Comments on: Competition for continuing students: Pass the Torch

By: Karen

Karen — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 11:18:17 +0000

Take care of yourself, as after all you are the only person that can get you through this challenging but exciting time in your life. Only do the things that you want to do and stop worrying about what others think of you. Realise that if you don’t want to drink or go out to clubs then you don’t have to. ��Ƭ your own niche where you can truly be yourself and through that make some genuine friends. Most of all, enjoy it as uni can be really be the best years of your life!

By: Ellie Stanton

Ellie Stanton — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 20:36:02 +0000

My top tip would be jump in head first and go for it; university is a wonderful experience so you should grab it with both hands! Uni is all about finding out who you are and what you are good at, helping you flourish into a happy and confident adult. It doesn’t matter if you find you aren’t liking your course or you discover that maybe university isn’t for you either; because it’s your choice now. Never be afraid to do what you are passionate about or trying something new, this is the start of your journey and you should give it your all.

By: Kellie

Kellie — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 19:22:37 +0000

Maintain a balanced, healthy and holistic University lifestyle. Keep active by joining the gym, sport societies or community runs (like Park Runs at the Common). Take the first step to meet new friends in society and faculty socials. Enjoy music, art and theatre at Turner Sims Concert Hall, John Hansard Art Gallery and Nuffield Theatre, or some quiet reflection time at Garden Valley in campus. Make use of the many learning opportunities from the University through the additional library study workshops, language and music workshops, or through the comforts from home with TV programme from BOB National TV.

Make the best out of your time with amazing people in Southampton 🙂

By: Jane O.

Jane O. — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 18:28:53 +0000

Please don’t feel pressured to go out, drink etc. if that’s not what you want to do! Your happiness is key! Also ASDA is bae!

By: Ross

Ross — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 16:32:20 +0000

This is the time to find out who you are, do whatever you want to do and prioritise yourself. I’ve found working, making friends, and finding the right (or right now) person is so much easier now.

By: Freya

Freya — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 15:59:50 +0000

Although you may only need 40% to pass your first year, getting just 40% probably wont get you that far… Make sure you understand all of what you have been taught as you will need it for when 2nd year kicks in!

Having said that, getting 40% shouldn’t be difficult if you attend your lectures and revise a little for exams so make sure you take the time to enjoy yourself 🙂

By: Christine Jones

Christine Jones — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 15:28:12 +0000

It’s fine to feel confused, make a few mistakes and feel out of your depth when you’re starting something new. And it’s ok to not have your life plan mapped out! Starting a new course in a new town is a big step (even for mature students and post-grads) so feeling out of your depth is perfectly acceptable and nothing to feel ashamed about. Just be sure to ask for help and advice when you need it (and not when its too late); no one will think any less of you.

By: Christopher White

Christopher White — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 15:20:05 +0000

I wish I’d made more use of the library, and other study areas around campus last year. It’s a lot easier to concentrate without all the distractions of flatmates being around.

By: Anna

Anna — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 14:42:55 +0000

“If you want to decrease uni stress, and improve your mental wellbeing self-confidence..do some physical exercise!!”

I never understood why people played sports or went to the gym because I was never any good at sports. I would cough and splutter and wheeze after running five minutes. At the end of second year, I bit the bullet and bought a gym membership – and I haven’t looked back. I love going to the gym several times a week now, do a lot of road cycling and am extremely active. I’m studying medicine, which can be extremely stressful and challenging so exercise helps me to relax and reduce uni stress. It’s done wonders for my mental health too.

If you want to be a more well-rounded, chilled-out person..find a sport or exercise you enjoy. The uni centre offers loads of sports classes for all abilities and there are hundreds of societies that you could join. And don’t worry about how ‘good’ you are compared to anyone else. Do it for yourself.

By: Eleanor Joyce

Eleanor Joyce — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 13:20:50 +0000

I would definitely recommend going to the public libraries in Southampton (there are three!) and bringing a list of the books you need for your course. The loan periods are a lot more generous than Hartley, and you can pretty much keep renewing the books for as long as you need them, given how niche most subjects are. Having a physical copy of a book without having to spend a fortune is really useful.