Adjusting to university life

I am currently in my second year of the BA (Hons) English and History course at Leeds Beckett University. I have put together some advice to explain my personal challenges at university for others who may be facing the same uncertainties about settling into the university lifestyle. 

First and foremost, I am incredibly introverted and not overly confident in myself, so I found it very difficult to be comfortable in social situations and found it hard to make connections with my classmates. Even more so, I really struggle with big changes (in this instance, from college to university) and so my transition to university was one of the most stressful and nerve-wracking experiences I have ever had to cope with. 

However, despite all my concerns, within the first month of starting Leeds Beckett, the staff, support team, and fellow students eased any discomforts. I have even found myself coming out of my shell and joining new friends on nights out!

The most important pieces of advice I can give you are:

• Become involved. I cannot tell you how much I would recommend this. By putting yourself out there early, you are opening yourself up to more opportunities, making new friendships and building your self-confidence. By becoming more involved with the student community, I made new friends and increased my self-confidence. Now, I am a Course Representative, something I never thought I could do when I first came to Leeds Beckett.
• Go out. The first time I met up with people from my course, a couple of us decided to go to the nearest pub to get to know each other for an hour or so. When I began my classes, I was more comfortable because I knew people from my course and now all of us are really good friends.
• Get there early. As I commute into Leeds via the bus station, I decided to get into the city up to an hour early for my classes. I was able to understand the area and find routes to my classes. Any spare time I had I spent in the library to do some extra work before my classes. (I was late for one class and because of this I have never been late since!)

I know the transition to university can be harder for some people than others, but just know that there are people and support systems within the University to help you if this advice hasn’t quite hit the mark. Welcome to Leeds Beckett, and I hope you enjoy your time being part of of the University!