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There’s No Right Way to Do Uni

Hiya, I’m Olivia! I’m a Level 4 Sport Coaching Student here at John Moores, and I wanted to share a bit of my journey so far - especially for anyone who’s thinking about coming to university but feels unsure on timings or pathways.

I began uni at 22, which a lot of people may think is too late but honestly, it’s not at all! Everyone’s journey is different to the next and it’s so important to remember that. Taking time to figure out what’s best for you, what experiences you to gain and you feel ready for a new chapter of your life, is so important.

During my first year, I lived in student accommodation, which helped to build my confidence massively. This year I chose to move back home, simply to save money (so I can afford to go on more holidays :smile:

. This has created a really positive balance for me - commuting works well and it’s help take a lot of financial pressure off me.

If you’re considering starting uni a bit later or deciding whether to commute or live out, just know there’s no “right” way to do university. And whichever path you choose to go down, it is valid and your experience will be fantastic!

Do you need advice on settling into uni? OR are you looking for answers about studying a foundation degree?

Please feel welcome to pop me a message and I will be sure to do my best in helping you!

Olivia
LJMU Ambassador

Reply 1

Kingston Grace

Official Rep

Original post

by LJMUStudentReps

Hiya, I’m Olivia! I’m a Level 4 Sport Coaching Student here at John Moores, and I wanted to share a bit of my journey so far - especially for anyone who’s thinking about coming to university but feels unsure on timings or pathways.
I began uni at 22, which a lot of people may think is too late but honestly, it’s not at all! Everyone’s journey is different to the next and it’s so important to remember that. Taking time to figure out what’s best for you, what experiences you to gain and you feel ready for a new chapter of your life, is so important.
During my first year, I lived in student accommodation, which helped to build my confidence massively. This year I chose to move back home, simply to save money (so I can afford to go on more holidays :smile:

. This has created a really positive balance for me - commuting works well and it’s help take a lot of financial pressure off me.
If you’re considering starting uni a bit later or deciding whether to commute or live out, just know there’s no “right” way to do university. And whichever path you choose to go down, it is valid and your experience will be fantastic!
Do you need advice on settling into uni? OR are you looking for answers about studying a foundation degree?
Please feel welcome to pop me a message and I will be sure to do my best in helping you!
Olivia
LJMU Ambassador

Hi @LJMUStudentReps Olivia,

I just wanted to say I love the message of this post!

I did a foundation year and am now on a placement year, so will be graduating two years later than my home friends. I often see threads on here with students worried about graduating but I agree with you its not too late! I hope sharing this helps anyone unsure about a foundation year, gap year, placement year etc, it is not a race and its all part of the journey.

Whatever decision you make in terms of university you will learn something from it and it will be part of your growth.

I hope this helps!
-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 2

Harry LHU

Official Rep

Original post

by LJMUStudentReps

Hiya, I’m Olivia! I’m a Level 4 Sport Coaching Student here at John Moores, and I wanted to share a bit of my journey so far - especially for anyone who’s thinking about coming to university but feels unsure on timings or pathways.
I began uni at 22, which a lot of people may think is too late but honestly, it’s not at all! Everyone’s journey is different to the next and it’s so important to remember that. Taking time to figure out what’s best for you, what experiences you to gain and you feel ready for a new chapter of your life, is so important.
During my first year, I lived in student accommodation, which helped to build my confidence massively. This year I chose to move back home, simply to save money (so I can afford to go on more holidays :smile:

. This has created a really positive balance for me - commuting works well and it’s help take a lot of financial pressure off me.
If you’re considering starting uni a bit later or deciding whether to commute or live out, just know there’s no “right” way to do university. And whichever path you choose to go down, it is valid and your experience will be fantastic!
Do you need advice on settling into uni? OR are you looking for answers about studying a foundation degree?
Please feel welcome to pop me a message and I will be sure to do my best in helping you!
Olivia
LJMU Ambassador

Heya both,

This is such a good post idea, and I am replying with the hope that some more people will share their story!

For me, university was something I wasn't sure about to begin with, I took a gap year to consider my options. After deciding university was the best option going forward for me, I then swapped course during the next year as it was largely online in the pandemic years' and I wasn't enjoying one of the combinations as much as I thought I would. So before I started the undergraduate degree I graduated with, BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations, I was 20! Which honestly made very little difference on my cohesion with the rest of the class - I made so many friends with similar pathways to uni. I completed my degree, graduated, got very involved in many ways across the university and went on to start my MA! I am currently in my second year of my MA as I decided it was in my best interest, to take a more part-time approach to my education.

All the best - and please share your story to anybody else reading!!!

Harry
LHU Senior Student Ambassador
MA Politics and International Relations

Reply 3

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by LJMUStudentReps

Hiya, I’m Olivia! I’m a Level 4 Sport Coaching Student here at John Moores, and I wanted to share a bit of my journey so far - especially for anyone who’s thinking about coming to university but feels unsure on timings or pathways.
I began uni at 22, which a lot of people may think is too late but honestly, it’s not at all! Everyone’s journey is different to the next and it’s so important to remember that. Taking time to figure out what’s best for you, what experiences you to gain and you feel ready for a new chapter of your life, is so important.
During my first year, I lived in student accommodation, which helped to build my confidence massively. This year I chose to move back home, simply to save money (so I can afford to go on more holidays :smile:

. This has created a really positive balance for me - commuting works well and it’s help take a lot of financial pressure off me.
If you’re considering starting uni a bit later or deciding whether to commute or live out, just know there’s no “right” way to do university. And whichever path you choose to go down, it is valid and your experience will be fantastic!
Do you need advice on settling into uni? OR are you looking for answers about studying a foundation degree?
Please feel welcome to pop me a message and I will be sure to do my best in helping you!
Olivia
LJMU Ambassador

Hi there!

This is so nice to hear and I thought id share some things I have done which may not be considered 'normal' in your uni journey but have been good for me to do!

•

Firstly, I started uni at 20 and was very nervous to be older than lots of other people there, but it ended up working out completely fine and I really enjoyed it. If I had made myself go earlier, I know it wouldn't have worked out the way it did for me when I went at 20 so I am very glad I did this.

•

I also stayed in halls for two years! I ended up going back into halls in second year with a few friends I had made and this was a great decision for me as I ended up meeting my best friends by doing this. I know it might seem strange as most people were getting houses but I never regretted it!

•

I didn't join any societies until second year as I was too nervous in first year! A lot of people joined them in first year but I didn't and it all worked out fine for me and I have met some lovely friends.

•

This wasn't me, but two of my friends did a foundation year and were really worried about it, but they said it ended up being the best decision for them and they were so glad!