AFTER getting their A-level results, hundreds of teenagers in Crewe will now be planning for life at university and for most this can be a nerve-wracking experience.

It will also be the first time many have lived away from home but you need not worry - it will be one of the best experiences you ever have.

The main thing to remember is that everyone else is in the same boat and will be feeling just as apprehensive as you are.

So what should you expect from your first week away from home? Well in terms of academic work, not a lot!

The opening day is spent sorting out your accommodation, which for most people will be in the university's halls of residence, and this is where you will meet most of your friends because these people will be your neighbours for the first year.

The halls have cooking, washing and laundry facilities, which are well looked after by the cleaning staff, who will even clean your room for you once a week!

The first night is spent at the student union, which is the best way to meet people and enjoy very cheap drinks at the bar.

During the daytime, most of the first week involves registering for modules, meeting lecturer's and personal tutors, who explain what you will be doing in your first semester and what they expect of you.

Lecturers and personal tutors are a very approachable breed in general, and they will treat you like an adult and do all they can to help you over the years you are at university, so it's vital to get off to a good start with them.

Every night during Freshers week there is a different theme in the student union bar, including karaoke, comedy, tribute and hypnotist nights, which provides a great opportunity to meet more people and create friendships.

No doubt by now you will have heard all the stories about hard-up students and what lengths they go to in order to save a bit of money, but this cannot be underestimated - remember you will be budgeting for the next three or four years.

Student nights throughout a 'normal' week are pretty cheap though, and because the price of the entrance fee and drinks are so low, these venues are very popular places.

Oh, and before I forget, there is some study to be done too!

Most of the courses in the first year are organised so each module is 50 per cent coursework and 50 per cent exam based, but those not too keen on exams can choose 100 pc coursework modules starting in the second year.

The coursework is essay based and you can choose your title from a selection covered in the lectures.

Depending on your university, the exams will take place before or after the Christmas break, and are essay style questions based on lecture topics, with two questions from a choice of five having to be answered.

Apart from the compulsory books that you have to get, it is a good idea to speak to the lecturers before buying any others because you may end up only needing one or two chapters from a book and never using it again - most lecturers have these books and are more than willing to let you photocopy them.

So, you're all set for the start of what will be a wonderful chapter of your life where you will meet some great people that will be your friends for life - good luck!

SORTING out a bank account out before you get to university saves time and means you have your money ready when you start.

All the high street banks offer different options and incentives for new students, so here's what's on offer.

HSBC: Rail card or £50. Interest free overdraft of £1,000 in the first year, increasing to £1,500 in year three and £1,750 in year four.

Barclays Bank: £50 Waterstones or HMV vouchers and a £3,000 overdraft, with the first £1,250 interest free.

Natwest: £40 or a student starter kit, which includes a toaster, kettle and radio alarm clock. If you opt for the cash alternative, you get an extra £20 if you attend one of their selected universities. Overdraft facilities are interest free and start at £1,250, going up to £1,600 in the third year and £1,800 in the fourth.

Abbey National: Have a different system with their interest free overdraft starting at £2,000 and gradually being reduced to £1,000 in the second year and £500 in the third.