Some of you reading this guide may have grown up in East Kent, many will have been attracted by the city’s fantastic educational establishments. Either way, you will find it is a great place to live and study, with a truly unique blend of heritage and vibrant modern culture. We want to help you make the most of your time in Canterbury and hope this guide will provide you with some of the information you need as you settle in.

The move from school to university can be a bit of a culture shock. One of the biggest changes is the way in which you approach learning itself. For one thing, lecturers don’t mind if you answer back. In fact you are actually encouraged to question things. And while at A level you were mostly reliant on your teachers and textbooks, the aim of a degree course is to encourage independent learning, so you will be asked to fi nd and interpret primary sources yourself – and motivate yourself to complete the tasks set.

To do this, it is important to understand from the fi rst weeks of your degree course what is expected of you. Before you go, there are lots of things you can do to make the start of your university life run smoothly. Talk to current students, fi nd out how many lectures and seminars you’ll have, what additional study is expected and where the best places are to go.

If you don’t know any current students, check out student forums, such as www.thestudentroom.com or visit your chosen university’s website.

Another big change is coping with life on your own, often for the fi rst time. So be prepared! Make sure you have picked up a few basic skills before you go, for example learn to do your own washing, budget and cook. Every university is different, but at the University of Kent self-catered accommodation provides essentials, such as microwaves, kettles and irons. If you are going to be living in university accommodation then check your university’s website to see what you actually need, before you go out and buy anything. When you arrive, get to know the campus and surrounding area. If you’re running late and have to get to your lecture in fi ve minutes, it helps if you know where the lecture theatres are and the quickest way to get to them.

There is no doubt it is daunting to suddenly be plunged from your own circle of friends into a place where it’s unlikely you’ll know anyone. But don’t worry! Everyone’s in the same boat when they arrive; even if you don’t feel that sociable, don’t lock yourself in your room. Declan, a University of Kent student, has this advice: “Throw yourself into everything; even if you don’t fancy dressing up like a clown, do it anyway because its Freshers’ Week. “Talk to everyone, people expect it and you’ll make some of your best friends in random conversations at 3am.”

One good way to make friends is to join as many clubs and societies as possible – the University of Kent has more than 45 sports clubs and 90 societies. Another great way to meet people is to try volunteering. If you are coming to Kent this can be arranged by going to www.kentunionvolunteering.c o.uk or alternatively paid work opportunities can be found at www.kentunionjobshop.co.uk

Another big lifestyle change is the fact you are now completely in charge of your fi nances so work out a budget and try to stick to it. Make the most of student discounts – many shops don’t advertise so always ask, you’ll be amazed at what you can get. Buy second-hand books where possible. Plan what you want before you go food shopping and try to eat before you go. If you’re hungry you may buy on impulse. And finally if you’re unsure about anything just ask – universities have a huge range of support services that are there to help.