First of all, congratulations! You are about to embark on one of the most exciting (and nerve-wrecking) journeys of your life! I remember packing my things and saying goodbye to my parents and friends, still feeling like it was all a dream. But once I arrived in Manchester and settled into my new accommodation, the fear kicked in: “Am I ready for this?”.

Spoiler: I was, and so are you!

But I won’t lie, there is a jump from school to university. The good news? It’s totally manageable if you give yourself time, patience, and a bit of reassurance – which I am here to help with.

Everyone feels imposter syndrome

One thing I wasn’t expecting was imposter syndrome – that sneaky feeling that everyone is more prepared than you, or that maybe you don’t belong. This hit me during my first seminars, where people spoke so confidently, using big words I’d never heard before. I remember thinking: “Am I the only one struggling to keep up?”. But the truth is most students feel that way, even if they don’t say it.

University is full of people from different backgrounds, with different classes and interests to yours. Remind yourself: you earned your place here. And if you give yourself time, you’ll soon be reading articles just for fun, raising your hand, and using those same “big words” that once left you speechless!

You’re in charge now

In sixth form, your days were probably very structured. You likely had back-to-back classes, with a few free hours, and teachers reminding you of deadlines, following your progress, and maybe even chasing you around school if you didn’t hand something in. At university, things change. Suddenly, you are in charge of how you manage your time, keep up with lectures, and handle deadlines. It definitely feels like freedom — and it is — but it can be tricky at first, and it’s easy fall behind before you even realise it!

The good news? You get to use this freedom to build a system that works for you. Maybe you’re a morning studier, or you concentrate better in a café than in your room or studying with friends… Try things out, experiment, and share techniques with friends. Taking the reins of your learning is one of the most powerful tools you’ll learn at university — and once you find your rhythm, you’ll be amazed at what you’re capable of!

Independent learning doesn’t mean doing it alone

One of the biggest shifts will be how much learning happens outside the classroom. Essays, readings, lecture prep, group work – they all require more initiative than school did. But that doesn’t mean figuring it all out on your own!

Use your resources. Meet up with friends to go over content, go to office hours, ask questions, connect with students who have done your classes – sometimes the best advice come from people just one year ahead.

Final tip: be kind to yourself

This is a big jump. You’re not just learning academic content, you are learning to be independent, to manage your time, to grow as a person. Give yourself patience and space to adapt, celebrate small wins, and remember: no one has it all figured out!

Written by Txell, a BSc International Management student at AMBS

Related