Starting university feels like stepping into a new world. When I first arrived at the University of Manchester, I felt both excited and nervous. Like many students, I thought everyone else had their life perfectly organised. I worried that making friends would be hard and that I needed to have all the answers from the start. Looking back, I see that much of that anxiety was unnecessary. Here are a few things I wish I had known before starting my degree.

Forming Friendships Is Easier Than It Seems

Before arriving in Manchester, I was anxious about making friends. I pictured myself wandering around campus alone, unsure how to begin conversations. In reality, making connections was much simpler than I expected. Most students are in the same boat, eager to meet new people and build friendships. Whether it’s through casual chats in lectures, joining clubs or attending campus events, there are plenty of chances to meet others. Many of my first interactions, sometimes just a quick hello, turned into lasting friendships that have been invaluable during my degree.

Support Is Always Available

University can feel overwhelming, especially in the first few weeks. There is a lot of new information to take in, deadlines to meet and academic pressures to deal with. One thing I wish I had understood earlier is that support is always available. At Manchester, students can access personal tutors, wellbeing services, academic advisors and peer mentoring. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a practical and often necessary step to succeed.

Feeling Lost Is Normal

It’s easy to think everyone else has their life perfectly planned, but most students feel uncertain. Everyone is learning, whether that is navigating module choices, managing workloads and adjusting to life in a new city. Recognising this early can be comforting. University is not about competing with others but about focusing on personal growth and development in a supportive setting.

The Importance of Independence

University encourages independence in ways that are both challenging and rewarding. Living away from home, managing time well, making academic choices and taking care of one’s wellbeing can feel overwhelming at first. However, these experiences build confidence and self-reliance. Embracing independence allows students to fully enjoy both the academic and social opportunities university life provides. Looking back, starting my degree at the University of Manchester was much less intimidating than I thought. The friendships I’ve made, the support I’ve received and the personal growth I’ve gone through have made this journey incredibly rewarding. If I could give one piece of advice to my pre-university self, it would be this: trust yourself, embrace new experiences and remember that nearly everyone is facing similar challenges. University may feel daunting at first, but it is ultimately a place to learn, grow and thrive.

Most of All, Enjoy It

Perhaps the most important thing I wish I had known is to enjoy the experience. University is intense, challenging and sometimes stressful, but it is also an amazing opportunity to explore, learn and grow. The years fly by and it’s easy to get caught up in worries about exams, deadlines and the future. Taking time to enjoy the city, create memories with friends and try new things is just as crucial as academic success. Remember, it won’t last forever, so make the most of it!

Written by Grace, a current BA Geography with Placement student in SEED. 

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