Advice for new students
News
BSU Welcome Week 2024: Staff offer advice to students as they start university
Friday, 27 September, 2024Starting university is exciting, but it can also feel daunting. For new students, it may seem like there’s so much to learn and figure out that it’s impossible to know where to start. Luckily, the BSU community is more than happy to lend a hand.
Staff recently stepped back in time to when they were at university to offer advice to their younger selves – and they had plenty of sage advice to share.
A recurring theme centred around taking advantage of clubs, societies and other social activities.
“One thing I wish I’d known back then: That I could have made much more of my time at the University itself. I could have been more involved in student activity and societies. I could have chosen more adventurous open modules to expand my learning!”
Lucy Sweetman, Reader in Teaching and Learning and Course Leader for BA Creative Writing
“I would tell myself to not be so afraid when things go wrong, and to not be scared to try out new hobbies and meet new people; it's the best part about going to university!”
Alice Fortt, Marketing Officer
“I would say be yourself, make the most out of every opportunity and get involved in more clubs and societies!”
Laura Johnston, Senior Schools and Colleges Engagement Officer
Others offered more practical advice mixed in among the wisdom:
“Pyrex plates save washing up as they can go in the oven, eat corn on the cob, drink plenty of water and don't cut your own fringe.”
Professor Georgina Andrews, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost
“You’ll never have a better opportunity to try things and make mistakes (it’s OK if you mess up sometimes, really) and figure out who you are and what you’re into, so embrace it! Don’t mix your drinks. Also, Papa John’s does the best vegan pizza.”
Amethyst Biggs, Communications and Brand Development Coordinator
Staff also wanted new students to know that it often takes a bit of time for things to fall into place – and that’s perfectly OK.
“Picture what you want to achieve and take one small step each day towards achieving that goal. Don't worry, everybody else is winging it too, even though they look like they know what they are doing! And drink more water.”
Lucy Stone, Head of Communications and Brand Development
“Based on over two decades of experience here at BSU, I would suggest that you give yourself time to find your feet both in terms of the course and your friends... it might not all automatically fall in to place on the first day, but it will by the end of the first semester, and it will be a fun journey along the way.”
Dr Rebecca Feasey, Subject Leader in Media and Critical Studies
And finally, perhaps the best advice, from BSU Vice-Chancellor Sue Rigby, is also the simplest:
“My advice: make friends, have fun and believe in yourself – you are amazing.”
Professor Sue Rigby, Vice-Chancellor
