Starting A New Year
Starting a new chapter in your life can lead to a mixture of feelings. Excitement, stress, worry, happiness, they can all hit you at once or different times. When I first started I was so excited and nervous all at once, I had no idea how the teaching would be, what the course would be like once I started it and if I’d make any friends.
However one of the first things to remember is that a lot of the fear and anxiety is irrational. It’s entirely normal to be scared of a new place, and basically every other Fresher is almost guaranteed to feel the same! Going to University is such a huge change; it changes your friendship groups, could mean moving to a different city and living alone for the first time, and also be a different method of teaching that you may not be used to yet. There are so many changes related with going to university and yes, it is scary at first, but once you’re there and settled I promise it does get easier.
One of the most intimidating parts is the fear of not knowing anyone, and being alone throughout this new year. However as scary as this is, it’s so important to realise that most people feel the same, and getting to know people is actually a lot easier since everyone else is just as nervous.
The difference in work can also be a challenge, depending on your course it can be an entirely different way of teaching compared to other levels of education. Some people have seminars in the huge theatre rooms that are the stereotypical representation of university rooms. Others have small lessons, and some have hands on work such as doing experiments or going out and talking to people. This can be hard to adjust to, but as long as you remember to keep calm.
University is not only scary but one of the most uniquely wonderful experiences you can go through. Keep your head up and persevere with it and hopefully all your worries and fears will pay off. My confidence has also improved significantly throughout my time here, I feel more like the person I’ve always hoped to be now, which has always been important.
If you’re starting university this year and you’re worried about what it’s like, then I can tell you this. Most of the worry you’re feeling is natural and completely expected in your first year. It honestly does get easier, and the worries you have start to ease off until you eventually forget why you were worried in the first place.
Make the most of every experience and it will quickly become less scary. Most importantly be happy, and be the best you can be.
