A Check (and Don’t-Check) List For Your First Week of Masters

Starting your Masters is really exciting but it can feel like information overload with timetables, modules and reading lists to get you started. You’ll have the first week to settle in so we’ve put together an easy checklist of the things you should make sure you’ve got sorted, and the things that you don’t need to lose sleep over yet.

Have you? . . .

1. Registered: When you first arrive at university, you’ll need to register. This is different than accepting an offer. It is your way of telling the university that you’re here and will actually be attending the course. This is also when you can collect your student card which is important for identification and to get access to university buildings. You’ll need to complete registration in-person and within a certain deadline. Your university will send you instructions on where, how and when to do this.
2. Sorted your UK government loan: If you’ve already applied for a UK government loan, make sure you’ve updated any parts that were to be confirmed such as your university and course. Your university will let you know exactly what you need to do. Don’t panic if you haven’t applied for a loan yet. If you’re eligible, you can apply for a government loan up to nine months before the first day of the last year of your course.
3. Got access to the online student portal: Universities will usually have a student portal which’ll let you access your timetable, study materials, book study spaces, raise a maintenance request and much more. You’ll likely get a login once you’ve completed your registration.
4. Set up your university email: Your university will give you a unique email address for the duration of your course and this will be how your university, tutors and supervisors will contact you. A student email address (usually .ac.uk in the UK) will also help you access student discounts.
5. Got your timetable: If you’re set up on your university’s online student portal you should be able to find your timetable on it. Once you know how your classes are looking in a week, you can plan how much time you have for self-study and/or part-time work.
6. Registered with university health services: Almost all universities will have health services attached. You can register with them to receive healthcare during your time as a student. Check with your university on how to register and if there are any deadlines. This is also a good time to check you have all the emergency phone numbers you need which include numbers for the university security and health services and the nearest hospital, police and fire stations.

“I was so full of nerves on my first week. The first thing I did was collect my student card which helped me sort other things as well. Since I was an international student, I had to collect my BRP from the university too, so it was very important I did that timely. Once that was done, I had my university account and email all set up. It took me some time to get some of the online systems running but once they were sorted it was smooth sailing from there.” – Taru

Don’t have concrete ideas for your dissertation yet: You don’t need to step into your Masters knowing exactly what your dissertation is going to look like. The first few months of lectures and seminars are meant to give you the knowledge and tools you need to then decide a dissertation topic you’re interested in. If you already know exactly what your research is going to be about, it is definitely a bonus but taking a bit of time doesn’t set you back.

Don’t have a study plan: It’s ok if you’re going into your Masters without a study plan. Take the first few weeks to get a sense of what your course demands from you and how many hours you need to dedicate to self-study. While keeping on top of your studies is important, don’t miss out on life outside the classroom. Make sure you have time to pursue your hobbies, take part in student clubs and keep in touch with your friends.

Are still finding your footing: Even though a postgraduate course may feel like you’ve been thrown in the deep end, nobody expects you to know everything on your first day! A Masters/PhD is meant to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to perform well. Don’t be too harsh with yourself if you don’t know the names of everyone on your programme, aren’t a part of every student club possible and aren’t at every accommodation party in the very first week. You’ve still got plenty of time to make the most of your postgraduate life!