Lucy and Sophie's top tips for new Norland students and starting university
16 August 2024
Feeling nervous and excited is completely normal when facing a big transition, such as starting university. Lucy and Sophie understand these emotions all too well as they begin their fourth and final year of training as Newly Qualified Nannies (NQNs).
As the Head and Deputy Head of Set 45, they offer valuable advice to new students on topics ranging from packing essentials to making friends during the first few weeks.
1. Top tips for starting university and enrolling at Norland
Lucy: Start getting excited! It can be a daunting time with lots to think about and plan, but there’s so much to look forward to as well. Try on your uniform, chat to your friends and family, and start getting to know your housemates. Use Norland’s Chat to Students app to ask any questions you might have.
Sophie: Be confident in your ability! There is a reason you are here; you have an exciting time ahead. Get lots of rest over the summer. Starting somewhere new and making friends is exciting, but it can also be tiring. Make sure to take some ‘you time’!
2. Top uniform tips. How do I get my hair in a bun?!
Lucy: Put a little water on your hairbrush to help make your bun smooth and neat, plus a little hairspray to keep everything in place all day. Have a good stash of hair nets on hand; I tend to rip quite a few! As far as uniform is concerned, be wary of ironing your dresses. Make sure you use a low heat to prevent burns. Wash your gloves
with Vanish powder to keep them white for longer!
Sophie: Bring lots of spares – spare tights, bun nets, pins, etc. A doughnut and hairspray have been my best friend to ensure no flyaways. Give the bun a couple of practices before starting.
3. What would you have done differently three years ago as you prepared to start university?
Lucy: I would be more open to trying new things! I didn’t join the choir until my third year, as I thought it wouldn’t be my thing; I wish I had joined sooner. There are so many clubs and groups at Norland, so take advantage of them and you might surprise yourself!
Sophie: I would have asked more questions. There are no silly questions at Norland and people are always there to help! Reach out to future housemates via social media if you can.
4. Top tips for packing when starting university. What items do you recommend bringing or leaving at home?
Lucy: My first top tip is to write a list of everything you think you’ll need to bring. It helped me to break down what was essential and what could be left behind. Look at the inventory for your student housing, as things like kitchenware will usually be provided. I recommend bringing a first aid kit so you have plasters, paracetamol, etc. on hand. Speak to your jousemates to find out what they plan to bring, as you won’t need multiple kettles or drying racks!
Sophie: Bring your favourite teddy, or other little things from home to make your room yours, such as a candle or plant, family pictures, congratulations cards. I didn’t need all my clothes – you can swap these out if you ever go home for winter/summer!
5. Top tips for leaving home and making new friends
Lucy: This was something I worried a lot about before coming to Norland! My top tips would be to bring items to personalise your room and make it feel like home. Arrange calls with parents and friends. I found chatting to housemates reassured me because everyone was in a similar position. Getting out of my room to do things with housemates in those first few days really helped me settle in. Don’t be afraid to make plans with people in your lecture groups! It’s so nice to have friends outside of your house, and the mixture of groups for your different subjects is a great way to extend your circle.
Sophie: I found it helped in the first week not talking to home too much – this way I tried to throw myself into my new friends and college. It is hard, so be kind to yourself! Take each day as it comes! I often found people were feeling the exact same way. Starting a conversation with someone new will really help.
6. Top tips for managing your money during your studies
Lucy: Work out a monthly budget, factoring in essentials such as rent, utilities and phone bills, and then divide the rest into a weekly budget. This helped me (mostly!) to stay within budget. One of my top tips is to meal plan and batch cook. You can save so much money and time by planning in advance and then doing a weekly shop. It’s even cheaper if you cook with housemates and share the shop! You can save a bit of extra money by picking up babysitting when it fits in with your timetable. There’s a fabulous app available to Norland students for ad hoc babysitting in the local area!
Sophie: Manage a weekly budget, pick up babysitting jobs and, if you can, have a little ‘emergency fund’.
7. What practical essentials would you recommend setting up before you leave home?
Lucy: Register with a GP in Bath as soon as possible. It takes five minutes and is much better than waiting until you are ill! Open a student bank account – do some research, as some offer free railcards, cinema tickets, etc. Register for a postal vote; I was caught out by not doing this in time!
Sophie: I joined a local doctor and found local gyms/clubs I could join. I don’t have a student bank account, although I know some friends find this helpful. Get a railcard!!
8. Top tips for making the most of your first weeks at Norland
Lucy: Say yes to as many things as possible! Whilst it’s important to have your downtime, there are so many wonderful opportunities to take advantage of in college, so try something new, even if it means pushing yourself a little out of your comfort zone! I’d also recommend speaking to your buddies in the years above. They’ve been in your position before and can always lend a listening ear!
Sophie: Throw yourself into every opportunity, ask questions, chat to new people, and rest!
9. Top tips for living in Bath and making the most of your free time
Lucy: Plan ahead. I found keeping a diary helpful, so I knew what I had on and my deadlines. It made it easier to make plans with friends. I also recommend joining some Bath community Facebook groups for local fairs, food festivals and events!
Sophie: Bath is an amazing city! I am so jealous you are about to embark on three years here! There are so many clubs to join, canal walks, loads of green spaces, museums to explore, lots and lots of coffee shops, free running clubs!
10. What are your top three things to do in Bath in your free time?
Lucy:
- Socialising with friends.
- Exploring the lovely restaurants, cafes and bars in Bath or taking a beautiful walk around the city, with a picnic in the warmer months.
- Staying active was really important to me. I found both indoor and outdoor tennis courts which we hired for games! My friends and I also joined a couple of local run clubs, which
were a great way to socialise and meet people outside of Norland during the week.
Sophie:
- Sunday roast with the girls!
- Long walks in the amazing city/countryside.
- Taking advantage of all the free events throughout the year, such as the Bath Food Festival!
Wishing you all the best with your first year! Lucy and Sophie, Set 45
Some useful links ahead of your first day at Norland
Current students
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View our current students pageStudent support
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View our student support pageChat to current students
Speak with current students ahead of moving to Bath, your first day at Norland and starting university.
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