Starting university is an exhilarating journey. It is an exciting step forward to starting a new chapter in your life, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges and uncertainties. Reflecting on my journey as a first-year student, I would like to share some practical insights that I hope can give a helping hand to prospective students.

Time Management is Crucial for Success – For many students, independence is one thing that comes with starting university, which can be scary and exciting at the same time. This means that you are responsible for doing your work on time and no one is chasing you to study or complete the work. It is helpful to create a plan in order to manage your time effectively and not complete assignments at the last minute. Moreover, while socialising and participating in extracurricular activities is necessary, maintaining a balance with your academic obligations is also critical. Prioritise your academics and set appropriate limits to ensure that social activities do not interfere with your academic progress. Learning to manage your time properly and practising self-discipline are vital skills that will benefit you throughout your university career.

Socialising and Meeting New People – Joining societies and sport teams based on your interests is a great way to make friends at university, especially ones that might share your hobbies and passions. There are many events organised by societies, the Student Union and ResLife so there are ample opportunities to meet new people and foster connections. It is important to be confident in stepping out of your comfort zone and striking conversations randomly as everyone is in the same boat and eager to make friends. For international students, there is a big chance that there is a society dedicated to your country, so going to their events will allow you to feel closer to home.

It is OK to ask for help – Adjusting to university can be difficult, so if you are struggling with coursework, your mental health or university life in general, do not be afraid to ask for help. Universities have a wide range of resources, including academic support centres, counselling services, and career guidance. If you are struggling academically, emotionally, or personally, contact your personal tutor, peer mentor or student services. Additionally, going to office hours provides an opportunity to receive personalised assistance from professors, which can help if you are struggling academically. Questions about coursework, seeking clarification on topics you did not understand or getting feedback can be done during the meetings.

Written by Ishita, current BSc ITMB student at AMBS

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