Student Writer Cónan provides a handy guide to getting set up when you arrive at MDX
First off, welcome to MDX!
Whether you’re living in accommodation or commuting from home, starting university can feel pretty daunting. There’s a lot to do and while you’re trying to get set up it can feel like you’re being swamped with new information.
So here’s a breakdown of practical adult stuff you should do before classes start on 30 September, from someone who knows the system.
In early September, you’ll be emailed details about your Programme Induction schedule and login details for myUniHub. You’ll then be able to find your full schedule by logging into myUniHub.
Make sure you go to your Programme Induction, because this is where you'll get all the important info about your course. You’ll also get the chance to meet your lecturers and other students on your course.
This is absolutely essential, and you should do this as soon as you get your login details for myUniHub. Simply log in, go to the ‘Getting Started’ page, click on ‘Enrol Here’, and fill in the required information fields.
It only takes a few minutes, and you won’t be able to see your timetable or get your student ID until this is done.
Having trouble enrolling or can’t find your email with your login details? Contact Unihelp! They’re available 7 days a week to assist you with any problem or query relating to your studies.
After you enrol, it will take a few days for you to be able to access your timetable on myUniHub and see your class schedule. In the meantime, I recommend familiarising yourself with the academic calendar, which can be found here.
This contains all the key dates for the year, including Christmas and Easter holidays, and will give you a better understanding of how your learning will be structured over each term.
This card will give you access to the library and other facilities on campus (including free printing!)
To get your student ID, you need to go to your ID check. You’ll get a time slot for this in your Programme welcome schedule, so no need to worry about booking it; just turn up on time, and make sure you have enrolled online before you go (see step 2.)
There are loads of exclusive benefits available to take advantage of as a student at MDX, and I recommend you check them out.
These include a free TOTUM card, which offers hundreds of discounts, and also free e-textbooks available on MyUniHub to use throughout the academic year. Be sure to check what’s on there before you go buying any textbooks for classes!
This wellbeing messaging service gives advice and support that is tailored to new students, and is also absolutely free. It’s great for helping you get settled into uni life and signing up is super quick.
Seriously, do not wait until you’re already sick to find a doctor. This will only delay treatment and put your health at risk, as you cannot book an appointment or request prescription medicine until you are registered with a doctor.
Don’t know where your closest doctor is? Check out this handy list of local medical centres here.
If you haven’t done so already, this is a great way to make new friends in your year, connect with people on your course and keep up to date with what’s going on here at MDX.
The MDXapp will give you access to everything you need to make the most out of your time at MDX (including emails, timetable, and info on upcoming events.)
It is common to find yourself needing to get a letter of some sort from the university.
You might need a student status letter with confirmation of your address in order to open a UK bank account, or a council tax exemption letter if you’re living in private rented accommodation.
This will require you to fill out a letter request form. Fortunately, all the letter request forms can be found on Unihub here.
It’s better to get this sorted sooner rather than later, as letter requests can take a few days to process.
Once you get these things sorted, you should be all set to enjoy your first year of uni!
