Starting from Foundation Year
Starting university from a foundation year for my Biomedical Science degree wasn’t what I originally planned nor wanted, however looking back at it, it was exactly what I needed.
At the time, it felt like a chore and doing a foundation year made me constantly feel behind. The way I looked at it was through the lens that everyone else had already figured things out while I was just trying to catch up. But the foundation year gave me 2 valuable things: it gave me confidence and a head start. 1st year was a breeze for me because my foundation year eased me into university-style learning and independent study became my responsibility.
I learnt quickly that just reading notes wasn’t enough. What actually worked was active recall by testing myself, making flashcards, and forcing my brain to retrieve information. Lab prep was another game changer. I went into practical’s already understanding how to use the equipment and that the theory made everything less overwhelming and honestly more enjoyable.
First year still had its challenges but it felt different as I wasn’t starting from scratch. I had already built a foundation (sneaky pun 😊) both academically and mentally that helped me approach things with more confidence.
Fast forward, now as a final-year Biomedical Science student I can see how much I have grown clearly. I have become more independent and more resilient. My writing skills have massively improved because during my foundation year I had many assignments that required me to write scientifically and those experiences have been invaluable especially now, as I work on my dissertation.
If you’re starting from a foundation year or feel like you’re behind trying to catch up, please know this: you’re not behind you’re building a strong base to help you navigate university and that matters more than rushing ahead. Everyone’s timeline is different, but what matters most is that you keep going.
Are you doing your foundation year or are you thinking about doing one?
Fatima (Student Rep)
At the time, it felt like a chore and doing a foundation year made me constantly feel behind. The way I looked at it was through the lens that everyone else had already figured things out while I was just trying to catch up. But the foundation year gave me 2 valuable things: it gave me confidence and a head start. 1st year was a breeze for me because my foundation year eased me into university-style learning and independent study became my responsibility.
I learnt quickly that just reading notes wasn’t enough. What actually worked was active recall by testing myself, making flashcards, and forcing my brain to retrieve information. Lab prep was another game changer. I went into practical’s already understanding how to use the equipment and that the theory made everything less overwhelming and honestly more enjoyable.
First year still had its challenges but it felt different as I wasn’t starting from scratch. I had already built a foundation (sneaky pun 😊) both academically and mentally that helped me approach things with more confidence.
Fast forward, now as a final-year Biomedical Science student I can see how much I have grown clearly. I have become more independent and more resilient. My writing skills have massively improved because during my foundation year I had many assignments that required me to write scientifically and those experiences have been invaluable especially now, as I work on my dissertation.
If you’re starting from a foundation year or feel like you’re behind trying to catch up, please know this: you’re not behind you’re building a strong base to help you navigate university and that matters more than rushing ahead. Everyone’s timeline is different, but what matters most is that you keep going.
Are you doing your foundation year or are you thinking about doing one?
Fatima (Student Rep)
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