21 things I wish I knew as a fresher, from a final year who’s been through the ringer

After four years at uni – an extra one more than most – I think it’s safe to say I have seen my fair share of student life’s highs, lows, and messy in-betweens. To all the first years: Go easy on yourself. You’re doing better than you think. Whether you’re about to start your degree or you’re a fellow nostalgic finalist, buckle up.

Here are 21 things I wish I knew in first year as a final year student – if only someone had told me.

1. Recognise the signs of burn out

You are juggling so much in first year and it’s so easy to burn out. Rest is productive, try to learn when to give yourself a break.

2. Say yes, but also know when to say no

This ties in with the first one. It’s great to take advantage of every single opportunity, sure, that random pub crawl might lead to you meeting your best mate for life. However, you don’t have to be everywhere to belong.

3. You’re allowed to change your mind

About friends, modules, accommodation, course. If something isn’t right for you, you can pivot. Happiness and growth are better goals than sticking it out for the sake of it.

4. Clubbing in trainers is the only way

There are always some first years that try and make heels or sandals work in the club. Comfort always wins and we all come to know and love the sea of dirty Spezials in the club come third year – or even the end of first year, let’s be real.

5. He’s not the love of your life, he’s just your first year flatmate

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Too many first years have fallen victim to feeling like the guy in your first year halls will be the one. Trust me, walk away. Flatcest is never worth it.

6. First year doesn’t count – except it kind of does

First year is so important for building good habits and figuring out what is expected of you course wise. Don’t worry if you get a low mark, it won’t affect your overall grade but use it as an opportunity to learn what to do next time. You’re not a nerd for wanting to do well, you’re paying to be here.

7. You have to pay that loan back

Whether you work an extra job throughout uni or you can scrape by with it covering your rent and bills, you’re going to have to pay that back. So remember that when you splurge on a round at the bar or consider an impulse buy.

8. Learn how to reference

PLEASE! You should not be in final year messaging the course group chat to ask if bibliographies contribute to the word count.

9. You will probably cry in a toilet cubicle more than once

Whether it’s over academic stress, a hinge date or you lost your favourite vape, it will likely happen and it’s almost a rite of passage.

10. The hangovers get worse and the 9am’s stay at 9am

Enough said really. You have to figure out your hangover cure fast.

11. It’s fine if uni isn’t ‘the best years of your life’

Sometimes it’s mid. Sometimes it’s lonely. Sometimes you accidentally cry in the library. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong, it means you’re human.

12. Your health comes first

The most important thing I wish I knew in first year is health. Take it from someone who was hospitalised in first year – your health is a priority. Sleep. Eat. Move your body. Drink water. No deadline, party or panic is worth more than your wellbeing.

Out of all the things I wish I knew in first year, this one is the most important.

13. You can (and should) go to things alone

As mentioned, it can be hard to find your people in first year and find a group to attend things. But who cares if you go to that give it a go alone? No one is looking at you on a solo coffee date. Everyone’s worried about themselves. Be brave.

14. Be kind to yourself

Uni is intense – you’re constantly learning, always on the go, meeting new people and going out. Take some time to yourself and do what makes you happy. Don’t beat yourself up if you got a bad mark or if you haven’t found your uni best mate yet – it’s normal.

15. Joining 10 societies doesn’t make you interesting

Ok join one, maybe two. But joining any more than that is just a ghosting waiting to happen and your bank account won’t thank you for it.

16. Imposter syndrome is so normal

Everyone might act like they know what they are doing but I promise you they certainly do not. You absolutely deserve to be here.

17. Learning to cook is more important than you think

Surviving on pesto pasta and ready noodles is not going to help your mental health, even if it helps your bank account.

18. You’ll never have as much time or freedom as you do right now

If feels like an age away but once you’re working, your uni summers feel like a fever dream. Don’t waste them!

19. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Email your tutors. Go to office hours. Use student support. You’re not “bothering them” – you’re a student doing what students are meant to do.

20. It takes time to find your tribe and that’s okay 

I remember being so worried that I didn’t have a million course friends or a big society family, but you will find your people. Don’t panic if you haven’t clicked with a big group straight away. Real friendships take time and sometimes come from the most random places.

21. You grow more than you realise – and you’re not done yet

If there’s just one thing I wish I knew in first year, it’s that I was still growing. First year you is brave just for showing up. Final year you is a masterpiece in progress. Be proud of every version of you, especially the one still figuring things out.