To my fresher self,
First year feels like a lifetime ago and as though it has only just happened for me, but somehow, I’m in my final year now. There are so many things I wish I’d known as a terrified, wide-eyed 19-year-old who came to Sheffield alone—a place that, though not far from home, felt like a different planet entirely.
Sometimes I still feel like I’m stumbling through university, but there are a few things I know now that I think would have helped me when I was starting out here.
Firstly, reject the belief that everyone else is so much smarter and more interesting than you are. You’re truly not the first person to be intimidated by university. Everyone has their own anxieties and insecurities, and comparison will only rob you of enjoying yourself and growing as an individual. You’re not alone in feeling lost; this is literally a universal fresher experience, and you will find your place.
Secondly, remember that you’re not indestructible—this could have prevented you from having to wear a boot to heal a broken foot during your first two months at university. Also, life continues outside of university, and things happen. Make sure to take care of yourself and reach out when you need to; your personal tutor will help with this, and there’s nothing shameful about asking for help if you need it. Don’t bury your troubles until they become something bigger than you can handle.
Don’t feel pressured to go out all the time, or at all, if you don’t want to. There are many other activities you can do here, and there are people on the same wavelength who will want to do these activities with you. It’s also okay to become comfortable doing things alone, and you will have to do this for certain things if you don’t want to miss out on things you’re really interested in, such as certain sports or societies.
On the topic of finding people on the same wavelength, the girls you meet in Ranmoor will become some of the best friends you’ve ever had. Don’t be scared to talk to them in the kitchen; they don’t find you weird or annoying! Starting from scratch at university may make you feel like a child desperately trying to make friends on the playground again, but this will pass. Not everyone will become your best friend, but you’ll find your people. They may not all appear in your first few weeks, or even months, of being here (some you won’t even meet in your first year), but they’ll be worth the wait.
Thirdly, don’t stress too much about your work during your first year. It’s important to pass and to put in effort, but don’t burn yourself out when you have two more years to go. You’re allowed to have fun, and this is especially encouraged in the first year when you have fewer responsibilities. Don’t exhaust yourself trying to be perfect all the time. If you need academic help, talk to your tutors. They’re not actually scary, I promise.
And finally, don’t expect every single day to be remarkable and memorable. This is such an important year in your life, and there will be a lot to look back on, but don’t stress about having a “perfect” university experience. Each person experiences university in a multitude of ways, and one way isn’t necessarily better than another. Remember to be present in your first year; this is your own experience to savour. Good luck!
Love,
Your third-year self.
