Going to uni: Myths debunked
Going to uni for the first time can be a positive, life-changing experience. Suddenly your life looks really quite different, with perhaps a new town, new accommodation and new people. If you are counting down the days until the start of your first term, it’s only natural that you might be feeling a bit anxious about what those initial few days might hold. Read on for some reassurance and some common myths exposed.
1. Everyone will be cleverer than me.
You’re going into the first year of your course and so is everyone else. You’ll all be together in a situation where your task is to learn the subject matter and develop your skills and you won’t be expected to excel at or already know everything you’re going to learn before you start. Everyone brings different types and amounts of experience to the table; some of your peers may have studied before, some may have taken a gap year and some may be mature students returning to uni after a break from studying. Remember you also bring your own experience. Don’t worry about other people being smarter than you, they’re here to learn too.
2. I won’t fit in and making friends will be hard.
There are more than 6,000 students at the University of Winchester and loads of SU societies and clubs. This means that there are a lot of different people, with different thoughts, views, interests, characteristics and abilities. Combine this with the fact that most students come to uni without really knowing anyone there, this creates an environment where people want to reach out and connect with each other. With such a variety of people, you are sure to find someone that gets you and that you will enjoy hanging out with.
3. I’m not good at anything - I can’t join any clubs or societies!
Yes, you can! There are so many exciting and interesting clubs and societies, and they welcome beginners with open arms and a “you've got this” attitude. What a perfect way to learn something new and maybe even find your new favourite activity! Check out what your Students' Union offers here.
4. The lecturers might be strict and scary.
Of course, no lecturer is the same, just like no student is the same. This means that they all have their distinct and personal teaching methods and techniques. Your lecturers and tutors want what’s best for their students and want to support you to succeed, sharing the subject that you all love.
The great thing about coming to Winchester is that your lecturers will get to know you personally. They will know your name, your academic strengths and the modules you find more of a challenge. Yes, they will expect you to work hard, pay attention and be prepared for your lectures, but in return they will do their best to help every student enjoy and get the most out of their course.
Remember you’re entering a learning environment with lots of other new and nervous, excited students, who all want to get the most out of their university time, just like you do. Just try your best and be open to new experiences, and you’ll be just fine.
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