Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Started University

Recalling the emotions I experienced before starting university, I would say it was a mix of nervousness and uncertainty about whether I was prepared to start a new chapter in my life. To be honest, I don’t think you can ever be fully prepared!

If I had to give the younger me advice on what to know before starting university, I would say to be as open-minded as possible when it comes to meeting new people, trying new things, and exploring different opportunities. Starting a new chapter with a fresh mind gives you the freedom to experience new things; a great example of this would be joining clubs and volunteering as soon as possible. When I first started university, I joined a bunch of clubs but rarely attended the inductions, which I regret. I did, however, stick with the events club that pulled me into volunteering opportunities, which to this day was one of my best decisions. Volunteering opened a completely new world for me in terms of responsibility, experience, and understanding my strengths and weaknesses. I was able to work myself up the ladder in recognition through volunteering and gained an internship within the university, which is why I would always recommend exploring and putting effort into extracurriculars. It teaches you things a classroom is unable to.

On the same basis, I wish I’d known the importance of talking to people. The more I had to pull myself out of my introverted and socially anxious bubble, the more I was able to meet different people and get over the fear of initial interaction. Not everyone is going to be your friend, and that’s okay, but talking to them is always better than missing the chance to make new friends. University life is centred around meeting new people and navigating adulthood with them, so the biggest takeaway would be to force yourself to get out of your comfort zone. Constantly doing this alone has changed my fear of speaking, and I was able to create a circle of people that are genuine friends, and after two years I would consider them family. This will also benefit you when it comes to networking in the future. Knowing different people brings you different opportunities, and career wise, it’s an important skill to have. And what better time to practice and sharpen this skill than during university?

Lastly, I would tell myself to constantly work on my resume and portfolio. Everyone in your class will graduate with the same degree and might apply for the same jobs, so what sets YOU apart to an employer? The time in university is all you have to make that difference between you and every other student, from the experience you gather to the internships you do, up to building your portfolio. The Careers and Employability Services offered on campus will help you get your resume perfect and offer different internship opportunities within and outside the university. As a digital media student, having a design portfolio makes a difference; companies are interested in your skills and abilities, so make the most of your time to build an impressive portfolio.

No matter what you do, constantly remember to take things light-heartedly and to enjoy them to the fullest. These years will not come again, so have no regrets.