How can you make the most of your first year at university?

Hey there
I'm Julia, a final-year Psychology student at De Montfort University (DMU). As an international student, my top priority when I came here was to make the absolute most of my university experience. Trust me, university life flies by - it’s shorter than you think - but it’s packed with amazing opportunities that you don’t want to miss.
Today, I’m excited to share my journey with you and point out the MUST-DO activities and experiences. University is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, so why not make the most of it?
Don't skip Freshers' Week! It's an incredible opportunity - even if you're on the shy side - to meet new friends effortlessly. The events are super diverse. At my university, we had different activities happening at various times throughout the day for weeks. Connecting with the right people to share your university journey with is priceless, especially when many of us are leaving behind our hometowns, families, and old friends. There's a reason they say university is where you make friends for life!
International trips are hands-down my favourite subject! There's nothing quite like exploring the world and experiencing different cultures. Some of these trips are even tied to your course, giving you the chance to work on some project while abroad. Personally, I have been to Bilbao visiting a partner institution and diving into Basque culture. It was an unforgettable experience that made me go for a year-long student exchange there!
If you're itching to try something new or want to keep fueling your passion, definitely check out the societies your university offers The options are endless, from the wild and quirky to the more mainstream - there’s something for everyone, and that’s what makes it so awesome! At my university, we have over 80 societies, all run by enthusiastic and passionate people. Plus, it's a fantastic way to make friends - when you share a common interest, the connections just happen naturally!
Extracurricular activities vary by university, but they can include language courses, academic programmes, access to educational platforms like LinkedIn Learning, skill workshops, and more These opportunities are all about helping you grow beyond your studies. I’ve always wanted to learn Spanish, and I've completed two courses at my university. Whatever you choose to dive into, the benefits will stick with you for life.
If you're eager to gain practical experience, you’re in luck Just reach out to the careers team, and you’ll be amazed at how many opportunities are waiting for you. Plus, they offer fantastic support throughout the entire application process. Once you’ve got these skills down, you’ll be unstoppable when it comes to job hunting. Even as a first-year student, I pushed myself and landed a paid internship right here at my university!
If you're struggling with anything, don’t waste time getting frustrated - just take a look around, and you'll see that your university offers tons of support Whether it's learning, finances, well-being, or disability services, there’s help available for pretty much everything. You're just starting out in adult life, and it’s meant to be enjoyed. So, take advantage of the comprehensive support your university offers! Then, you can focus on making the most of your student experience!
Make it a habit to study regularly - it’s totally worth it By staying on top of your work, you'll free up time for more fun activities and steer clear of stress and last-minute panic. Plus, it’s a surefire way to ace your exams. Finding that balance between work and play is the secret to both happiness and success.
Don’t toss those university newsletters! I’m serious On the contrary, keep yourself updated! I used to throw them out too, until I saw a tip about a chance to go to New York. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on newsletters. They’re your go-to for discovering festive celebrations, social events, cool initiatives, and so much more at your university and in the city. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out!
Don't worry about finding time! Trust me, you'll have plenty of it! University is designed to help you grow not just academically, but personally and professionally too. There’s time to explore new opportunities and develop all aspects of yourself.
Before I wrap up, I’d love for you all to share your own tips and experiences! I’m eager to hear what you’ve learned and how things have gone for you. If any first-year students try out one of my suggestions, please come back and let me know how it went. I’m excited to hear all about your experiences and impressions!
I hope you'll find it helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or you want to share your thoughts and feelings 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.
Have an EPIC time!
Julia
Psychology Student
De Montofort University