Jade Brown started her degree in the midst of a global pandemic. Here she shares ways to make the most out of your first year at university…
🛥Get ready to make new friends: Everyone is in the same boat
- I missed immensely the face-to-face interaction with other students and lecturers. It’s hard to comment on the traditional first-year experience at university, as we had new barriers to confront when it came to making friends and meeting new people. The virtual and digital world took over. Here are some suggestions to put yourself out there:
- Connect with students over social media (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook etc)
- Strike up a conversation and move out of your comfort zone
- Sign up to societies
- Join online groups for freshers
🏋️♀️Take advantage of opportunities
- Are you a sports enthusiast? Love theatre and drama? Or eager to volunteer? Check out what your University has to offer. Moving to university opens up many opportunities and experiences. You don’t have to grab hold of every opportunity that comes your way, doors will open, and some will close. But put yourself out there and gain invaluable experience that will allow you to grow and flourish.
🌟 Believe in yourself
- I’m still learning to believe in myself, but it is a vital element that will allow you to blossom. You have got this far, and you can do it. Setbacks and failure are inevitable, learning to change your mindset will show you that there are no such things as mistakes, only opportunities to learn and improve.
🌸 Stay true to yourself
- This goes for every student but is aimed at those that may be more introverted. It’s important to know your limits. The first few weeks of university are very overwhelming, trying to settle in, combating homesickness and trying to make new friends. Don’t force yourself or feel pressured to do absolutely everything, but equally don’t hide away. I assure you there will be many students feeling exactly the same.
- Reach out to your professors, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
- Don’t forget to take advantage of student discounts (Unidays, student bean etc)
- Practice self-care
Try to be yourself!
Jade Brown is a BSC Psychology Student, blogging her way through her degree. Follow @Psych_with_Jade on Instagram.