What advice would you give to your first year self?

Hi all,

Now that the new academic year is among us, a lot of people will have (or are in the process of) moving away from home to start uni!

I thought it would be nice to pop in some tips for the new first years that you wish you would have known when you first started uni.

I'll start us off:

•

Remember, everybody is in the same boat: Everyone is extremely nervous about starting uni and making friends, whether you are living in halls or staying at home. With that being said, there are plenty of opportunities to make friends at university, whether that be through clubs and societies, on your course, or through a little part-time job on campus. Just try to remember that everyone will be experiencing the same feelings as you, even if they don't show it.

Estelle

Graduate Advocate

Reply 1

University of Bath

Official Rep

13

@Liverpool Hope University -

My advice to first years would be to try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Working hard on your assignments is important and it will be very beneficial to get into good habits early, but there is so much more to uni than the work and study element. Join a society, chill with friends, go to town, do some part-time work - make sure you take time to do things for yourself which you enjoy and it'll make your experience so much more holistic and fun!

Holly
University of Bath

Reply 2

mike23mike

16

Enjoy it and dont work too hard. You only need to get 40 on each module to pass the year. Its the 2nd and 3rd year marks that matter

Reply 3

aspalax

Universities Forum Helper

13

Things probably won't go to plan or how you expect. I think I had an idea in my head of what uni would be like and found it difficult when things didn't match up and I really struggled socially and to deal with workload. And I really wanted to try and cook meals regularly etc and I generally did pretty well at it but still found that I was disappointed when I didn't meet my own standards.

Uni is about learning to be a human being as well as learning academically! Try and not be too mean to yourself if you're struggling.

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 4

Chester Student

Official Rep

12

Original post by Liverpool Hope University

Hi all,
Now that the new academic year is among us, a lot of people will have (or are in the process of) moving away from home to start uni!
I thought it would be nice to pop in some tips for the new first years that you wish you would have known when you first started uni.
I'll start us off:

•

Remember, everybody is in the same boat: Everyone is extremely nervous about starting uni and making friends, whether you are living in halls or staying at home. With that being said, there are plenty of opportunities to make friends at university, whether that be through clubs and societies, on your course, or through a little part-time job on campus. Just try to remember that everyone will be experiencing the same feelings as you, even if they don't show it.

Estelle

Graduate Advocate

@Liverpool Hope University,

I wish I could remind my first-year self that everything will be okay.

I was so nervous about meeting new people, trying to make friends, going to classes, finding new hobbies, and living independently. I just wish I had someone to tell me to have a little faith in my abilities, as it has all worked out! I love the point about how university is also the place to learn how to be a human being. It really is. It's the place to learn more about yourself, gain skills, meet your friends, and have a good time, all while learning how to live independently in this world!

And even if it doesn't work out the way you hoped, there are so many people to support you through it. You've got this!

Isabella
Geography with a Year Abroad Student

Reply 5

University of Bradford

Official Rep

18

Original post by Liverpool Hope University

Hi all,
Now that the new academic year is among us, a lot of people will have (or are in the process of) moving away from home to start uni!
I thought it would be nice to pop in some tips for the new first years that you wish you would have known when you first started uni.
I'll start us off:

•

Remember, everybody is in the same boat: Everyone is extremely nervous about starting uni and making friends, whether you are living in halls or staying at home. With that being said, there are plenty of opportunities to make friends at university, whether that be through clubs and societies, on your course, or through a little part-time job on campus. Just try to remember that everyone will be experiencing the same feelings as you, even if they don't show it.

Estelle

Graduate Advocate

Great advice, thanks for starting this thread off! 🤗

I wish I could go back and tell myself that everything will work out in the end, trust that I am more than capable of achieving my goals, and be kinder to myself.

Becky

Reply 6

University of Portsmouth Student Rep

17

Original post by Liverpool Hope University

Hi all,
Now that the new academic year is among us, a lot of people will have (or are in the process of) moving away from home to start uni!
I thought it would be nice to pop in some tips for the new first years that you wish you would have known when you first started uni.
I'll start us off:

•

Remember, everybody is in the same boat: Everyone is extremely nervous about starting uni and making friends, whether you are living in halls or staying at home. With that being said, there are plenty of opportunities to make friends at university, whether that be through clubs and societies, on your course, or through a little part-time job on campus. Just try to remember that everyone will be experiencing the same feelings as you, even if they don't show it.

