Financial independence. The thought might excite you, or terrify you, or maybe even just result in a long, world-weary sigh. The fact of the matter is though, that, for a lot of students, university is their very first taste of it, away from the paid-for meals and rent-free life of home.
But before you’re torn away from this world of all-inclusive comfort, try and get a few freebies in, “moving-in presents” if you will, courtesy of mum and/or dad.
Welcome Wristband
This is the easiest way to manage all your nights out and entry to our events, an all-encompassing pass to the highlights of our welcome calendar.
It might be a good idea to persuade the parents to get you one; it’ll save you loads of money and hassle in the future.
See what’s on offer here.
NUS Extra Card
You can get one for free with several of our Welcome Wristbands, but even if you don’t and shell out £12 for one, you’ll make the money back in no time. You’ll get savings on travel, shopping, food, music and much more.
We’ll be printing them out on campus throughout Welcome, so if you see us, come and grab one!
A University Hoodie
It’s well known that hoodies are the perfect balance of comfort and public acceptability (something onesies fall on the wrong side of), making them ideal for 9am lectures and the student lifestyle as a whole. So why not represent your new home with a personalised Staffordshire University hoodie?
Get a parent to pick you one up: the beyond chilly winter in Staffordshire is always a good excuse.
Take a look at your options here.
Student Group Membership
If you’ve done a bit of research and already decided which clubs or societies appeal to you, you might want to purchase your annual membership early. Prices range from a couple of quid to £50, but there’s no harm in asking for a contribution before the parents leave.
Click here for a full list of our clubs and societies. Keep an eye out for the Welcome Fairs on Wednesday 14th September for more information.
Gym Membership
If you’re a fitness fanatic, or just enjoy a weekend workout, we’ve got our very own university gym, right in the middle of our Leek Road campus. The gym in the Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre has plenty of modern equipment and offers a discounted membership for Staffordshire University students. To decide if it’s for you, maybe ask whether mum or dad can get the first month, if you promise to take it from there of course…
Top-Up Your Unicard
Your student card can now be used as a payment device around the campus, from the cafes to the students’ union shops and our venues. You can top these up with cash as an easy way to pay for your weekly shop or daily cup of coffee, so it’s a great excuse to ask for a financial boost from the parents.
Once activated, you can manage your Unicard here.
Creature Comforts
It’s strange starting from scratch in a new flat or house, all the things you’ve never thought about like dish-holders for the draining board, or that thing in kitchen drawers which separates the cutlery. Hopefully you’ll only have to buy these things once, and thankfully they aren’t too expensive. Take a trip down to the biggest supermarket in town and they’re bound to have everything you need, invite your parents along and you might just get it all for free.
Whilst your there, try and get them to buy your first food shop. You’ll miss their varied choice when you’ve settled into the incessant routine of oven-cooked chicken and chips.