Preparing for university life can be both nerve-racking as well as exciting. While you may relish the thought of being independent, meeting new people and choosing to live life on your own terms, there is also the anxiety about whether you would be able to cope with the stress of managing finances as well as the study pressure entirely on your own.

Once you have been accepted in the university of your choice, discuss your financial requirements with your parents and a student advisor at your bank. Open your student bank account well in advance and make a financial plan including the tuition fees and living expenses so that you don’t have to fret about money while going through the rigorous academic schedule in the university. If you think you may need more financial aid besides your student loan then this is the time to arrange for a backup plan, perhaps having a student credit card handy if you need emergency funds.

You will need to find an accommodation much before you arrive. You can arrange to live in the university Halls of residence. This is generally the chosen path for first year students as you can make friends easily and it is definitely safer. Usually the accommodation fills up quickly so you should book your place well in advance by telephoning the university. Accommodation at the university is either catered or self catering, it is your choice.

Though the list of items to carry is endless as students like to create a home away from home, take only the minimum required. A lot of money is usually spent on stuff you probably will never use and that is especially true of cookware and crockery. Since you will move practically every year, the lighter your stuff is, the easier you will find to manage it. Do carry your personal items like a hair dryer, knives, storage boxes, alarm clock, bedding and other essentials as you’ll use these on a daily basis.

Electronics are a big part of student baggage these days. Bring along your iPod, PSP, mobile phone, DVD player, speakers and your favourite CDs. No student room is complete without a PC so carry your laptop as well (if you have one!). Before you bring these items to college make sure you get a personal insurance cover against thefts and losses as, although campus accommodation is safe, things do get stolen at occasionally.

Since it is your first time away from home, your indulgent parents will probably let you buy enough clothes to fill two big wardrobes but remember that except for the initial days and Fresher’s parties, you will not require endless outfits. Ensure that you do carry few formals, coats and your sports gear. Unless you plan to socialise heavily, you will get by with casual clothing most of the time.

Do make a checklist of all your essential documents and keep an extra copy somewhere safe, like at home with your parents. They are required on all sorts of forms and for making ID cards etc. Check the reading list for your course and if possible order all the course books online so that you can have them delivered straight to the campus after you arrive. Alternatively, you can pick these up in town or if you are really lucky, some students in the year above you may be selling a copy they no longer use. Stationery too can be bought at the campus itself so there is no point carrying stuff from home.

If you haven’t cooked before learn a few dishes before you leave! Also simple safety rules need to be followed - don’t leave expensive items lying around and always lock your door even if you are stepping out for a few minutes. If you are planning on taking a job on the campus during your study years, do sort it out before hand so that later you don’t regret not applying for it soon enough. Lastly keep your wits about you all the time and don’t splurge or booze heavily. These are going to the most memorable years of your life so enjoy them while they last!