There’s a unique sense of pride when you look back at your first term and see how much you’ve grown and accomplished.
Hello everyone, I’m Albina, a first-year Law student! Today, I want to share my experiences from my first term at the University of Exeter, which I would call “the best experience of my life.”
Facing the challenges of university life
Going to university is daunting for everyone. It means living independently, making new friends, living with strangers, and adapting to a completely new level of education. All of this happens in an unfamiliar city, or for some, even a different country. However, these challenges make us stronger, don’t they? In the end, you’ll be rewarded for your hard work, and the main prize here is the skills you’ve gained. Moreover, there’s a unique sense of pride when you look back at your first term and see how much you’ve grown and accomplished.
Starting university can feel like a leap into the unknown. You might worry about whether you’ll fit in, manage your time well, or adjust to a new way of learning. But with every challenge comes an opportunity to grow. For me, this journey was a mix of excitement and anxiety, but as I embraced each step, I began to see how resilient and adaptable I could be.
Navigating Welcome Week
Welcome Week can seem like one of the most stressful times as it marks the start of settling in. The key thing to remember is that everyone is in the same boat, so don’t be afraid to talk to new people. The University of Exeter made this process much easier. For example, when I arrived, there were plenty of students and staff helping us with directions to our accommodation. The receptionists guided me to my block, floor, and room, making everything feel very welcoming.
Meeting my flatmates was probably the scariest part for me. Walking into the shared kitchen felt nerve-wracking at first, but now that I’m back home for Christmas, I miss them so much! They’ve become my best friends. We cooked dinners together, went out, had quiet nights in, did weekly shopping trips, and they genuinely have become a second family for me.
What I found most reassuring during Welcome Week was the sense of community. Everyone is trying to find their place, so there’s a shared understanding of how daunting it can feel. The University’s efforts to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere truly helped. From the Welcome Week (Freshers’) fair to campus tours, there were so many opportunities to connect with others and settle in.
Finding friends through societies
Flatmates aren’t the only friends I’ve made. During Welcome Week, many societies offered free taster sessions, helping me figure out which activities and people suited me best. I attended several classes by the Dance Society and Legion Dance Society, where I found “my people.” Sharing a passion for dance made it easy to connect.
I also attended events by the Ukrainian Society, where I met friends who share the same culture. These connections boosted my confidence and made my first term smoother. Meeting new people, including those in years above, gave me a support system. Many of them were eager to help us first-years settle in.
Joining societies is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in university life. It’s not just about pursuing hobbies; it’s about finding a sense of belonging. Through these groups, I’ve learned new skills, built friendships, and created memories that I’ll cherish forever. Whether it was dancing at society events or sharing laughs during Ukrainian cultural nights, these experiences made my first term unforgettable.
Getting around campus and the city
One of my initial worries was navigating the campus and city. I feared getting lost and arriving embarrassingly late to lectures. Using a campus map and asking friends or even strangers for directions helped a lot. Remember, every student has been a fresher once!
Exploring the city with friends was another great way to find our way around. That’s how my Ukrainian friend and I discovered where to buy Eastern European products, get our coats dry-cleaned, and find the best baklava! Exeter is a charming city with so much to offer. From cosy coffee shops to beautiful parks, there’s always something new to explore. Taking the time to wander around not only helped me feel more at home but also allowed me to bond with my new friends.
Public transport and walking also played a huge role in getting to know the area. With time, I’ve memorised my favourite routes and found shortcuts that make my daily routine easier. For anyone worried about navigating a new city, my advice is simple: take it one step at a time and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Learning to budget
Before university, I hadn’t realised how much everything costs or how to budget. I kept buying too much food which would go bad because I hadn’t used it or spending too much money on coffee. Over time, I learned where to find cheaper options and discovered many student discounts around Exeter. It’s a skill that improves as you go along. Student-friendly shops and deals have become my best friends when managing expenses. For example, Forum Kitchen has very student-friendly prices, you can a cup of coffee for as cheap as £1.60! If you fancy to get some drinks in town, you could go to the Sunset Society – they have a really good deal on cocktails – £12 for 2.
Budgeting isn’t just about saving money; it’s about making the most of what you have. Whether it’s meal-prepping with flatmates or splitting taxi fares after a night out, small steps can make a big difference. As a fresher, you’ll quickly learn the value of being resourceful.
Adjusting to university-level studies
Studying at university is vastly different from studying at school. The jump can feel overwhelming, but the University of Exeter provides excellent support. I struggled with adding references to my coursework initially since we have never done it at school. Thankfully, the Law School provided a clear referencing guide, and librarians were available to help.
There are other resources like the Study Zone, Career Zone, academic writing workshops, and English language courses for international students which are there to help students. With this support, it is much easier to understand the new system and perform well at assessments.
One thing that surprised me about university-level studies was the independence it required. While lectures and seminars provide guidance, a lot of the learning happens outside the classroom. Time management became a crucial skill, and I learned to balance reading, assignments, and extracurricular activities effectively. Having access to academic support services gave me the confidence to tackle challenges head-on.
Furthermore, your lectures and seminars is also a great way to make friends as you see these people almost every day. You already have something in common – interest in the field you are studying, so put yourself out there and talk to people on your course, arrange study sessions with them, they might be your future best friends – you never know.
Reflections on My Growth
When I first arrived at university, I felt incredibly anxious. I worried about getting along with my flatmates – now they’re my best friends. I feared I wouldn’t like any societies or make friends, but I’m now a member of four societies and have a vibrant social circle (my biggest problem is scheduling time with everyone!). There are more than 300 societies in Exeter, so you will definitely find the one you like, just give it a go even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Managing my daily responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning and studying at the same time seemed like too much, but as humans we quickly adapt to changes, and so did I. I still remember my first meal which didn’t taste the best, but now I know so many recipes for tasty dishes(I could literally write a book) and I actually enjoy cooking.
Looking back, I’m amazed at how much I’ve grown in such a short time. University isn’t just about academics; it’s about discovering who you are, building resilience, and stepping out of your comfort zone. The sense of accomplishment I feel now outweighs any initial fears I had.
Tips for Freshers
- Don’t be afraid to meet new people. Everyone is in the same boat and eager to make friends. Attend as many events as you can to find your crowd.
- Reach out for help. Whether it’s academic challenges, mental health support, or visa issues, the University offers plenty of resources. I really recommend making the most out of the support on offer.
- Balance studies and self-care. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes; learning from them is part of the process. Prioritise mental health and take time to relax.
- Explore and connect. University isn’t just about academics; it’s also about building connections, growing as an individual, and making the most of student life.
- Be mindful and respectful to others. There are people from around the globe, so it’s important to stay mindful about other cultures and traditions. Try to exchange cultures with other people rather than isolating yourself from the unfamiliar.
Starting university is a big step, but it’s also a journey filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and create memories that will last a lifetime. I hope you found this blog helpful. I wish you the best time at the University of Exeter and can confidently say you’re in for an unforgettable journey!