What I wish someone had told me before starting University
Starting university is a big mix of excitement, nerves, and about a hundred searches of ‘what to pack’ and ‘university move in vlog’ on TikTok and YouTube. Looking back now, there are definitely a few things I wish someone had told me before I started my journey at York St John — so here’s my little list of things that surprised me, advice I now have to share as a 3rd year, and tips I hope will help someone starting out.
What surprised me:
Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so at home so quickly. From the lecturers knowing your name, to how friendly everyone is on campus, York St John has a real community vibe. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea coming to a uni on the smaller side, but I actually quite enjoy the fact that you’re gonna run into people you’ve met on nights out or in societies! It feels a lot more comfortable and can really put you at ease especially if you’re nervous about being away from home for the first time!
Advice to my past self:
You don’t have to know everything on day one:
Everyone’s pretending to have it together. It’s okay if you don’t. Ask questions, talk to your tutors, and give yourself time to settle in. Seeing everyone else posting these millions of pics on social media can have you feeling a bit behind or like you’re not ‘doing uni right’. Trust me, they are not thriving as much as it seems, everyone has those wobbles and nerves! It’s normal! I remember sitting on my bed on my first week having my ‘mouse eating cheese alone’ moment because I’d built up my expectations too high and my flatmates didn’t become my instant best friends like I’d thought. But here I am, 3 years down the line and so grateful for every friend I’ve made and every bit of my time at uni! When I stopped comparing my journey to others I found myself enjoying my life even more.
Go to the events, even if you’re nervous:
Some of the best friends I’ve made were from random socials I nearly skipped. Say yes (even if you only stay for half an hour). If past Amy hadn’t forced herself to be confident and message the badminton group chat asking if anyone was having pres before the first social, and if I hadn’t gone to pres at a random house, I wouldn’t have one of my best friends to this day!
Confidence is a mindset:
This is similar to the last point, but you need to have the ‘what have I got to loose’ mindset! Message people, pop up to their stories, like their Instagrams, ask to meet for coffee! I met another one of my best friends asking her to walk to uni with me everyday! She then asked me to go for a Wagamama’s and we’ve since spoken everyday and even studied in Norway together! Take this as your sign to be the one to reach out! Chances are they’re also sat there too nervous to do it!
Budgeting is a skill, not a talent:
You’re not bad at money, you just need a plan. Track it, make packed lunches sometimes, and don’t let the overdraft be your friend. In fact, unless you are secure in the knowledge you will be able to pay it back, don’t even give yourself access to an overdraft! It’s very easy to get carried away and suddenly find yourself -£2000! Just give yourself a weekly budget into your account, if you run out, you run out!
How to make the most of your time:
Explore the city. York is gorgeous. The walls, the markets, the river walks. Use that student discount and grab a coffee in a new spot every now and then.You’re spoilt for choice with independent coffee shops in York—make the most of it by going on weekdays when it’s less busy! When else will you be just a short walk away from one of the most beautiful historic cities in England? Enjoy it whilst you can! Stop the bed rotting and take yourself on a walk round the charity shops, go ride a boat down the river, get a student discount meal out or ask a friend for a last minute pub date!
Use the uni support services. Whether it’s wellbeing, careers, or study advice, they’re honestly lovely, and super helpful. I’ve personally had meeting about kick starting businesses, academic advice when I didn’t know how to use my feedback, advice on volunteering and fundraising and advice on studying abroad! I made full use of the support services and I suggest you do too!
Don’t panic over your first grades. You’re learning how uni works. Your first feedback is not your future. Use it to grow, not to doubt yourself. Writing gets easier as you go, you’ll get the hang of it, and if not, make use of academic advisors in the library and book a meeting!
Looking back, I’ve grown so much, not just academically, but personally. So if you’re about to start at York St John, take a deep breath. You’re going to be okay. York is an amazing city with so much to offer, you’ll have the best time!
You’ve got this,
Love,
Amy
To find out more information about our support services check out our webpage and read Ellie’s blog on her experience with YSJ services.