Estelle

Graduate Advocate

Hi there! Love the idea of this thread.

The three things I definitely wish I had known are:

1) Don't be afraid to try a society in something you've never done before. University is a great opportunity to try new things, so don't be afraid to try different things until you find something you love! It's also a great way to meet people too!

2) Make the most of academic support. There are lots of services available throughout your degree, whether they are for help with assessments or wellbeing, and they can really help to make your time at university easier.

3) Don't forget to take care of yourself. Whether it's spending an evening watching a film, or hanging out with friends, don't forget to recharge in a way that works for you!

I hope these tips will help some new students, and best of luck to all those starting university this year!

Eryn - Portsmouth Student Rep 🙂

Reply 7

AGUoS

Official Rep

2

Original post by Liverpool Hope University

Hi all,
Now that the new academic year is among us, a lot of people will have (or are in the process of) moving away from home to start uni!
I thought it would be nice to pop in some tips for the new first years that you wish you would have known when you first started uni.
I'll start us off:

•

Remember, everybody is in the same boat: Everyone is extremely nervous about starting uni and making friends, whether you are living in halls or staying at home. With that being said, there are plenty of opportunities to make friends at university, whether that be through clubs and societies, on your course, or through a little part-time job on campus. Just try to remember that everyone will be experiencing the same feelings as you, even if they don't show it.

Estelle

Graduate Advocate

Hi Estelle,

This is an amazing thread and will be so helpful to freshers!

I would want to remind my first-year self to be patient and give it time! I remember being so nervous about literally everything during my first few weeks, from academics to socialising. Adjusting and settling into university life takes some time, and you need to kind to yourself. Once you go through those initial first few weeks, you start settling into the rhythm of university life. You might not click with people immediately, and that is totally okay! You start forming stronger friendships when you spend more time with people.

All the best everyone,
Akshita
(University of Southampton Student Rep)

Reply 8

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

I would tell myself I'm doing the wrong degree for the wrong reasons and that it doesn't matter whether I do a STEM degree or not I'm going to end up in the same kind of tedious job afterwards with equivalent salaries anyway

Reply 9

Heriot-Watt Uni

Official Rep

9

Original post by Liverpool Hope University

Hi all,
Now that the new academic year is among us, a lot of people will have (or are in the process of) moving away from home to start uni!
I thought it would be nice to pop in some tips for the new first years that you wish you would have known when you first started uni.
I'll start us off:

•

Remember, everybody is in the same boat: Everyone is extremely nervous about starting uni and making friends, whether you are living in halls or staying at home. With that being said, there are plenty of opportunities to make friends at university, whether that be through clubs and societies, on your course, or through a little part-time job on campus. Just try to remember that everyone will be experiencing the same feelings as you, even if they don't show it.

Estelle

Graduate Advocate

Hi,

This is a great idea!

My advice would be to set up good habits now and keep to them. The better you set yourself up at the start is really going to pay off in the long run especially when it gets to exam season if you already have a good schedule and are on top of all your work the pressure will be so much less!

I hope this helps!

- Jessica
Student Rep

Reply 10

WrexhamUniReps

Official Rep

16

Original post by Liverpool Hope University

Hi all,
Now that the new academic year is among us, a lot of people will have (or are in the process of) moving away from home to start uni!
I thought it would be nice to pop in some tips for the new first years that you wish you would have known when you first started uni.
I'll start us off:

•

Remember, everybody is in the same boat: Everyone is extremely nervous about starting uni and making friends, whether you are living in halls or staying at home. With that being said, there are plenty of opportunities to make friends at university, whether that be through clubs and societies, on your course, or through a little part-time job on campus. Just try to remember that everyone will be experiencing the same feelings as you, even if they don't show it.

Estelle

Graduate Advocate

Hi

Great idea...

One piece of advice I would give would be to new students would be to take every opportunity that is given to them as you never know where it might lead.

I hope this helps,

Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps

What advice would you give to your first year self?

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