It's the first week back for University students and freshers! Heading into uni can always be nerve-wracking and a bit stressful. We decided to ask some newly fresh graduates, Sasha and Sadie, and get their take on tackling uni; balancing a social life and studying, making friends and even staying motivated.
Sasha: Hiya! I studied BA Media Studies at the University of Hertfordshire. This included a mix of modules including ones based on film studies, graphic design, creating PR campaigns, advertising and communication studies.
Sadie: Heyyy! I’m Sadie and I have just finished my third and final year of Media Studies at the University of Hertfordshire. I never originally had any plans of going to uni (literally until one month before starting!!) is why this university was the best decision for me as it was right around the corner from where I live.
What’s the one thing you wish you knew before starting university?
Sasha: Everyone is in the same boat and wants to make friends! Me and Sadie actually didn’t talk much until we were put in a group project together as we thought each other wasn’t interested in being friends... three years later we have a matching tattoo together!
Sadie: I wish I knew how to balance uni friends, home friends, uni work and the gym better. I have always struggled with balance and I feel like this meant I missed out on social opportunities, especially in my first year. This got easier as time went on though!
How did you balance studying and having a social life during your time at uni?
Sasha: If I’m honest I managed to balance it quite easily as we only usually had four 2 hour lectures per week. Living on campus I would say it was very social and I was able to go out a lot but also practically lived in the library when deadlines approached.
Sadie: This became easier in my second and third years as I had a much better routine. I am fully aware that I am the type of person who needs AT LEAST 8 hours of sleep a night to function the next day, so on the days I had important deadlines, I would make sure to have a restful night. When I was on top of my work I would then have the freedom to go to parties and hang out with friends as much as I wanted!!
What’s your advice for making friends and getting involved in university activities?
Sasha: Try to get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to introduce yourself to the people around you.
Sadie: Step out of your confront zone!!! It’s normal to feel nervous and uncomfortable in new situations, but everyone is in the same boat. Chat with your coursemates, join sports teams and societies, go to as many fresher's events as possible and before you know it you’ll have so many new friends and might even pick up a new hobby!
Were there any challenges you faced that you didn’t expect? How did you overcome them?
Sasha: Leaving deadlines til the last week. Me and Sadie would spend a week in the library each day for a week from like 9am until 11pm in order to get an assignment done at the last minute.
Sadie: Throughout my whole time at uni I always struggled with getting my work done early. Every year me and Sasha would make a promise to ourselves to start our assignments straight away so that we wouldn’t stress ourselves out too much on deadline week but I’ll be honest that never happened... We always got them submitted on time in the end so I guess we overcame this challenge by living in the library the week before the due date (would not recommend).
What’s your advice on staying motivated during tough times or when uni work gets overwhelming?
Sasha: Take time for yourself, you don’t always need to stay sociable.
Sadie: Create yourself a schedule! Either download a planner app or get a notebook but either way, having a structured plan of your day/week is the best way to keep yourself accountable and get stuff done!
Were there any specific apps or tools that helped you manage your time and studies better?
Sasha: I used Grammarly to spell-check all my assignments and had a countdown app on my phone with all my assignments on it. Hertfordshire Uni also has its own app including a map with a SatNav on it of the classrooms which was so helpful at times.
Sadie: I like to physically write things down so I had the most standard notebook that I would carry in my uni bag at all times so I could make myself to-do lists. Ticking each task off is so satisfying so I found this to really help me.
How did you deal with homesickness or adjusting to living away from home?
Sasha: For me, this wasn’t really an issue as I went home at least once a month to Essex however I did get a bit homesick at times it went a while without much contact from home.
Sadie: I wouldn’t be the best person to ask as I lived at home throughout my time at uni, however, I’d say frequent trips home and making a conscious effort to keep in touch with friends and family from home would help!
What’s one piece of advice you have for students living in shared accommodation or halls?
Sasha: If you want a clean flat it is unlikely that's gonna happen, living in the halls everyone is lazy.
Sadie: Again, I don’t have first-hand experience but I did spend a lot of time in Sasha’s accommodation and I would say definitely make a cleaning/chores schedule so that everyone is doing their bit to keep the accommodation clean!
Looking back, how did university shape your personal growth and identity outside of your degree?
Sasha: I think looking back I definitely have more confidence now compared to when I started uni. I feel way more confident in myself to be able to do things I probably wouldn't be comfortable doing pre-uni. At the end of the day, I was able to move away on my own and the outcome of it was three pretty good years!
Sadie: University has made me so much more confident within myself. The experiences I had really shaped me as a person and I am now confident in my skills and my identity which has made me a happier person with great employability skills 😉
Looking back, what would you tell first-year students about navigating university life?
Sasha: Go to as many socials and nights out as you can. As long as you keep on top of your studies it’s good to get out and make memories. Nights out, dinners with friends and going to watch sports matches are things that really stand out to me in my experience on campus and living near campus.
Sadie: It may seem daunting now but I promise that you very quickly find your feet at university! Everyone starts in the exact same position as you so any struggles you have just speak to your friends because there is a high chance they are navigating the same things! You’re all in it together 🫶🏼
