Lauren Ferrier Blog
Lauren Ferrier is a Masters student studying Human Rights and International Politics and a founding member of the School's Student Experience Forum
Six things I wish someone had told me before I started my degree…
In this blog post, I'm going to let you in on some secrets. Okay, they're hardly secrets, but these tips are things that would have helped me a lot at the start of my university career. Starting university is often daunting. No matter how long you've waited to finish high school and get started in the 'real' world, both the academic and social aspects of a degree can be hard work! Hopefully, these six things will help you prepare more for the future.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
This applies to both your studies and your personal situation. Lecturers and tutors will always be there to help – it’s literally their job! – so don’t worry about having to ask for extra help or some clarification on something. I used to be so nervous about asking a question in case it sounded 'silly', or I would worry that I was asking for help too often - but there is no such thing! This applies to your mental health too; if you feel as though you are struggling then the university has a counselling service you can contact. As a young carer, this service was invaluable to me throughout my degree.
2. Change happens all the time - it's important to get used to it
This one may resonate with me more as someone who was a student during Covid, but change is something that you will encounter a lot during your time at university. Whether it be changing your degree focus, changing your topic for an assignment at the last minute, or losing friends and gaining new ones, you will learn how to adapt to new situations and that things have a funny way of working out.
3. Go to those socials you feel nervous about
From my own experience, I know how scary it can be to go to that society meeting or social by yourself. You're worried that everyone will already have friends or that you might not fit in - but the reality is, most people are just as nervous as you are! Especially during the first few weeks of term, people are always looking for new friends. And remember, there is no deadline for making friends. Once you start doing things you enjoy, you will eventually meet people you get along with.
But whilst it is important to stray outside your comfort zone and take part in some societies, remember that there is no pressure to attend as many social events as you possibly can, which brings me to my next tip…
4…Learn to take time for yourself!
So I must admit, this is something I am still working on myself. But over the last four years, I have learnt the importance of being alone and taking time to look after myself. You don't always have to be studying, you don't always have to be socialising. It is okay, and even productive, to take a break. So whether your version of self-care is lighting a candle and cleaning your room, cooking yourself a meal, or watching Netflix in bed - take some time to relax!
5. Work with your bad studying habits - not against them.
If you're anything like me, then you would much rather jump from social media app to social media app rather than focus on any of your impending deadlines. Over the past four years, I have found my attention span something I have battled hard against; turning my phone off and chucking it across the room, trying to study for hours on end, and getting frustrated when nothing worked for me. Eventually, I realised that I needed to work with myself on these things, not against myself. Shorter bursts of studying using the Pomodoro technique work much better for me, and the Flora app (Flora - Green Focus (appfinca.com)) can be super helpful with keeping you off your phone! And one great piece of advice I recently heard was to schedule in time for procrastination. If your deadline is two weeks, schedule in a few days that you know you will end up on your phone. You no longer have to feel frustrated that you left all your work until the night before, without denying yourself the urge to have a little scroll through Instagram.
6. And finally… do the readings!
Okay, so this one might make me sound like your lecturers, but doing your reading and preparing for your classes is so important for properly understanding and engaging with your course. During my first year of my undergrad, I barely did the class prep that was set out for us. As soon as I started completing the readings more in my second year, I started being able to contribute to class discussions and ended up getting so much more out of my course. So, clear your desk, light a candle, and crack open that textbook - I promise it will make a difference!