Top tips for new Norland students from our Student Ambassadors
14 August 2026
Starting at Norland is the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and it’s complete natural to feel both excited and a little nervous about what lies ahead. You may be looking forward to meeting your set and settling into Bath, while also wondering how everything will come together in those first few weeks. Whatever you’re feeling, be reassured that it’s all part of the journey, and there’s plenty of support available every step of the way.
Our second and third-year Student Ambassadors, alongside Newly Qualified Nannies, know exactly how you’re feeling. Having recently been in your shoes, they share their top tips and advice to help you prepare for life at Norland.
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1. Top tips for preparing for enrolment at Norland
Madeleine, third-year student: Ensure you have completed all of your paperwork to avoid problems once you have arrived, including vaccination records, student loans and housing. Don’t leave packing to the last minute as you don’t want to be stressed before leaving home. Research things you are interested in in Bath, including the cost of activities or societies and whether you need any equipment for them. Make sure you have the right equipment for lectures and practical lessons – double check the equipment lists Norland sends you!
If you can, it may be helpful to get in contact with your housemates ahead of moving in, as meeting in person will be much easier when you have already broken the ice. Remember, it is normal to feel apprehensive about this new start – even if others seem confident, they are probably as nervous as you!
Mira, Newly Qualified Nanny: Make sure to order your uniform well in advance. I ordered my uniform right after acceptance, as an international student from Canada, and I’m glad I did because sometimes the sizing isn’t quite right and you may need to reorder some garments which can take a while with international shipping! I would also suggest only ordering one of everything initially to make sure it fits, as you can’t return things internationally!
2. Top uniform tips. How do I get my hair in a bun?!
Madeleine, third-year student: I think it’s a good idea to practice doing the Norland bun before your first day – you want to feel presentable and confident walking into Norland for the first time!
Carolina, third-year student: I now know what my bun routine is, quick and easy! First, I tie my hair into a low ponytail, making sure it’s low enough that I can still wear my hat. I then divide my hair into two equal sections and braid each one. Finally, I twist the two braids around each other to create a bun and secure it with a second hair tie to make sure it stays in place all day.
3. Top tips for packing. What items do you recommend bringing or leaving at home?
Mira, Newly Qualified Nanny: Bring a few home comforts, but try not to overpack, as you will be surprised how much you collect over the three years. If possible, look at photos of your accommodation before you arrive so you can get a sense of the space and decide what you may need to bring or buy. If you’re an international student, it’s also worth checking whether any items you use regularly are available in the UK, including toiletries or medication, so you can plan ahead. Before leaving home, I took photos of the clothes in my drawers, which helped me remember what I already had at home and avoid overpacking between visits.
Carolina, third-year student: Bring just two sets of towels and bedding to save space and check what your accommodation already provides before buying anything, as items such as an iron, drying rack or kitchen utensils may already be included. I’d also recommend bringing a few home comforts, some room décor, a small medicine kit, a keyring for your new keys and an extension lead because you’ll never have as many plug sockets as you think you need. These small things can make your room feel more comfortable and everyday university life much easier.
4. Top tips for leaving home and making new friends
Madeleine, third-year student: Keep up to date with freshers’ events and invite others to go as a group, as organised activities can make meeting people feel easier and take the pressure off. Stay connected with family and friends, but try to explore Bath by inviting them to your new home city.
Also – don’t just stick with your housemates, introduce yourself to different people you meet in class and at socials or societies. Don’t forget you can always seek support from Norland if you’re struggling with homesickness or need help settling in. Student support at Norland is available to help.
5. Top tips for living in Bath and making the most of your free time
Lydia, third-year student: Make the most of walking – Bath is a fantastic city to explore, and you’re never too far from where you need to be. Try venturing beyond the city centre; areas such as Bear Flat, Widcombe, and Larkhall have beautiful parks, lovely cafés, and independent shops that are well worth discovering. Be prepared for how busy Bath can get at weekends, especially during the tourist season.
Take advantage of quieter weekdays to explore the city, visit attractions, or meet friends. Bath is also home to lots of beautiful parks and green spaces, perfect for grabbing a coffee, going for a walk, or catching up with friends. My personal favourite is Sydney Gardens!
6. What practical essentials would you recommend setting up before you leave home?
Charlotte, second-year student: Make sure you set up a student bank account before you arrive and consider how you will budget. Banks have various incentives or perks that you can get when opening a student account with them – I received take-away vouchers and a £200 bonus!
Don’t forget to sign up to a GP! This is really important as if you’re unwell and need to see a GP, it isn’t always realistic or time efficient to travel home to do so. It’s also a good idea to put together a folder containing all your important documents. For instance, I forgot my passport so when I needed it for my DBS Check my dad had to drive up from London! Keeping these things together also ensures you know where everything is and are less likely to lose things.
Lydia, third-year student: Don’t forget to take advantage of student discounts when buying essentials for university, especially when setting up your room. Signing up to platforms such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans can help you save money on everything from homeware and technology to clothing and food.
7. Top tips for making the most of your first weeks at Norland
Charlotte, second-year student: Make the most of those first few weeks by getting engaged with everything that you can. Make the most of your free time early on by exploring clubs and groups offered by Norland and Bath Spa Students’ Union, which Norland students have access to. Don’t be afraid to try new things – if it’s not for you, that’s fine! During your induction week, speak to as many people as possible to build a social circle beyond your housemates. Make an effort with your housemates early on as you’ll be living together for a year. Simple activities like cooking a group meal or going out to a nice pub are a great way to break the ice. This is also a good time to agree on things like bills and house rules to help avoid issues later on.
My biggest top tip would be to get into a routine early, as this makes a huge difference once your workload increases. This could include creating meal plans, getting enough rest and making time to relax and have fun. I found that once I settled into a routine, I felt more balanced and productive.
On behalf of our Student Ambassadors and everyone at Norland, we wish you all the very best as you begin your first year.
As one of the first students to join us following our transition to Norland University of Early Childhood, you’ll be part of an exciting new chapter in our history. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Some useful links ahead of your first day at Norland
Welcome hub
Check out our useful hub for services, resources and information for current students.
Student support
Find out about our student support provision for students.
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.
Speak with students
