Student advice for new first years

Starting university is a big step. It’s exciting but can be daunting. There are lots of new faces, lots of new places to figure your way around, you might be living away from home for the first time, getting to know your course and learning in different ways. 

We asked some of our second-year students what advice they’d give to our new students, to help get you through your first year of this new adventure.

Danielle Williams

University life brings more freedom, but more responsibility, embrace this change and use it as an opportunity to explore new interests. Participate in activities and events to familiarise yourself with the campus and to meet other students, building a network is vital – friendships formed in your first year can lead to lifelong connections that are priceless.

Get organised and look after your finances. Use a planner or digital tools to track deadlines and social events, set yourself a budget and try to stick to it. Look for student discounts and be mindful of your spending.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help as and when you need it, there are plenty of people at the University who can support you.

Louis Hedge

Starting university is undoubtedly one of the biggest and best experience of your life, the jump from school or college is pretty big, right? It’s a whole new way of life, different from anything you will have experience previously.

The iconic Freshers fortnight is where your journey begins, no matter how nervous you are about starting, you need to throw yourself into the experience.  Be friendly, open-mind and be yourself, remember that they are in the same boat as you. When it comes to going out, don’t feel pressured and look after each other, have fun and do the things you enjoy.

Emma Wood

The next few years are going to be what you make of them. Be open and confident – admittedly I was neither of those things when I moved into my flat but, somebody was, and it helped put us all at ease. Spend time with the people you live with and your course mates during Freshers, these will be the most fun two weeks of the year.

Clubbing, staying up until the early hours and doing all the things we couldn’t do at home is fun, but lectures still need to be attended. Trust me, you may think you’re a superhero and can do anything, but it will soon catch up with you!

Don’t forget, plenty of people are in the exact same position as you – you’ll never be alone. Derby has an amazing support system and there’s always someone to talk to.

My parting words – just say yes, as someone with anxiety, I know it’s difficult, but you don’t know what it could lead to.

Josh Araujo Ames

Your course induction is when you will meet your lecturers and course mates. This is a great opportunity to ask about anything you’re unsure of – there are no silly questions, only the ones you keep in your head. The induction is also good for making friends with you course mates. 

Make sure you attend your lectures – every lecture counts. Don’t stress about deadlines and make sure you put 100% into everything you do.

Sam Hargrave

Making the most out of your first few weeks is key. Go out with new flatmates or course mates, join a society or a sports team and meet new people. Don’t worry if certain things aren’t your cup of tea, there’s plenty of time and you will meet people and make friends naturally as you go through your first year. There are lots of people in the same boat.

Just remember, you are going through lots of new experiences, just enjoy it, work hard, and the rest will fall into place.