Blog by Martha C
Everyone struggles at least a bit in first year, no matter how much fun it seems like your peers are having! Here are a few pointers on how to enjoy and settle yourself into university life, without also getting overwhelmed by your course and a new independent style of learning.
Attend as many of your classes as possible
Although lectures are often recorded and you can get information about a missed tutorial from friends or your tutor, I found that it was much better going to as many as possible in person. Not only is it easier to engage in your course, but I really benefitted from getting another opportunity to socialise. I found this especially positive during the winter months where it can be a struggle to get up in the mornings, but worth it when you get to chat with coursemates. Also, the weekly workload in first year is manageable, but can quickly become overwhelming if you have to catch up on lots of lectures or readings.
Don’t rely too much on your flatmates or put pressure on being friends with them
It’s easy to become close with those you are living with, as they quickly become familiar faces in a new and unsettling environment. However, it’s healthy to also have friends from other places such as societies and your course, as it can quickly become intense being with the same people all the time!
Equally, it’s helpful not to come to university having an idealistic expectation that your flatmates will be your lifelong friends from day one, as in reality you will make friends in so many other ways too. I still can’t believe the random ways I ended up meeting some of my best friends, such as in a lift on the way to an event in fresher’s week, or getting lost trying to find a lecture hall together.
Don’t feel the need to do everything straight away
You have four years at university, and although this does go by fast, you don’t need to rush to do everything straight away. I really want to see more of Scotland at some point, such as the Highlands, but I’m not worried that I didn’t get chance to do this during my first year. I do however want to do it before I turn 22 and my free bus pass runs out!
Find things to do which aren’t university-related
Whether this be having a job or making yourself go on weekly walks, it’s really healthy to have something to do where you aren’t thinking about university. Living in student accommodation means you are constantly in a university bubble, as even when your day of classes ends you go home to other university students. I found it refreshing to go to work and mix with a whole new group of people, or go on walks to areas such as Stockbridge where there are no links to university.
