1. Everyone’s figuring it out

You’ll look around in Freshers’ Week and think everyone else already has their “uni life” sorted. Best friends made, societies chosen, timetables under control. Truth is, most of them feel just as lost as you do. The icebreaker chats in the kitchen or queueing for your student ID are where the real connections start. Don’t waste time comparing yourself, just lean into the fact that you’re all in the same boat.

2. Your course is important, but not everything

Yes, you came here for a degree, and it matters. But your time at university won’t just be defined by lectures and deadlines. Some of your best growth will come from the moments outside the classroom: learning how to live independently, making friends from across the world, or saying yes to opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. Don’t feel guilty about enjoying life beyond your textbooks.

3. Societies are where memories are made

Join the netball team, try a Ju Jitsu class, or sign up for the drama society even if you’ve never acted before. Societies aren’t just about hobbies but finding community. You’ll meet people who share your passions and others who introduce you to something completely new. Even if the first society you join doesn’t click, don’t be afraid to try again. Some of my closest friends came from a random Wednesday society meeting I nearly didn’t attend.

4. Independence is a learning curve

Living away from home means figuring out a lot of small but important things, like how to cook something more than pasta, budgeting, and do your laundry without shrinking your clothes. It feels overwhelming at first, but those skills build quickly. Give yourself space to make mistakes (yes, burning your first stir-fry is normal), because each one makes you more confident.

5. Part-time jobs help ease the money worries 💸

University can get expensive quickly… Picking up a part-time job is a great way to top up your budget while gaining extra independence. Whether it’s weekend shifts in a café, helping at events, or tutoring, those extra hours of work can make life a lot less stressful when your budget starts to run low. Plus, you’ll gain useful skills and experience that employers value after graduation.

If you want something flexible that works around your studies, you could even apply to become a GoBritanya Student Ambassador, earning money while working hours that fit within your schedule.

6. Nights out aren’t compulsory

Yes, student nightlife is a big part of the culture, but it’s not the only way to connect with people! If clubbing isn’t your thing, suggest a movie night in the flat, a coffee shop catch-up, or a day trip with your new flatmates. The best memories don’t always come from 2am dance floors, sometimes they come from laughing in the kitchen while cooking dinner together.

7. Say yes to opportunities

You’ll be surprised at how many doors open at university such as guest lectures, volunteering projects, career fairs, or even just a random society trip. Saying yes (within reason) helps you discover new skills, meet people outside your course, and build a network that could help you long after graduation. You don’t need to do everything, but don’t let fear or shyness hold you back from trying.

8. Homesickness is normal and temporary

No matter how excited you are to start university, there will be moments when you miss home, your family, or even just your local café. That’s completely normal. Instead of bottling it up, find small comforts: cooking your comfort meal, FaceTime a friend, or decorating your room with familiar things. Over time, your university city will start to feel like a second home too.

9. Finding your people takes time

Don’t stress if you don’t find your “forever friends” during the first week. Some of the people you click with early on may not be in your life by second year, and that’s okay! The friends who stick will come with time. Be patient, be open, and don’t force connections. The best friendships often start in the most unexpected ways, like bonding over burnt toast in the shared kitchen.

10. You’re about to meet incredible people

From flatmates to classmates, society pals to chance encounters in the library, uni is full of people who will inspire you, support you, and challenge you. Some will become lifelong friends, others will just brighten a chapter of your story, but each one will shape your experience. Lean into those connections. They’re what make the chaos and the learning curves worthwhile.