Megan Ellis

A student lifting a cardboard box from a car boot on moving-in day at university

Freshers 2026: what actually matters in your first fortnight (and what's just noise)

A few small jobs in your first fortnight at uni really matter. Most of the loud, expensive stuff around them

A student sitting on steps reading through their results and next steps

GCSE maths or English resits 2026: the rule, and the real odds by sitting

A grade 3 in GCSE English or maths takes the choice about carrying the subject on out of your hands.

Students arriving at school on results day

GCSE results day 2026: the date, the new digital results app, and what to do next

GCSE results day lands in the middle of August, and for a lot of Year 11 students it decides where

Young woman kneeling among cardboard boxes packing a blanket while preparing to move

What to Bring to Uni Checklist

Quick summary Most packing mistakes are quantity mistakes. Two sets of bedding, two plates, twenty hangers and one good pan

First-year students walking together on a university campus

Student Life Expectations

Headline facts 74% of students have cut back on socialising due to rising living costs. 14.5 hours is the average

Distressed young woman covering her face across a table from an older interviewer

Preparing Your Mental Health Before University

Quick summary One in four students considered dropping out of university between 2021 and 2024, with mental health the leading

Four friends doing warm-up exercises on a wooden riverside deck

Balancing Social Life

What to know 85% of UK students report feeling lonely during their first term according to UNiDAYS (2025). Budget exactly

Energetic music concert scene with bright lights and a lively cheering crowd indoors.

Staying Safe at Events

The short version 3% of UK adults aged 18 to 34 experienced drink spiking in the last year according to

Five graduates in gowns sitting on campus grass looking back over their shoulders

Feeling lonely at university? You're not alone, with 33% of UK students experiencing persistent loneliness. This guide offers practical advice to help you make friends and build a strong social circle.

Gloved hands slicing a red pepper on a board beside three knives

Freshers Week Preparation

Before you arrive at university, you need to organise your money to prevent overspending and avoid scams. Learn how to set a budget, plan meals, and register with a GP for a smooth start to Freshers Week.