Free Templates for Students
First Week at Uni Checklist [Free Download]
Download our free first week at uni checklist. Master orientation, student life, and logistics with ease. Use Duetoday AI to stay ahead in your lectures.
What’s inside? Exclusive insights into:
The importance of an orientation strategy—and the exact tasks to finish before your first lecture.
How to set yourself up for academic success using a printable or digital first week at uni checklist (so you’re not scrambling in week 1).
Everything you need to organize across campus life, admin, tech, and social circles—from student IDs to finding your classrooms.
Looking to make your first week less stressful? Here’s what you need to consider.
First Week at Uni: Here’s What You Need to Know
Anyone who hasn’t started university might be surprised by how many tiny things can go wrong—and how fast they stack up. One missing login, one forgotten building code, one unclear library policy… and suddenly your “exciting new chapter” starts with panic in the hallways or stress in your first seminar.
That’s why experienced students learn quickly: preparation isn’t optional—it’s survival. A simple First Week at Uni checklist helps you streamline the chaos. It gives you a clear plan, removes last-minute guesswork, and makes sure you’re not relying on memory while navigating a sprawling campus for the first time.
It also helps you avoid the most common first-week problems: forgetting to finalize your module enrollment, arriving at a lecture hall only to find it moved, missing out on crucial society sign-ups, and spending extra money on textbooks because you didn’t check the library first.
Set yourself up for a smoother first week (not just a successful first day)
A good first day is nice. But what you really want is a clean first 168 hours—where you can get from your dorm → the lecture hall → the gym without feeling lost. When you’re organized, your first week feels lighter, and you can focus on making friends and understanding your course requirements.
About Duetoday: Duetoday AI transcribes lectures in real-time, translates instantly, and turns recordings, PDFs, and videos into clean notes, summaries, flashcards, and quizzes—fast. Never miss a word in class again.
What your “First Week at Uni” checklist should include
This checklist typically covers the six pillars of a successful start:
1) Admin and ID Essentials: Collect your physical student ID card, confirm your course registration, and ensure your tuition payments or student loan status are verified.
2) Campus Navigation: Walk your route to your main lecture halls before Monday morning. Locate the library, the student union, and the nearest affordable coffee spot.
3) Tech and Connectivity: Connect all devices to the campus Wi-Fi (Eduroam), set up your student email on your phone, and download the university’s essential apps.
4) Academic Preparation: Access your Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) or Canvas, download your reading lists, and check for any pre-recorded introductory content.
5) Social and Societies: Attend the Freshers' Fair, join at least two societies (even if just for the freebies), and introduce yourself to the people living in your immediate vicinity.
6) Budgeting and Health: Set a weekly spending limit, register with a local GP (doctor), and locate the nearest grocery store that offers student discounts.
After you download your checklist, explore these related resources
How to Take Better Lecture Notes with AI
The Ultimate Student Budgeting Guide for Beginners
How to Balance Social Life and Academics in Your First Term
Finding Your Way: A Guide to Using Your University Library
What should I do first during my first week at uni?
Start with your Student ID and Wi-Fi. Without these, you can't access buildings, printers, or your course materials. Once that's sorted, focus on finding your classrooms.
How do I make friends in the first week?
The best way is to keep your door open (if in halls) and attend society events. Remember, everyone is in the same boat and just as nervous as you are.
Should I buy all my textbooks immediately?
No. Wait until after your first lecture. Often, lecturers will tell you which books are essential and which can be borrowed from the library or bought second-hand from older students.
What apps should I download for university?
At minimum: Google Maps, your university’s portal app, a task manager like Notion, and Duetoday for transcribing and summarizing your lectures.
How do I manage my budget in the first week?
The first week is often the most expensive. Set aside a 'Freshers' fund' but keep a separate budget for essentials like groceries and transport to avoid running out of money by week three.
Duetoday is an AI-powered learning OS that turns your study materials into personalised, bite-sized study guides, cheat sheets, and active learning flows.