Mastering the Uni-Verse: An A-Z of Essential Student Jargon

For some of us, the beginning of university life can feel like you’ve landed on another planet. There’s an entirely new culture to learn, and the student jargon that you have to familiarise yourself with can often be in a world of its own.

If you’re trying to make sense of the new group chat, fear not. This guide breaks down the must know university student jargon so you’re not left scratching your head on move in day.

Why Jargon Matters More Than You Think

Think of learning some slang as your student survival kit. It’s more than just quirky expressions, it can be how you bond over 3am study sessions, last minute deadlines, or epic nights out that somehow end at Greggs.

• This guide will help you save time and confusion, meaning there’s no need to second guess your pal when they say “I’m skint, can’t hack it today”.
• Speaking the lingo could mean you settle in quicker, whether meeting coursemates at the SU or hyping yourself up for a society social.
• Understanding how language can shape uni culture can pose an interesting thesis for those that are intrigued by such things.
• Jargon can be your passport into a wide range of subcultures.

A-Z of Student Slang (You’ll Actually Hear on Campus)

A is for “Accom”

Well, we had to start here didn’t we? Check out our range of student accommodation options here. 

B is for “Bants”

Short for banter. It’s the unofficial currency of uni group chats, especially during icebreakers or footie debates.

C is for “Course Rep”

The brave soul who speaks up in meetings when your whole cohort is quietly suffering.

D is for “Duvet Day”

A well earned day under the covers, binge watching Netflix and pretending that 9am seminar doesn’t exist.

E is for “Essay Crisis”

Reserved for when you’ve had 6 weeks to write an essay that you somehow started at midnight. You’re not alone, but try to do better.

F is for “Fresher”

The term used for a first year that’s just arrived on campus. If you’re starting uni this September, this is you.

G is for “Gap Yah”

Mocking term for someone who can’t stop going on about their soul searching trip to Bali.

H is for “Happy”

Something we hope you all are while living at university!

I is for “Imposter Syndrome”

The sneaky voice that tells you that you don’t belong, especially common among first generation and international students. Remember, you earned your place. You belong here.

J is for “Jobs”

Something you’re getting a degree to thrive in, and might already have during your studies.

K is for “Kitchen Pres”

The pre drink ritual common among students. Usually ends with missing the last bus into the city and walking for miles.

L is for “Lecture Nap”

The act of trying to stay awake in a 9am after minimal sleep. Often accidental, occasionally scheduled.

M is for “Module”

The unit of study you’ll moan about most come revision time.

N is for “NUS Card”

A magical card that unlocks student discounts you never knew you needed.

O is for “Office Hours”

Where your tutors transform into academic overlords and incredibly helpful resources.

P is for “Plagiarism”

The ultimate thing to avoid as a student. Use referencing tools to help avoid it.

Q is for “Quiet Study”

The library’s sacred zone in which even a whisper is a risky move.

R is for “Reading Week”

Half term for uni students. Meant for reading up on your subject, often used for catching up on life admin.

S is for “SU” (Student Union)

The heart of life on campus. From events to support services, the SU is the place to be.

T is for “Turnitin”

The online plagiarism checker that’ll stress you out far more than your essay ever did.

U is for “Uni”

It’s the thing we’re all here for, and university takes too long to say.

V is for “Vibe Check”

A quick scan of the area to if the energy is right for you to have a good time.

W is for “Wellbeing Drop In”

Free support for everything from burnout to homesickness. It’s a great resource that you should use if you need to.

X is for “Xerox”

Old school slang for photocopying lecture notes. Still sometimes used.

Y is for ” YOLO Essay”

When you abandon all planning and just dive into writing an entire essay. Surprisingly works on occasion.

Z is for “Zoom Fatigue”

A relic of the 2020 era. It’s the glazed look you get after an entire day of virtual sessions.

Real Talk: This Stuff Does Matter

Learning some university jargon helps you connect to the wider community that you’re now a part of. It can be a coping mechanism during some of the testier times presented by your studies, as you and your coursemates bond over shared stresses.

When you first arrive, you might feel like an outsider. This can be especially true of you’re arriving from outside the UK or studying later in life. Learning some lingo helps ease you into the student environment and will soon make you feel at home alongside your peers.

If you’re preparing for university in September, read some more of our helpful guides to make your first week as a student as easy as possible.

Final Word: It’s OK Not to Know Everything

Nobody starts uni fluent in the various subcultures that make up student living. In time though, you’ll be sharing stories over snacks that wouldn’t make sense to anyone outside of the uni bubble. You might even create your own acronyms that we’d never crack the code to!

So, keep this guide handy, be kind to yourself as you find your feet, and remember that every fresher is one day an experienced final year.