Ten Things I wish I Knew Before Starting Uni

About the author: My name is Sophie Layton, and I’m an MA International Public & Political Communication and BSc Biology graduate from the University of Sheffield. I am currently the Managing Editor of WILD Magazine, Editor of Ed Fringe Review, and Newsletter Editor for the Essex International Jamboree, as well as former Arts & Theatre Editor of Forge Press. I am also the Digital Media Officer for the Student Publication Association. I am a keen thespian with the Sheffield University Theatre Company, with interests in culture, LGBTQ+ issues and political science.

No matter how much planning and preparation you do, there is so much about university that simply must be seen to be believed. With it being such a personally unique experience, how could you possibly have all of your questions answered before you arrive? Here are ten things I wish I knew before arriving at university that may have improved my experience!

Everyone’s in the same boat! 🚣

You may think that everything you’re worrying about is just you; that everyone has it worked out already and you’ll be left lagging behind. In reality, none of us knew what we were doing when we arrived! Every worry you have will be felt by hundreds of other Freshers all around you (and it can be a great way to break the ice!).

Your degree is not everything 🎓

Did your degree bring you to university? Yes. Is your degree what you want your career to be? Maybe. Is your degree your entire life? Absolutely not! There is so much more to university life than studying, and there’s lots more you can be getting involved with! So once you’ve done a little bit of work, why not get out and…

Join a society 🌟

Societies are truly the heart and soul of any university experience, yet thousands of students still don’t get involved! It’s a great way to find people with a mutual common interest, or even just to try something new. With hundreds of options, why not try something new in your first few weeks? And if you don’t like it, try another one! It wasn’t until the final year of my undergraduate programme that I truly got stuck in with societies, and I wish I had much earlier!

If you want more tips on this, check out my guide to getting involved with uni societies.

Free time, me time 🧘

Many students are surprised at just how much free time they end up having. Particularly in first year, you might find yourself with less contact hours than you may have thought. So if you find yourself with an emptier timetable than you had imagined, why not get a few things lined up for your free morning or afternoon?

Not knowing is okay 🤷

You may find that your new neighbours have their careers, lives and everything in between already planned out. Not in the same boat? That’s fine! University is a perfect few years to figure it out, and even if you get to the end and don’t know, there’s still so much to be getting up to. Don’t worry if it feels like everyone has their lives planned out — most of us still don’t!

Shot! Shot! Shot! (or not!) 🪩

Drinking culture is huge at universities, but there’s a large cohort of non-drinkers and sober activities out there too! For all my lightweights, non-drinkers, and those who don’t find the club night that appealing, don’t worry — there’s plenty for you as well!

FOMO to JOMO 🫶

University life is much different to anything you have ever felt before, and burnout is very real! With so much happening, it’s completely okay to miss some things. You don’t have to go to every single event, and sometimes, it can be nice to take a night for you and miss the odd thing. The Joy of Missing Out is as real as the Fear of Missing Out can be.

It’s not goodbye 🙅

Parting with your friends is always difficult, but just because you’re beginning a new chapter doesn't mean the characters we’ve already met have had their time; your friends from home will still be there when you come back, and think of all the stories you’ll have to catch each other up on!

Good friends take time ⏳

There are thousands of new people descending on your university city, so don’t worry if you don’t find your crowd right away. Whether it’s days, weeks, months or maybe a year, I can guarantee they will be there (I didn’t find my absolute perfect crowd until third year!). But rest assured, when you do…

You’re about to meet the best people in the world 🌍

Whether from Sussex, Scotland or Salt Lake City, get ready to find your forever friends, and people who will change your life!

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.