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Northampton University is located on two campuses: Park campus and Avenue Campus.
The best thing to find out first is where your building of study is located and for those staying in halls which campus your living on!
There is a free bus which runs between campuses so don't worry if your studies require travelling between the two. Park and avenue campus maps can be found by clicking here!!

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Its important you know when your term starts and ends, the information below shows the standard dates. Some courses may vary slightly, don't worry your course leader will inform you of any changes.

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There are no real lectures or seminars in your fist week of term. Its a chance to get to know your tutors, make new friends and get to grips with your new surroundings.
Take the opportunity to ask your tutors questions most of the answers you will be looking for will be covered any way. Use the opportunity to look around Northampton, Visit places and just generally settle in. The bars will interest you the most although there is more to Northampton than just the nightlife!! So check it out!!
The university runs induction events these usually vary between schools, tutors will inform you of where they are held and what times, some may be compulsary others may be voluntary.
They are all designed to help you become familiar with university life and even includes a freshers fare, offering discounts and special offers with selected places around Northampton.a good one to attend if you want all those student deals.

Its a good idea to get vaccinated your going to be living in a new environment with lots of new people. Some courses may require particular routine vaccinations however if this applies to you your tutor will notify you.
Also get registered with a local doctor, Do not wait until you need one!! You never know when you may get sick and its important that you remain healthy to make the most of your student life here at Northampton University.

As soon as your registration has been confirmed you will recieve your student loan if applicable.

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A simple checklist can be followed to ensure you are as ready as you can be to go to University. In the first few weeks you will have a lot of new things to be concerned with so being prepared can make things a lot easier in the long run.

• Apply to your LEA (Local Education Authority) for funding.
• Full time students can apply for a student loan to help with living costs or tuition fees

bring with you:
• Your Offer
• Your Exam Results
• Your identity documents and 4 passport photographs
• Money: Loans may be late, therefore moving / renting / and other costs (socialising, freshers week etc) may need to be covered in your first week.
• Your stationary and study supplies

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Money can be a problem whilst at University. It is important that you make your money go a long way. There are things that can help along the way:

• Make a budget

Look at what money you have coming in and what money you have going out. Remember to be realistic and sensible if more is going out then in there is a problem and it needs looking at.
If your student loan is all you have think about what that needs to pay for remember things such as bill, groceries, rent and everyone wants a good social life while studying at University.
• Monitor your spending

Try and pace spending, especially in the first week otherwise your social life will suffer for the rest of the term.Remember to keep bank statements.
Buy books secondhand they still read the same and it saves you lots of money in the long run.
• Maximise Income

Make sure you are recieving the Income you are intitled to.
• Get a job

Many students work part time during term time normally 10-16 hours a week. Temporary full time jobs can be useful during holidays.
It is important though to remember that your studies should come first. You are paying to do your course so make the most of it but don't take on more work than you can handle.
• Shop around for the best bank account

Many banks offer incentives to students for joining them. Make sure you are aware of what interest free overdrafts are on offer and how long you have to pay the bank back after you finish your course.
Try not to go over your arranged overdraft limit, banks do charge high costs.
• Use Student Discounts

Make the most of money of high street shops, lower entry to clubs, cinemas etc. A full list of discounts can be found by clicking here!!
• Budget food shopping

Write a list, make the most if special offers and try and buy supermarket own brands.
• Manage bills

Only pay for what you have used and check estimated bills against the meter readings. Make sure you have a TV licence fines could cost you £1000.
• Avoid store cards

Store cards and credit cards do charge you interest rates. If you can't pay them off debt may build up quickly.

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Hopefully this website has answered most of your questions however if something does go wrong don't panic!!
There are plenty of people here to help you. You can contact student services on 01604 892833, people are available to offer advice and support.

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Starting a new chapter of your life and not knowing anybody can be a daunting experience. The best advice to making new friends is to be yourself. Attend the first week activities and events. Don't be shy it is the worst thing you could do, say hello to people when you can and get down to the union or cafe.
Join clubs your interested in and meet people interested in the same things as you.Be interesting and go out and about as much as you can. If you get on well with someone swap numbers and ask them to go out sometime.
Try not to worry and remember everybody else is probably feeling the same.

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