A word of advice from a former Uni of Sheffield fresher: It’s okay to do uni your own way

Calling all freshers living at home, going into university after some time off, or who aren’t too bothered about spending their week in the club. I feel you, but here I am loving it just as much as everyone else!

As an 18-year-old who had never even got on a train alone before, the thought of moving out for my first year at university wasn’t an option. What did cross my mind was all the partying I’d miss out on for the sake of getting a taxi home alone early the next morning.

Though everyone’s experience is different, advice from someone who’s been there before can be comforting. I did it my way, so here’s what I’d recommend.

You can have just as much fun and commute

There was an element of worry with going to university but not moving into accommodation. With staying at home came the thought of missing out on the social side. Would I still make lifelong friends? What about the wild stories to tell my grandkids?  The night outs I did plan on going on always left me with the question of getting home, a taxi alone will never be my first choice.

You don’t have to move a million miles away

There was also the fact that I’d lived in Sheffield my whole life, and though the city centre is a great place for both food and drinks, it wasn’t as new and exciting to me as it was to those who had moved from their hometown.

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Don’t be fooled, just because you have lived somewhere for a while, doesn’t mean you know it inside out. I found I discovered new independent coffee shops and retailers since my lecture buildings were in places I’d never been before.

There is also comfort in familiarity, so the first day nerves didn’t seem as bad.

University isn’t just about drinking and clubs

I’ve never been too struck on going out every night, drinking until 3am and then spending the rest of the following day in bed. Though I enjoy a night out here and there, I’m generally more of a homebody.

If only I could go back and tell myself in the grand scheme of things, this really does not matter. I met some of my best friends during my first year, and despite having only been on a handful of night outs, we spent hours in coffee shops, going out for tea, enjoying winter walks, and several shopping days.

Don’t compare your timeline to others

Not only was I a fresher who was staying at home, but I was the only one in my friendship group in this position. Though they were a great source of support, I had decided to take a gap year and they hadn’t, meaning their time as freshers was no longer.

It can sometimes feel as though you’re a year behind in events where your group has experienced something before you have. In reality, there is no right time or deadline to work to.

I’m glad I did decide to take a year out, because 17-year-old Isabel would have opted for a law degree, and I don’t think 21-year-old Isabel would have thanked her for that!

Don’t do what you feel you ‘should’, do what you ‘want’

The main thing I wish I knew as a fresher is that it is ok to do things your own time but pushing yourself and being uncomfortable is still essential for growth.

Try to find the middle ground; it’s ok to go home to your dinner made for you but try that society social because you might just meet your bestest friends.

Join a society

Societies are the best way to meet new people and build new relationships. They also provide a load of opportunities, for example last year I went to both London and Leeds for PR conferences and workshops.

Many universities have both academic and social societies. Social societies are great for finding others with the same interests as you, for example a wine society or coffee and cake club.

Stay safe, be aware

With risk of ending this on a negative tone, it’s so important to be vigilant and stay safe, especially on night outs. Though most people you meet will become your safe place, be conscious of who you’re surrounding yourself with.

Know that going to university brings big decisions, ones I hadn’t even considered making until my thirties. But there are also friendships, ones I will keep until way after my thirties.

If I hadn’t done it my way, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• Things you should do in Sheffield to kickstart the semester with your new flatmates

•  Here are the top nights out for students in Sheffield according to a third year

•  Underrated study spots in Shffield that you need to try at least once