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You’ve made it through sixth form, and now you’re gearing up to jump into the big leagues – university! But hold on, because this transition isn’t just about trading in your school uniform for a hoodie and sweatpants. It’s a whole new ballgame, and in this blog post, we’re going to break down what’s in store as you make the leap from sixth form college to university.
1. Study Switch-Up
First things first – get ready for a change in the way you study. You might already have a trusted study routine from Sixth Form but be prepared to switch things up as you’ll have to do more independent studying and thinking. Your lecturers won’t force you to attend classes and do work, so get ready to take accountability of your time… Starting with Time management! This is a key to not falling behind, and if you haven’t mastered it yet, well, it’s time. Plan your days, tackle assignments early, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you’re stuck.
The above picture is taken in one of our libraries that has no books (just computers), called the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons (AGLC) – or more commonly known as, the Ali G!
This is building number 63 on the campus map.
2. Independence
Remember all those things your parents did for you? Yeah, you’re in charge of those now. Welcome to adulting! From doing laundry to cooking a meal that doesn’t involve a microwave, you’ve got to step up. Budgeting becomes your secret weapon because money doesn’t grow on trees (unfortunately). Learn to balance your spending, pay your bills, and maybe even save a bit for those inevitable rainy days.
On the note of saving money, look out for a future blog post on part-time jobs while at university. In that post, you will find out how the university’s careers service can help you gain work experience through our dedicated platform, careers connect.
3. Making Friends
No more seeing the same faces you’ve known since forever. University is like a buffet of people from all walks of life. You’ve got to put yourself out there if you want to make friends. Join societies (there’s over 400!), attend events, and don’t be shy to strike up conversations with strangers. Your dorm mate could end up being your soulmate (in a platonic sense), and that random person from your psychology class might just become your best mate.
4. Moving out of home
Living away from home? Get ready for a rollercoaster. You’re the captain now, steering your ship through grocery shopping, keeping your room decent, and maybe even fixing a leaky faucet. It’s not all bad – you’ll learn how to fend for yourself and gain a new sense of freedom. Just remember to call home once in a while so your loved ones don’t think you’ve gotten lost in the abyss that is university.
5. Feeling All the Feels
Let’s be real, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Leaving behind your familiar sixth form bubble can be tough. You might feel homesick, stressed, or even a bit lost. That’s absolutely normal. Universities have got your back with counselling services and support groups. And don’t forget, a call to your family & friends from back home can work wonders when you’re feeling a bit down.
Conclusion
Going from sixth form to university is like levelling up in a video game. It’s a mix of excitement, challenges, and a whole lot of growth. Embrace the freedom, embrace the change, and remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Take it step by step, don’t be afraid to stumble, and enjoy the ride. The transition might be a bit bumpy, but trust me, the adventures that await in university are totally worth it!
Finally, a huge welcome to The University of Manchester. We hope you’re excited to be in a place that will be your home for the next couple of years and we look forward to meeting you during Welcome Week.
Masnuna Chowdhury, second year actuarial science and mathematics student at UoM and SALC Student Experience Intern
