Starting uni is a big change, so myself and the team at the Union are here to welcome you, and help you settle in and make the most of your experience.
Hello and welcome to the University of Derby! I hope you are looking forward to starting university life. It's going to be a rollercoaster filled with emotions, memories, and of course, studies.
Starting uni is a big change, so myself and the team at the Union are here to welcome you, and help you settle in and make the most of your experience.
Here are a few key tips from me before you start your university journey:
Get to know your Union: It is quite common for new students to not have heard of Student Unions before joining university. I had not either. However, the Union of Students can play a key part in your university journey. From getting help with your academic concerns, to taking part in diverse activities, the Union of Students is here to support you (and once you join university, you are part of it too). Even better, you can get involved in helping and leading other students by volunteering in the many roles the union is providing, such as becoming a student representative, student officer, or by joining the committee for a sports club or society.
Make sure you are budgeting: Starting uni may be the first time you've had to think about managing your money and living on a budget. Make sure you have your essentials covered (rent, bills, food etc.) before spending money on other things. There are plenty of deals and store-branded goods that can help to reduce the cost of the weekly food shop, and pasta has become a traditional student meal and all the ingredients together for the meal can be as cheap as £1. Click this link for advice and resources on money matters.
Attend as many lectures as possible: You may hear that first-year grades don't matter. However, you should still try your best when it comes to attending lectures and completing your coursework so you don't fall into a rabbit hole that you can't get yourself out of when grades will matter. If you have to skip the occasional lecture then don't worry too much as all lectures are recorded and lecturers will always provide you with resources. However, nothing can replace the experience of being in a lecture (whether online or in person) and being able to ask questions while the conversation is ongoing.
Don't leave your assessments until the last minute: Another mistake that is easy to make is telling yourself “I’ve got enough time!” No, you don't! What feels like plenty of time on the day the assignment is released will feel like a rushed nightmare when you've got a week left before the deadline and all you have is the title of your assessment. Make sure you start your coursework as soon as possible and don't forget about it within a week. Of course, make sure you take breaks and give yourself time for relaxation as overstressing is not good either.
Ask for help when needed: Sometimes asking for help might be scary because we might feel judged or stupid. However, one thing I kept hearing during my time at university is “No question is a stupid question”. You are here to learn, and lecturers are here to teach you. The university's student services, and the Union of Students are also great places to ask questions. Don't be afraid to pop into your College Student Centre or the Union Quarter and ask for help if you need it. Or if you aren't on site, we can also help virtually via the live chat on our website. You're not expected to know the answers to everything, and we are here to help.
Take opportunities: University life is not just studies. There are plenty of opportunities that the university and the union offer. Sign up to different sports and societies: it's a great way to make new friends. Represent your course by becoming a student officer or student rep: it's a great way to make yours and your course mates' voices heard.
Subscribe to and sign up with the university's Student Employment Agency: They are plenty of paid offers during the year, including our PAL leader scheme. Start your own radio show with Phantom Media. Become a committee member for your favourite sport club or society. Run in the elections. There are so many opportunities to take. Don't miss out!
Know that you're not alone: A lot of new students are afraid of living on their own for the first time, scared that they will end up not making friends or that they will not be able to fit in. It's okay to worry about these things. But trust me, you will be fine. You've got plenty of time to make friends who will listen to your stories and accept you the why you are and you will get used to living away from home (if you do). I'm here to reassure you and tell you that you will be fine!
Make the most of your time: Make sure you are dedicating enough time to your studies but also give yourself time to relax. Make sure you take part in activities and have fun on nights out (or in). Don't be afraid to try new things. Do things that will make you happy and proud of yourself when you look back at your university life after many years.
And most importantly, enjoy your time while you are here!
I am looking forward to meeting you and getting to know more about you and your course and hopefully you are looking forward to starting your new journey with us.