One thing I wished I knew before starting University

It's that time of the year again when new students are starting at the University. Hence, I thought it might be a good idea to provide some 1st year students with my biggest piece of advice based on my experiences.

One thing I wished I had known in my first year was that it is okay to ask questions and that no question is a stupid question!

Think about it - If we never asked questions... how would we ever learn?

Feel free to reach out to me if you're looking for any more advice!

I hope this helps,

Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps

Reply 1

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post

by Matt-WrexhamUni

It's that time of the year again when new students are starting at the University. Hence, I thought it might be a good idea to provide some 1st year students with my biggest piece of advice based on my experiences.
One thing I wished I had known in my first year was that it is okay to ask questions and that no question is a stupid question!
Think about it - If we never asked questions... how would we ever learn?
Feel free to reach out to me if you're looking for any more advice!
I hope this helps,
Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps

Hiya!

This is some great advice and I completely agree that no question is a stupid question, and asking early on makes life so much easier.

One thing I wish I had known in my first year is not to bring so much stuff when moving into accommodation. At the time, I thought I needed everything, but honestly, most of it just ended up taking up space. Fast forward to the end of my course, when I graduated and had to move everything out, it felt like it took forever! I definitely learned that less is more when it comes to packing for uni.

I’d say focus on the essentials and the things that will make you feel at home, but don’t overdo it. You’ll soon realise that you can always pick things up as you go along if you need them.

-Maddie, Health and Wellbeing in Society Graduate from De Montfort University

Reply 2

University of Bath

Official Rep

Hi all! and thanks for starting this thread. The number one thing that would have helped me to know is...

You don't need to spend all your time working - its so important to make the most of the other, more fun opportunities uni offers as well 🙂

Reply 3

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Matt-WrexhamUni

It's that time of the year again when new students are starting at the University. Hence, I thought it might be a good idea to provide some 1st year students with my biggest piece of advice based on my experiences.
One thing I wished I had known in my first year was that it is okay to ask questions and that no question is a stupid question!
Think about it - If we never asked questions... how would we ever learn?
Feel free to reach out to me if you're looking for any more advice!
I hope this helps,
Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps

Hi!

I like this idea, and also the advice that you have given!

My best piece of advice would be to make use of the resources you have at uni. You are paying for uni so you might as well take advantage of all of the things on offer. Here are some of the things I have found helpful throughout my time at uni:

•

The employability or careers team at your uni with help you with your CV, jobs etc and they are good people to talk to.

•

The well-being team is there to help you and if you are ever struggling make sure you talk to them as they will help and they see so many students so don't be embarrassed to talk to them.

•

The library and e-libraries have so many books that you can borrow for free so you don't need to buy them, and sometimes there are skills sessions held here too which are great.

•

Use your free uni accounts - see if you get one for Office 365 so you don't have to pay for it, use things like Statista and Mintel if you get accounts for these too (and many more!)

•

Your uni may have a gym you can get discounted access to.

•

Use your student discount too!

I hope some of these help 🙂

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 4

Kingston Grace

Official Rep

Original post

by Matt-WrexhamUni

It's that time of the year again when new students are starting at the University. Hence, I thought it might be a good idea to provide some 1st year students with my biggest piece of advice based on my experiences.
One thing I wished I had known in my first year was that it is okay to ask questions and that no question is a stupid question!
Think about it - If we never asked questions... how would we ever learn?
Feel free to reach out to me if you're looking for any more advice!
I hope this helps,
Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps

Hi @Matt-WrexhamUni

Great idea!

I think keep doing things out of your comfort zone, similar to don't spend all your time working, make the most of your time and being in a new area. Going to uni itself can be out of your comfort zone so keep the ball rolling with making conversation or exploring on your own. It will help you grow and make the most of the first few weeks in particular.

Good luck everyone :smile:

-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 5

PG Study Chester

Original post

by Matt-WrexhamUni

It's that time of the year again when new students are starting at the University. Hence, I thought it might be a good idea to provide some 1st year students with my biggest piece of advice based on my experiences.
One thing I wished I had known in my first year was that it is okay to ask questions and that no question is a stupid question!
Think about it - If we never asked questions... how would we ever learn?
Feel free to reach out to me if you're looking for any more advice!
I hope this helps,
Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps

Hello everyone :hi:

,

This is such a great post! So far there has been so much brilliant advice. One thing I wish I'd known before I started was not to be nervous as everyone is so supportive at the uni when you arrive, and also it's not as daunting to make the new friendship groups as I thought. My main piece of advice is to embrace every single second, and enjoy it, make the most of all the opportunities because you never have a chance and the freedom to experience this again, yes there are stressful times when you have deadlines and money is always really tight but keep enjoying it! And if you struggle or are stuck with anything, just reach out to your tutor, to student services, the student room, anyone because no question is a stupid question and no problem is insurmountable.

Have a great start of term,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

Reply 6

EssexStudentRep

Official Rep

Original post

by Matt-WrexhamUni

It's that time of the year again when new students are starting at the University. Hence, I thought it might be a good idea to provide some 1st year students with my biggest piece of advice based on my experiences.
One thing I wished I had known in my first year was that it is okay to ask questions and that no question is a stupid question!
Think about it - If we never asked questions... how would we ever learn?
Feel free to reach out to me if you're looking for any more advice!
I hope this helps,
Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps

Hi @Matt-WrexhamUni 👋

Thats great advice ☀️

For me, one thing I would say is that Uni is easier if you plan time for studies and time for your free time! I spend many of my days relaxing after doing assignment days and thats a positive aspect i have developed through uni 😊

Also always ask if you are in doubt, if you have a question or a doubt ask away!

Essex Student Rep- Lavanya 💜

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