My Amazing First Month at Chester

First-year student Saskia shares how her first month as a student at Chester went.

As a new student, I can relate to all the apprehension and worries of the big unknown of starting university. However, I am here to put your mind at rest and tell you the truth about what it's really like and why university is the best opportunity I have had. Read until the end to see my top tips for new students!

Making Friends

Now, I am guessing that one of your biggest concerns is about making friends? Am I right? Well, I have to tell you, it was definitely mine! I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would people be friendly? Would I have someone to sit by? The answer to both of those questions is yes! Whether you realise it or not, everyone will be feeling the same way you are, which means that everyone is keen to make friends with the people around them. Not only this, but you all have a common interest in the subject that you are studying, which gives you something to chat about and connect over. I made connections with people almost immediately and that’s not because I am a particularly extroverted person, because generally, I am not. It was because everyone wanted to chat and get to know each other, in order to get the most out of their university experience. I’m finding it to be an extremely sociable experience, as there are plenty of places in Chester to go and socialise with friends, which I am enjoying doing. In my opinion, university is the easiest and best way to make friends, where you meet people from all walks of life!

What I’m enjoying about my course

The best advice I was given when trying to decide what to study at university, was to choose something that I would enjoy learning about. That’s exactly what I ended up doing. I study International Tourism Management and it really is the best decision I’ve ever made! I couldn’t speak any more highly of the course or of my lecturers. If you’ve not chosen to study Tourism Management, still bear with me, as some of my experiences will still apply to you.

One thing that I’m so pleased about is that all of my lectures are face-to-face. This is such a refreshing change after the pandemic, as you really can make the most of your university experience, both academically and socially. This has also benefited me in getting to know my lecturers more personally, which has given me the opportunity to discuss my academic and career interests with them.

A large proportion of the Tourism Management course is business-related. Wouldn’t it be lovely if it was all about holidays and destinations? Although, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I’m enjoying learning about the different aspects of business within the tourism industry. It provides the opportunity for group discussions and group work, which again is a great way to get to know different people and build team working skills.

Opportunities available to first year students

You may think that as a first year student you have to wait until your second year at university before there are any opportunities for you to build upon your CV. Well, you thought wrong! There are plenty of opportunities open to first year students that can enhance your CV and improve your social life. For instance, I’m a Student Ambassador for the Tourism Management degree, as well as Student Voice Representative. I thought that I would have to wait before I could make the most of these extra-curricular activities, but the University is very inclusive when it comes to making sure that everyone has equal opportunities. Through doing the Student Ambassador and Student Voice Representative roles, I have met people who I perhaps wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for this. It has already massively increased my confidence and has provided me with skills that will benefit me throughout my degree and professional life.

My Final Top Tips

It’s easy looking back with hindsight and thinking, “Should’ve, could’ve, would’ve”, so I’m making it even easier for you! I’m giving you my final top tips for making the most out of your university experience as a new student.

Tip number 1: DON’T just sit on your phone, chat to people!

It’s super easy to scroll through Instagram in your well-earned breaks from lectures, but you’re missing out on quality time to get to know your new friends. Save the scrolling for later and get talking!

Tip number 2: DO explore the facilities available to you!

The University puts a lot of time and effort into providing the best possible facilities to enhance your university experience. Make the most of them! See what the library has to offer, take advantage of the free academic support facilities and much, much more!

Tip number 3: Finally, DO take part in uni life!

I think this is the best advice I can give you. University is usually just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make it count! Apply to be a Student Ambassador, search for work experience, take part in the many societies that the University has to offer. The list is endless! Chester has so much to offer, you’ll never run out of things to do.