Alice, a second-year Medical Student and Student Wellbeing Champion, reflects on the lessons she’s learned and the advice she wishes she’d received when she first arrived at university.
When I think back to my first year of uni, I can acutely remember the unique mixture of excitement and nerves like it was yesterday. Moving into a new home, meeting people who I now count as lifelong friends (and some people I only ever saw once in class), and suddenly having far more freedom than I’d ever had before — it was a lot.
So, now that you’ve been at Worcester for a few weeks and things are starting to feel more real, here are 10 things I wish someone had told me back when I was in your shoes.
It’s Normal to Feel a Little Bit Lost
Even a few weeks in, it’s completely normal if you’re still finding your feet. In my first week, it seemed like everyone already had their friendship groups and knew exactly what they were doing. The truth is, they didn’t. Most people feel just as unsure and unprepared as you do — they’re just good at hiding it! Give yourself time to settle in and don’t panic.
Go to Most of Your Lectures (yes, even the early ones)
With the temptation of a night out always around the corner, those 9.15a.m. lectures can be brutal. I confess, I’ve skipped a few, promising myself I’d catch up online — but I never fully managed it. Being there in person helps you stay focused and catch insights that aren’t always on the slides. Plus, it’s a great way to meet course mates. By now, you’ve probably realised how easy it is to fall behind — showing up really does help keep things manageable.
Pace Yourself
With society fairs, taster sessions, and early friendships, you’ll be offered loads of opportunities. In my first few weeks, I said yes to everything — nights out, pub quizzes, society events, themed flat dinners. It was fun, but I burned out quickly. Uni is a marathon, not a sprint. Leave yourself some breathing room, especially if your calendar’s already full. It’s okay to slow down a bit and prioritise what actually feels worth your energy.
Budget, Budget, Budget (being at uni isn’t cheap!)
I wish I’d tracked and budgeted my money from the start. For many, student loan payments are the most money they’ve ever had — and cafés, pubs, and events can drain it fast. Suddenly, two months in, you’re living off toast! Budget as soon as your loan arrives. If your first loan payment is already starting to shrink, now’s a great time to check your budget and plan ahead for next term. The Money Advice team has some great guidance, and if you’re struggling they offer 1-2-1 support.
Get Involved , But Pick What You Really Love
Worcester has loads of societies and clubs. Some of my best uni memories come from the ones I joined. But I joined too many in Week 1 and couldn’t keep up. Find one or two you genuinely enjoy — they’ll give you a break from your course and help you make lasting friendships. If you didn’t join anything during Welcome Week, it’s not too late — most societies welcome new members year-round.
Please Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
It can feel embarrassing to admit when you’re struggling — academically or personally. I’m stubborn and often found it hard to reach out, but talking to a PAT, firstpoint adviser, or even a flatmate made things feel more manageable. Everyone faces challenges. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Figure Out the ‘You’ Way of Studying
At school, I relied on reading past papers and memorising the content — but uni is different. I had to experiment with new study methods to find what worked. Don’t be discouraged if your old methods don’t fit. Try different techniques, and if you’re stuck, check out the Study Skills portal or book a session with the amazing (and subject specific) Academic Liaison Librarians. Use these first assignments to test what works best for you.
Take Care of Yourself (properly!)
I’ll be honest, I’ve had weeks where I lived off instant noodles and coffee — not my finest hour. I was tired, grumpy, and not fun to be around. Your brain and body work better when you eat real food, sleep enough, and move daily. Batch cooking is a lifesaver (from a financial and energy level standpoint) and future you will thank you! Now that deadlines are creeping in, make sure you’re still eating properly and getting enough rest.
Friendships Will Take Time
I thought I’d meet my best friends in the first few days. While I met great people early on, my closest friends now weren’t even on my radar at first. Some friendships form instantly, others take time — both are equally valuable. There are also always opportunities to meet new people across courses and years, at events like “Fancy a Cuppa?” or the regular crafting events on Wednesday afternoons in the Hangar. If your social life hasn’t quite clicked yet, give it time — friendships often develop naturally later in the semester.
Don’t Lose Sight of Why You’re Here
Your time at uni will be full of distractions — exams, social life, comparisons. But remember: this is your chance to learn, grow, and discover who you are. Everyone moves at their own pace. Don’t compare your journey to others. You’re not late or early — you’re exactly where you need to be. Keep reminding yourself what you came here for — the next few months are a chance to really shape your university experience.
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