind.

Life skills and practical preparation

From a practical perspective, students should prepare for life away from home by becoming familiar with basic life skills.

This includes being equipped for colder weather if moving to a different climate, knowing how to use a washing machine and manage laundry, and learning to cook a few simple meals. 

Good nutrition supports mental and physical health, and students should be advised that regularly eating out is often expensive and unhealthy.

Managing finances is also essential. Students should create a budget, plan their spending and consider setting up a local bank account, which may be necessary later for part-time work or receiving payments.

Communication and email etiquette

Communication is another area where students often face challenges. It is vital that they check their university email regularly and respond promptly to messages from staff. 

Counsellors should remind them that academic communication should be respectful and appropriate to the culture of the country they are studying in. As a general rule, students should err on the side of formality and avoid casual greetings such as “Hey” when emailing lecturers or tutors.

Further tips for a successful start

There are also several resources that can help students adjust and thrive. 

UK-bound students can download the Happy Student app for useful information on settling in and many other details. 

Those heading to the Netherlands should check out Student Helpr, which is an excellent resource. 

Students should be encouraged to make a study plan early on. 

Forming a good relationship with their personal tutor or academic adviser, who may later serve as a referee for job or internship applications, is highly advised. 

Visiting the careers centre in the first year and attending networking events is recommended, because these are often where early opportunities emerge.

Finally, counsellors should remind students that feelings of homesickness are entirely normal. Students should be encouraged to stay busy, maintain a healthy routine, make new friends and get actively involved in clubs or student societies. If they are feeling overwhelmed, they should speak to someone – whether a peer, tutor, their school counsellor or a member of the student support team.

Above all, students should be reminded to give themselves time to settle in. Adjusting to university life is a major transition, and a little patience and self-compassion go a long way.