Student Q&A: Exploring the first term at university
The first term at university can feel like a whirlwind - so many things to learn, new places to explore and people to meet. For first-year students - especially those who find themselves as the first in the family to attend university, or without the same support network as their peers - this can be a challenging time. It’s so important for students to have the correct support in this transition to set them up for success.
For some students, university can feel like a home away from home, but for others, getting used to a new place can be a fairly daunting experience. To get some first-hand advice, we spoke to Alicia-Simone, current first-year student at the University of Oxford and on The Bridging Project’s coaching programme, about how she felt about starting university and what advice she would give to fellow first-year students.
Autumnal trees at the University of Oxford
So, Alicia-Simone, cast your mind back to the night before you started university. How did you feel?
Alicia-Simone: Funnily enough, it didn’t actually feel real that night - I remember trying to convince myself that I would really be leaving the next day. It was on the car journey that I messaged my friends saying how terrified I was! I never finished the message, and next time I saw the draft I was so busy having fun that it was funny to think I had ever written it.
That’s great to hear! Now, fast forward to when you arrived at university. How did you feel then?
Alicia-Simone: I was terrified! All the older students helping us move in were lovely, but I felt like it was only because they had a job to do, and I had no idea how I’d make friends when they left.
When did you start to settle in and feel more comfortable?
Alicia-Simone: When I went to dinner with my college father and his friends, seeing them make jokes and feeling welcome to join in really gave me hope that I’d find my people at Oxford. I wouldn’t say I’ve yet reached ‘home’ levels of comfortable – I’m still on that journey – but I’ve made friends that I can reach out to whenever I’m feeling lonely.
“Talk to people! Feeling like I was behind in many things – making friends, learning lecture content – was really weighing on me, but talking to other students made a huge difference. ”
What did you find the most daunting about starting university? What helped you to overcome this?
Alicia-Simone: Before I even mention the problem, I’ll say this- talk to people! Feeling like I was behind in many things – making friends, learning lecture content – was really weighing on me, but talking to other students made a huge difference. Third-year students would tell me that reviewing content was a thing you only really have time for in the holidays, or other freshers would say they didn’t feel like they had made best friends yet, either... I never actually went to these people to ask their opinion, they came to me. But if I had, I wouldn’t have suffered in silence for so long!
Now, looking back, what was your biggest achievement in the first month at university?
Alicia-Simone: A lot of my essays have left something to be desired – a disease I didn’t research enough, a diagram I should’ve included. And tutorials are really challenging! But I’m really proud of myself for doing ok, work-wise, without burning out this far into term. I’m proud that I’ve managed to keep up my long-term motivation to improve my work while still making time for me.
That’s a really great achievement. What surprised you the most about your first month at university?
Alicia-Simone: How comfortable it was! It’s been stressful without a doubt, but having people to share that with, and laugh with, and look forward to seeing has really shocked me. I thought I’d struggle so much with that and despite my moments of worry that I’m not interesting enough, or not meeting enough people... I’m really happy here!
What are you most looking forward to about the rest of the first term?
Alicia-Simone: Friends! I’ve made some fab ones, and I’m looking forward to making more. People here are lovely, so don’t ever let that put you off applying. I’ve done all sorts of things I’d never have expected, like rowing (I can’t swim, and was terrible at it) and ballroom dancing (I have two left feet). I loved all of it, and look forward to surprising myself again.
That’s fantastic! It’s great to hear that you’ve been pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. What’s your biggest goal for your first term of university?
Alicia-Simone: I want to fine-tune the work-life balance I’ve got going. Procrastination is still my biggest enemy, but coaching is really helping with that, as well as trying to be more accepting of when things don’t go well. Sometimes they don’t - and what I do after that is most important.
“Be patient with yourself. Overloading yourself is really easy (and really common), so even if you don’t think you are, have an honest conversation with yourself about what’s really important to you.”
That’s a great goal. What’s the best thing you’ve learned so far at university?
Alicia-Simone: That I can be hard on myself sometimes, but I’m doing so much better than I think, and I’m definitely not alone!
You’re definitely not, it’s fantastic that you’ve recognised that. So, lastly, what’s the biggest piece of advice that you’d give a fellow student who has also just started university?
Alicia-Simone: Be patient with yourself. Overloading yourself is really easy (and really common), so even if you don’t think you are, have an honest conversation with yourself about what’s really important to you. It’s not easy, and I still haven’t got the hang of it yet, but asking someone you trust for help with it is one of the best things you can do.
Thank you so much for answering our questions, Alicia-Simone!
We hope this provides a bit of reassurance and comfort to other first-year students, or even second- and third-year students, who might be feeling the same way. We’re proud to be able to support so many students on this journey through our coaching programme, helping to set goals, work through concerns and put plans in place for overcoming challenges.
We’ve summarised Alicia-Simone’s advice into this handy list, for those who need it:
Talk to people - remember that there is always someone you can ask for advice, rather than worrying in silence.
Be patient with yourself - some things take time, and that’s ok!
Celebrate the small wins - made it to your lectures? Met your first deadlines? Be proud of yourself, it’s a really great start.
Build connections - this might feel challenging at the start, but building connections with people and figuring out who you can lean on is important, especially when navigating your first term.
Remember that you’re not alone - everyone is going through the same emotions, worries, concerns, low points and high points as you!
Talk to people, be patient with yourself, celebrate the small wins, build connections, you’re not alone.
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