Your First Week at York – Our Top 5 Tips

Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of York, one of the UK’s top 20 institutions according to the 2022 University League Tables. Whether your acceptance means a transnational or transatlantic move, it is likely that once the feelings of elation subside, you will find yourself thinking about the logistics involved. We have previously shared some gems regarding navigating a move for uni and our favourite spots to frequent in York. See The Big Move to University of York and Welcome to Uni Life in York respectively. In this article we will share five golden nuggets to help you settle in during your first week at York.

Get an idea of the lay of the land: supermarkets

Truthfully speaking, with the world’s economy in upheaval many are now exercising greater discretion when spending. As a student at York, you will likely be living on a budget and food might be your largest expenditure. If that is the case, get familiar with the local supermarkets to gage where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. There are many options in York, for example, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, Waitrose, etc. For some shoppers Lidl and Tesco are the top choices because they provide the most budget-friendly range of items. Others prefer Sainsbury’s and Morrisons because they provide a wider selection, even some gourmet options. Pro tip: when selecting where your primary supermarket, think not only of the pricing, but also the quality of the items. The location of the supermarket and the time you spend getting to and from it, are also important considerations. For extra savings, check the supermarket’s website to see which items are on offer.

Get an idea of the lay of the land: clothing stores

This is especially relevant to our international students. You might have heard of Brits going crazy over a few sunny days in spring or summer. Sadly, it is no joke. For persons accustomed to temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, the autumn/winter temperatures and weather conditions are a stark contrast. So, we recommend that you pack some basic items. A thick sweater, gloves, boots, a knitted hat and/or scarf. Once you’re ready to add to your winter wardrobe, visit the local thrift shops. The high streets may offer a wider selection of popular brands, but at the thrift shops, you may find some high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Some of the charity shops in York are the British Heart Foundation, British Red Cross, Sue Ryder and Cancer Research UK. Poundland has also expanded to offer budget-friendly clothing options. Pro-tip: before buying your winter clothes at top dollar, wait for the winter sales in January. You’ll likely still be able to find items you love but at reduced prices.

Get connected

If you are an international student, keeping in touch with your family will be even more important as you adjust to life in York. Thankfully communication has come a long way from letter writing or exorbitantly priced international calling. Now you can see a familiar face and hear a familiar voice by just tapping on a screen. However, to do so you will need a reliable internet and/or cell phone service provider. In the UK there is no shortage of providers. T-Mobile, Orange, Vodafone, O2, are among a few of the popular ones. However, given that the cost of internet and phone services in the UK has risen in recent times, as reported in this article from The Guardian, a little shopping around may be required before choosing the provider that is right for you. This article highlights some salient points when it comes to choosing your service provider.

Open a bank account

This penultimate point may seem to be obvious, but honestly, opening a bank account is one element that international students may not necessarily think of when moving. It is however key in getting yourself settled in your new country of residence. The international page at the University of York summarises the list of documents you will need to open an account as well as highlights a few account types that might suit student needs. Click here to read more. Not a student at the University of York? No problem, most universities provide information dedicated to their prospective international students. So visit your university’s international section for more information.

Choose a primary healthcare physician

As a healthy, young adult the notion of having to designate a General Practitioner may seem unnecessary. However, it is an important step in the unfortunate event that you fall ill at any time during your time at York. Worldwide receiving proper healthcare is usually costly, so a bit of due diligence regarding treatment options available to you as an international student could help you save money in the long term. Fortunately, some student visa categories allow their holders to benefit from free medical care from NHS while in the UK. Click here for more information. While we sincerely hope that you never have to visit your GP during your time in York, we believe that with some advanced preparation and information gathering, you will be able to get the care necessary to get you back on your feet.

Now, in the event that you need assistance unpacking once you’ve moved in, feel free to contact us at Van Man York Removals. Find out more about our student removals service or get in touch with the team. We would be happy to provide you with a free quote.

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