Posted 5 hours ago
Tue 05 Aug, 2025 10:08 AM
Starting university is exciting and overwhelming all around. New city, new people, new beginnings and a whole new perspective on life. But if I could go back and give my first year self some advice, there are a couple of things I wish I’d known.
Being a Residential Assistant, I have had the chance to support new students with the same terrifying but hopeful faces that I saw when I started at university. If you’re also about to begin your journey at QMUL and are in need of some tips for navigating the transition and making this place feel more like home, here’s what I wish I knew before I started university. Hopefully it helps you too!
Your room is more than just a room. Make it yours!
Don’t underestimate this step as, before you start making friends, this space is where you will be spending most of your time. Making it feel like home, adding a few photos, fairy lights or even a small indoor plant would make a huge difference. Make your room a place where you want to be.
It’s okay to be nervous.
During my initial weeks at university, I felt like people constantly expected me to be thriving, making friends instantly, not feeling homesick and straight up just fitting in. Well? It was the complete opposite!
I was homesick which made me stay in my room, I struggled to make many friends, and it all became a little overwhelming. But what I did not realize is that nearly everyone around me felt the same way. Looking back, I now know that it was completely normal to feel that way. You don’t have to have everything figured out in the first week or even the first month. Take your time!
Managing your time.
If you’re anything like me, you might have a few ups and downs in your initial months, so learning time management skills even before you come to university is a life saver. I was coming from a very protective and kept-safe environment and had lots of support with completing assignments and meeting deadlines. But, unlike school, no one chases you for these at university!
Between classes, socializing and (most importantly!) the newfound independence, it is very easy to fall behind. Making a simple weekly planner, putting reminders and adding it to your calendars is the best way to stay on track.
Your university life is what you make it!
Be it socials, student societies & clubs, student politics, applications, study nights or just quiet nights in, you have the power to shape your university life as and how you want. For me, that’s the greatest feeling in the world. Try things, say yes but also learn to say no when need be, and just be out there!
Lastly, budgeting.
Let’s be honest for a minute. Money disappears in seconds when you’re living in London. Planning your expenses before-hand and avoiding takeouts, impulse spends, and other unnecessary expenses makes a huge difference. Apps or printables to track your expenses are a great way to start!
