Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
What I wish I knew before starting university
Hi, I’m Charlotte, and I’m about to start my second year of Primary Education at Leeds Beckett. My first year was a whirlwind of new experiences, and while it can be a lot to take in, it’s also an exciting journey! To help you make the most of your time, here are a few things I wish I knew before starting uni!
Uni work
Use your time wisely
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been given a month to complete an assignment, only to start working on it a week before the deadline.
Spoiler alert: this is a bad idea.
Unfortunately, I’m a notorious procrastinator, and it always leaves me scrambling in the library the night before the due date.
When professors give you weeks to complete an assignment, it’s usually because it genuinely takes that long to do well. This may seem obvious, but I wish someone had drilled it into my head sooner. Starting early gives you time to really understand the topic you're writing about. Often, the effort and preparation you put into an assignment are reflected in its quality (though that doesn’t mean you have to spend endless hours on it!).
For me, having a physical calendar or planner is a lifesaver. It helps me visualise my deadlines and manage my time so I can avoid those last-minute panics.Read before you write
This tip has been strongly recommended by my professors. Everyone has their own writing style but doing your reading before you start helps get rid of any preconceptions you might have. If you skip the reading, you’ll likely just look for research that supports your initial idea, ignoring other contrasting opinions that could add nuance and depth to your essay.
Having all my references sorted before I begin writing makes the process way less overwhelming and helps me feel much more organised.
References
Referencing can be tricky at first, but it doesn’t have to be! Leeds Beckett has its own specific referencing style, and they’ve created an amazing guide called ‘Quote, Unquote’.
It tells you exactly how to reference anything, and there’s even a reference builder to make it so much easier. It’s genuinely so useful!
Here’s a pro tip: start referencing as you do your research! The moment you find a book or article you want to use, hop on 'Quote, Unquote' and build your reference right away. Trust me, it saves you the hassle of sorting out every single reference at the end of your essay.
Finance
Student jobs
Finding a student job can be tricky, and for me, flexibility was key. My uni timetable changes every week, so it was tough to find a job that fit around that.
Working for your university is such a practical option. It gives me the chance to earn an income while choosing which events I want to work. Plus, I’ve made friends I never would have met otherwise! Leeds Beckett offers loads of great work opportunities, like UniBuddy Ambassadors, helping on Open Days, and more. You have complete control over which events you sign up for.
If you’re after something more consistent, like working in retail or restaurants, there are tons of opportunities for students in Leeds too.
Discounts
When visiting your favourite spots, don’t forget to check for student discounts! There are so many savings you might not think of. UniDays will become your best friend, offering discounts from National Express, Nike, Pizza Express, and many more. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your favourite places while spending more responsibly.
University can seem overwhelming at first, but just take it one step at a time and you'll find your way. Use your first year (or second, or third) to explore and discover what works best for you. I was nervous about starting, but looking back, I can confidently say my first year turned out to be the best experience of my life!
