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It’s going to be ok.
If I could go back and tell my first year self one thing, it would be “it’s going to be ok”. You might feel anxious about being on your own for the first time and taking on higher education. Just know that you are capable of so much more than you think. You also might feel alone and worried you’ll be lonely. Something I’ve noticed in my experience is that there is ALWAYS someone around who is just like you, someone who has similar interests, someone who you can easily connect with from day one. You will find people who you will develop a connection with and potentially a long lasting friendship. It takes a lot of courage to make the decision to go to university, you should be proud of yourself, give yourself credit. And remember… it’s going to be ok <3
Believe in yourself.
Remember to always believe in yourself, nothing will ever be perfect. Prioritise your mental health and take each thing at a time.
Three top tips.
Balancing work with university isn’t always easy so have plans in the event that both get busy. I find planning ahead as best as I can helps me a lot.
Make connections with class members/lecturers to establish an understanding and a way to get a second perspective on ideas.
For me, motivation is striving to get a First or picturing that day when I have a degree to help me progress. It’s also knowing that I have people around me in the same position meaning I am not alone.
Take a break!
Take a break!! It’s so easy to become overwhelmed if you don’t give yourself time away from your computer. Get outside for 15 minutes, listen to some music and get some fresh air. It really does help you to see your work differently when you come back! Mango Loco Monster is always a good shout for long days too. Good luck!!
Reach out.
No matter how hard things are at the time, keep pushing through and don’t stay silent – speak to your friends and family and if this is not an option, reach out to someone else. Don’t give up and try your best! You can do it and it will all be worth it in the end. The feeling of relief will be amazing. Life will throw all kinds of obstacles to get in your way of success, but you can overcome them and reach your goal!!
Practice Gratitude.
Try to find something to be grateful for (however small!) every day. It might be friends, family, pets or a good sunset. When things feel hard or overwhelming, knowing that there are still good things in your life can really help to maintain a perspective on things. And if things ever feel too hard, let someone know. You are not alone and there are lots of people at UoC who can help.
All you can do is try your best.
Your ambitions are valid. Keep aiming for the stars and trying to do the best that you possibly can. A percentage is not representative of who you are, or a measure of what you have achieved.
Effective time management is crucial.
Good time management and planning are a must. So plan your time effectively and include some breaks and time for yourself. What worked for me was every Saturday off from uni work. I spent this time looking after myself and my family. Usually, it included hiking, reading a book unrelated to uni work, binge-watching some tv shows, meeting friends etc. It is crucial to find a balance. Additionally, I encourage you to be honest with your tutors, especially personal tutors; they are very understanding and helpful.
One step at a time.
You are not expected to know everything from Day 1. Take it step by step.
Greetings from the future! Some final words…
Life is a rollercoaster with ups and downs. Remember, every twist and turn is an opportunity for growth. Embrace both success and failure, for they shape you into the person you are meant to become.
Embrace the unknown and be open to new experiences. Adaptability will be your superpower in a rapidly evolving world.
Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you. Remember, it’s the quality, not the quantity, that matters most.
Don’t fear failure; see it as a stepping stone towards success. Learn from your mistakes, adapt your approach, and keep moving forward. Remember, every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Life is too short to play it safe all the time. Step out of your comfort zone, take calculated risks, and dare to dream big.
Believe in your abilities and trust your instincts. You are capable of more than you realise. Have confidence in yourself, and remember that you have the power to create the life you envision.
Above all, remember to be kind to yourself. You will face challenges, make mistakes, and stumble along the way, but know that every experience contributes to your growth. Embrace the journey with an open heart, a curious mind, and a resilient spirit.
Wishing you a future filled with endless possibilities!
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