With a record number of 18-year-olds expected to begin university this year, current students have offered advice to new freshers on common anxieties.
Concerns about meeting new people are widespread. Isaak Hewitt, 20, who moved to Cardiff knowing no one, made friends by speaking to people in lectures and seminars. Grace Morrell, 19, a commuter student, connected with others by joining her student magazine and societies. Mustafa Dassu, 19, found WhatsApp groups helpful for making friends before starting at King's College London.
Managing finances is another key worry. Journalism student Kieran Miller, 19, advised comparing student bank accounts and signing up for discount schemes. He also stressed the importance of budgeting, noting that it can be challenging to stick to financial plans due to social invitations.
Students also shared insights on balancing commitments and course choices. Avery Hewitt, 19, learned to be realistic about her timetable after initially taking on too much. Pia Subong, 21, switched courses after realising biochemistry was not right for her, while Fatima Qureshi, 19, took a gap year to decide on her path. Mel Kennedy, a student wellbeing adviser at Ulster University, noted that anxiety about starting university is natural, and universities offer various support services, including budgeting advice, financial support, counselling, and study support.