“If I could go back in time and be a fresher again…”

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If I could go back in time and be a fresher again, I would never repeat what I did in my first term at university. Starting university was nerve-racking, especially since I am naturally shy and introverted. I spent weeks psyching myself up, determined to “reinvent myself” as the world’s greatest social butterfly. However, reality hit hard; but I survived, and now I can share my regrets, mistakes, advice, and favourite memories. 

So, take the risk, talk to others, and be patient. You’ll meet the right people. For me, they were right around me all along.

If I could be a fresher again, I would put myself out there more. I spent Freshers’ Week locked in my room, too terrified to socialise with my flatmates, missing out on making important connections. If I had the chance to go back, I’d tell myself not to be afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone and letting others in. That’s exactly what I did in my second term of first year, and it led to my fondest memories: staying up until 3 a.m. talking, watching movies, and having craft nights with my flatmates. One of my favourite moments was waking up at 9 a.m. to get free breakfast at ISCA Eats with two of my closest friends. So, take the risk, talk to others, and be patient. You’ll meet the right people. For me, they were right around me all along.

I would also normalise going to places by myself. Given that I missed every society fair and joined societies based solely on their descriptions, I made it my goal to attend as many society events as possible, even if it meant going alone. My first event was a bracelet-making class. I didn’t know anyone, but everyone was so welcoming! I also started going to Bake Society on my own and realised that almost everyone attended solo. It was a fantastic way to meet new people while working in pairs, and I got to bring sweet treats back to share with my flatmates. So, don’t be afraid to try new places and activities by yourself.

I would not take my first year for granted academically. Since the first year didn’t count towards my final grade, I overlooked its importance. Exhausted from climbing up and down Cardiac Hill, I would crash after lectures, neglecting my readings and refusing to rewatch lectures. Soon, those 9 a.m. classes became impossible to get up for, and missing one lecture made me feel lost for the rest of the semester. I advise you to do the readings; they’ll help with future assessments and boost your confidence in seminars. Learn from your academic mistakes, attend your lectures, and book office appointments with your lecturers and seminar leaders. It’s crucial to make the first year count, as it sets the tone for the years that follow.

Lastly, I would tell my first-year self to budget my money more realistically. As a fresher, I struggled with budgeting, and it took a toll on my bank account. You may not grasp it immediately, but over time, budgeting for your expenses will become second nature. Look out for promo codes and get loyalty cards, and please, delete any food delivery apps. 

Being a fresher is the best part of university life, you’re not overloaded with work, and the work you do doesn’t even count towards your final grade. You’re meeting new people and enjoying a new sense of freedom. Use this time to make mistakes, learn from them, and just enjoy yourself. Don’t let anything hold you back.