Thinking of going by middle name at uni

Not sure if this is the right place to post this - but to keep it brief I've basically always hated my first name. I can't go anywhere without meeting 5 other people with my name and I just don't like my name, I don't feel like it suits me. I prefer my middle name a lot more and have expressed this to some people, but I've still always gone by my first name since I thought it'd be too much fuss to ask people to start calling me something else. I have a uni offer holders day next week, and I'm thinking of introducing myself using my middle name. I just feel like it'd be helpful to know what possible consequences are that I'm not thinking about, hear thoughts from other people who have made such a change at this point in their life and also want to know I'm not going crazy, because I feel like I am a bit 😅

Reply 1

mesub

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

22

Original post

by Anonymous

Not sure if this is the right place to post this - but to keep it brief I've basically always hated my first name. I can't go anywhere without meeting 5 other people with my name and I just don't like my name, I don't feel like it suits me. I prefer my middle name a lot more and have expressed this to some people, but I've still always gone by my first name since I thought it'd be too much fuss to ask people to start calling me something else. I have a uni offer holders day next week, and I'm thinking of introducing myself using my middle name. I just feel like it'd be helpful to know what possible consequences are that I'm not thinking about, hear thoughts from other people who have made such a change at this point in their life and also want to know I'm not going crazy, because I feel like I am a bit 😅

There's usually a preferred name option when you enroll on your course (and I think UCAS has a preferred name field).
There won't be any consequences.

Do you want to have your legal name permanently changed? If so then probably a deed poll is the best option.

(edited 12 months ago)

Reply 2

Kingston Lily

6

Original post

by Anonymous

Not sure if this is the right place to post this - but to keep it brief I've basically always hated my first name. I can't go anywhere without meeting 5 other people with my name and I just don't like my name, I don't feel like it suits me. I prefer my middle name a lot more and have expressed this to some people, but I've still always gone by my first name since I thought it'd be too much fuss to ask people to start calling me something else. I have a uni offer holders day next week, and I'm thinking of introducing myself using my middle name. I just feel like it'd be helpful to know what possible consequences are that I'm not thinking about, hear thoughts from other people who have made such a change at this point in their life and also want to know I'm not going crazy, because I feel like I am a bit 😅

Hi! As someone who has started in university last September, I have met a few students who go by a different name than their given name, and it has been smooth sailing for them. As @mesub mentioned, application and/or enrolment forms usually have the option to inform them of your preferred name. In my experience, students and lecturers are very supportive and respectful of such a decision/desire. I would suggest introducing yourself in a way that makes you feel comfortable and that feels right to you.

I hope this helps!
-Lily (Kingston Rep)

Reply 3

University of Bath

Official Rep

14

Original post

by Anonymous

Not sure if this is the right place to post this - but to keep it brief I've basically always hated my first name. I can't go anywhere without meeting 5 other people with my name and I just don't like my name, I don't feel like it suits me. I prefer my middle name a lot more and have expressed this to some people, but I've still always gone by my first name since I thought it'd be too much fuss to ask people to start calling me something else. I have a uni offer holders day next week, and I'm thinking of introducing myself using my middle name. I just feel like it'd be helpful to know what possible consequences are that I'm not thinking about, hear thoughts from other people who have made such a change at this point in their life and also want to know I'm not going crazy, because I feel like I am a bit 😅

Hi there,

You've already had some great advice. Just to reaffirm, you are absolutely not going crazy, my best friend at uni went by her middle name too and many of my coursemates from other countries used entirely different, Anglicised versions of their names which they had chosen themselves, so it is not uncommon at all and many students go by different names.

As long as you inform your uni by filling out any forms/applications/documents which have a 'preferred name' field with your chosen name and let them know if you notice this is incorrect anywhere to avoid confusion then this will be absolutely fine.

A big part of university is all about finding your feet and establishing your unique, independent identity, and so if you would like to use your middle name then you should go for it 🙂

Hope this helps,

Holly
University of Bath

Thinking of going by middle name at uni

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