Starting university is exciting, but it can also be quite overwhelming. Before arriving, many of us have expectations shaped by social media, friends and family. You might worry about making friends, fitting in, or simply finding your way around campus. The first few weeks can feel like information overload, with new faces, unfamiliar buildings and lots of deadlines. But the key thing to remember is that almost everyone is in the same position, and you don’t have to go through it alone!

One of the biggest changes when starting university is getting used to a different teaching style. Most AMBS degree lectures take place in large lecture theatres, whereas seminars are smaller and more interactive. Seminars might give you a high school flashback, and pretending to drink water won’t stop you from being picked to answer a question! Jokes aside, seminars are useful because you get to discuss what you’ve learnt in lectures, apply theories to real-world examples and ask questions.

If you’re studying BSc Management or International Management, you’ll also find that first-year students share several foundational modules, meaning you’ll meet people studying different degrees. I think this is one of the benefits of the course, as it allows you to explore different subjects before choosing your second-year modules. Before starting university, I was convinced I’d be taking marketing modules, but it turns out economics and accounting were more my thing!

Another thing to get used to is the workload. Between seminar readings, assignments, tutorials and revision, time management becomes important. My personal recommendation is to get a physical planner; I find it much more motivating to physically tick off tasks once I’ve completed them! Although university involves a lot more independent learning, you’re not completely on your own. From your first year until graduation, you’ll have an academic adviser, alongside access to the AMBS student support team and careers service.

University isn’t only about studying! It’s also about meeting people and getting involved in things outside the classroom. During Welcome Week, make sure to check out both the University-wide Societies Fair and the AMBS Societies Fair. AMBS has plenty of business-related societies where you can attend CV and interview workshops, employer events and company visits. I’d also recommend joining societies outside your academic interests. Whether it’s a sports team, an international society or a volunteering group, it’s a great way to meet people from different courses. You never know who you’ll end up becoming friends with!

When I first started university, I remember feeling like I was already behind. I’d see other students with perfectly organised notes, lots of extracurricular activities and seemingly everything figured out, while I felt like my own life was a mess. Looking back, I realise that everyone adjusts at their own pace. You’re not going to understand every lecture straight away or master every accounting method overnight. Think of it like starting a business: a company doesn’t become profitable overnight; it takes time to learn from mistakes, improve its processes and become more efficient. University is no different!

Your first semester is only a small part of your university experience, so take your time getting used to everything. My biggest recommendation is to get involved in different events and put yourself out there, even if it feels a little intimidating at first. And if exam season gets particularly stressful, keep an eye out for AMBS puppy therapy sessions and other wellbeing events.

Written by current student Supthi Das

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