Yes, it’s August. Your first year at uni may seem a long way away now but that time will soon fly by. We get it, you’re on summer break and after another hard academic year you just want to chill out for a while.

But it’s now into the final third of August. There are things you should be thinking about at the very least. The sooner you get them sorted, the easier your transition will be.

Plan a day trip

Your first few weeks at a new uni will be overwhelming. Why not take an opportunity to get familiar with the area, town, or city where you’re going to be living during term time for the next three years? Yes, you could do that once you’ve moved, but sometimes it’s worth taking a day trip to familiarise yourself with a place before you even get there. Why? Your first few weeks will be overwhelming – there will be a lot to take in. Taking a day trip can help it feel like home.

Register with the university/local GP

The process of switching GP surgeries can take a week or two. There are several reasons why it’s worth doing before you get there, rather than when you’re there:

•         You may keep putting it off as other things take priority – registration, making friends, settling in
•         If you’re currently receiving medical care, your current surgery can’t refuse to see you just because you registered somewhere else
•         When you get there, any care you might need (for existing health issues) will be easier for medical staff to get hold of your records

Download and start using a budgeting app

Students are on a limited budget, being short of money is an inevitability no matter how good you are at managing it. This can be a day-to-day struggle but there are ways of reducing spending and the anxiety having no money causes. Do you currently use a budgeting app? If so, great, carry on! If not though, here is a good opportunity to get into some great habits with money. Budgeting apps help you prioritise and categorise your spending – income and outgoings, showing you how much spare money you have each month.

Bus or railcard

Do you or will you expect to use public transport a lot? You should know there are student discounts available, for example the Young Person’s Railcard (for ages 16-25) is a national thing. Most bus services offer student or young traveller discount, and you can often apply for these over the web now. Best do it now rather than when you arrive at university. You will save money in the long run if you use public transport a lot.