The countdown to university is coming to an end, and it can seem intimidating and scary. But, I am here to give some tips and tricks for this new beginning!
An old friend sent me this photo and told me that it guided her through her first few weeks away from home.
This is exactly what I am going to touch on in this article; the invisible line between comfort and escaping that box you were once in.
Some people (AKA me) like to call it ‘the small-town mentality’.
No matter what age you are when going into first year, this experience is not the same for everyone. The experience itself lies beneath the person who is living it.
Tip 1
‘Be your true, authentic self’
In my opinion, this is the most important one.
This is literally the opportunity to either reinvent yourself or, even better, be a bigger and bolder version of the person you already are.
Throughout your first year of university (if you have decided to move away from home) you will live with multiple people and the kindest thing you can do for both you and them is to allow them to get to know the real you.
Most of the time, previous spaces such as high school can put you into a square box, so take this opportunity look at university as a chance to fit into any shape you like.
Try your best to forget about previous judgements, take a deep breath and realise that this new world is your oyster.
Tip 2
‘You are not alone’
This is probably the most comforting fact about starting university.
Every single person you meet is going through the same new feelings, expectations and experiences.
It can sound cliché and obvious to put it in this way, but it is a fact that you must accept and allow it to comfort you.
Just because someone looks as if they are fitting in better than you doesn’t necessarily mean they are.
Take care of your own mental health during this transition and ensure that you have people that you can express your feelings with.
Tip 3
‘Do not take it too seriously’
This may be a controversial one but, to me, the first year of university is all about finding your feet.
Trust me – you will have time to be serious come third year, I’ll tell you that for sure.
Let your hair down, give yourself plenty of space and time to breathe, and have as much fun as possible.
Try not to miss out on plans or meeting new people because of an assignment that is due in a few weeks.
Allocate time and find a healthy balance between your workload and enjoying yourself.
Balance will be your best friend during this life change.
More tips from university students
Aimee Rodgers: “The biggest lesson you learn at university is not the stuff you learn in the classroom, but the life lessons you learn.”
Grace Rodgers: “Age does not matter, there is always time to try again.”
Hannah Nolan: “Have fun! You will never get this time back again. Make the most of it.”
Marli Mullen: “Join a club! Meet all the best people.”
Lewis Dand: “Put yourself out there and make friends with lots of people.”
Alexandra Kerr: “As someone who moved three hours from home, don’t be afraid to speak to and have fun with your flatmates. They can end up being the best people you’ll meet.”
Amy Lamont: “Do not feel any pressure to live wild and crazy every night just because everyone else is.”
Kerri Allen: “Go alone.”
Éireann Ireland: “DO not fall victim to a situationship.”
