Things I wish I'd known when I started university by Alison Raby

Hi everyone, please share your ideas around things you wish you'd known when you first started university. Thank you!

araby4 — 2019-03-25 13:36:06 UTC

Four ideas

dbird29 — 2023-04-18 10:25:22 UTC

1) Library resources are very helpful, such as the career services located in the library and sessions on how to write assessments
2) Attend extra sessions available on topics like writing skills
3) Student loans are not enough as income so getting a job earlier to make the most of the experience
4) Do not expect Uni to be easier than A-levels (there is a rumor that it is)

2024-03-21 17:16:01 UTC

Look and use and the module handbook as it has everything you need.

Ideas

2024-03-21 17:18:26 UTC

Learn how to reference early on.

Learn how to use the Library correctly.

Make sure to listen to your tutors (I know it sounds basic).

Attend the lectures and seminars.

Work hard.

Ideas

2024-03-21 17:18:45 UTC

1) Don't buy the textbooks, they are all on Blackboard.

2) Do assessments little and often if you are intimidated.

3) Get to know the referencing style. It will make your life so much easier.

2024-03-22 09:31:40 UTC

Make the most of student discounts!

Join a society!

Make and follow a budget!

2024-03-22 09:32:45 UTC

Once you learn the system (referencing, writing style, reading academic text) it gets easier

Work little and often rather than leaving it all last minute

Socialise and enjoy it

Keep on top of things and work on your personal admin skills (checking emails, doing tasks)

Ideas

2024-03-22 09:34:06 UTC

Start univeristy with an open mind and don’t expect everything to be perfect or how you imagined it when you first start.

Don’t put too much pressure on your-self to meet people. You will find your friends even if it is not straight away.

Make the most of every opportunity even if you don’t know anyone as this could be where you make your friends.

Consider undertaking an internship or having a job at Univeristy as it will help you to settle in and develop transferable skills which will be extremely useful for future employment opportunities.

2024-03-22 09:34:57 UTC

I wish I'd know what's the difference between lectures and seminars.

The skills you learn in the first and second year are actually needed for the third year.

First year grades might not count towards your degree.

Not all grades are going to be perfect, we are all learning.

2024-03-22 09:34:59 UTC

do additional readings along the way help with assignments
go to as many assignment drop ins as possible
become a student ambassador (very easy part time job)

2024-03-22 09:35:20 UTC

Get involved in everything you can for example societies, events and guest talks

2024-03-22 09:36:43 UTC

Join a society, keep on top of the work so it doesn’t become too overwhelming and make the most of it!

- Learn how to be effective at time management

2024-03-22 09:37:17 UTC

2024-03-22 09:37:51 UTC

Don’t be afraid to ask your tutors for help, they always will!
Manage your time well.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself!
Put yourself out there, join a society or attend university events.
Make the most of your 3 years, the time does really fly by!!

2025-01-30 13:33:44 UTC

how much independent study you actually have to do

Do not leave your assignments until last minute! Plan first.

2025-01-30 13:34:19 UTC

2025-01-30 13:34:23 UTC

you'll probably never need to use a physical book from the library

Get help where needed, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

2025-01-30 13:34:46 UTC

2025-01-30 13:35:09 UTC

Get involved in societies and not limit myself to knowing a select group of people, and actually study properly so I could’ve gotten a placement

Plan assignments well in advance as it takes away the burden of rushing towards submitting all assignments at the same time

2025-01-30 13:35:15 UTC

2025-01-30 13:35:43 UTC

Enjoy yourself and plan your time well, you actually have a lot more time than you think. Make good notes in Lectures because it makes assignments so much easier.

Go to taster sessions for societies to see if you like it, and then there’s no harm if you don’t

2025-01-30 13:36:22 UTC

Utilise all of the library resources. There are so many from academic writing, Maths, Mental health and career support

Don’t procrastinate

2025-01-30 13:36:56 UTC

Everyone says this, but start early and you won’t struggle when it comes to extra reading and asking for help near the deadline.

2025-01-30 13:37:10 UTC

Things won’t always go to plan… be prepared and look at change in a positive way

Make an effort to form relationship with lecturers and seminar tutors.

2025-01-30 13:37:13 UTC

2025-01-30 13:38:59 UTC

Work hard, get involved, stay organised, plan ahead

Complete Placement! Will make getting a job after Uni 100x easier

2025-01-30 13:40:05 UTC

2025-01-30 13:40:30 UTC

Keep on track of lectures, it's easy to get left behind. Also to attend most (if not all) lectures to understand assessments better

Ask Questions

2026-02-02 17:30:16 UTC

Ask lots of questions during seminars, this helps lots with assignments!

Make the most of the library

2026-02-02 17:31:13 UTC

2026-02-02 17:31:32 UTC

don’t procrastinate assignments.
plan ahead what year you’re gonna do study abroad, internship, committees/volunteers.
be confident to ask questions and present your thoughts.

2026-02-02 17:31:34 UTC

Having an in person discussion with lecturers/seminar tutors going over assignments feedbacks

Don’t rush assignments

2026-02-02 17:31:45 UTC

Give yourself time to plan and to get feedback on your work instead of rush at the end and do a poor job. The difference between 50/60 and a 70+

2026-02-02 17:32:02 UTC

Use wesbites like sciencedirect, proquest, sage to find great academic journals that can help reports/assignment become much stronger.

May sound like a slightly random one, but build up a sinking fund/savings/an overdraft/credit facility prior to commencing at university, to support funding your studies! Obviously this may be somewhat subjective/debatable, but wonder if others feel this way, too. ID

2026-02-02 17:32:03 UTC

2026-02-02 17:32:17 UTC

plan all assignments before you start them

Advocate for yourself hard

2026-02-02 17:32:58 UTC

That you have to fight for accommodation and accessibility.

Placement is absolutely worth it and should be done

2026-02-02 17:33:30 UTC

Not all core reading is easily available. Search before you’re writing assignments

2026-02-02 17:35:12 UTC

Get on with the Lincoln Award as soon as possible

2026-02-02 17:35:27 UTC

Get on with the Lincoln Award as soon as possible

2026-02-02 17:38:14 UTC