Open-minded, enthusiastic and passionate epitomise the polar opposite adjectives that underpinned my mindset pre-university. So here lies the advice I would give the Josh from four years ago.
1. Begin with the end in mind.
I’m probably similar to most of you – I went to university because that’s what you do! The general consensus for any individual was (and still is today) birth, school, sixth form, university, work, retire and then die, peacefully. Some substitute sixth from and university for vocational courses, others skip university, otherwise you’d throw in a Masters and possibly a PHD for the handful that relish exams.
Nevertheless, if the goal is to get a job after graduation, it would be strongly advised to bolster your Curriculum Vitae. In first year at university many organisations offer Spring Weeks or Insight Days which provide an insight into industries and the world of work. These opportunities are far less competitive because most first-year students are usually unaware/oblivious to them, too lazy to apply or overly intoxicated to the point of no-return, and therefore present YOU a great chance of securing one! With a strong possibility of it leading to an internship in year two and a graduate job down the line.
2. Money makes the world go around.
It goes without saying that about 52.3% of international students are loaded with cash and use iPads for coasters. However, on the balance of probabilities you are not one of them, sorry pal! This means you will have to utilize the wisdom and financial stewardship garnered in your previous 18/19 years. Now it's not how much that goes into your account but how much that stays there. So make a budget and use cash where possible as it’s much more painful to spend money when you can see it as opposed to paying by card. Possibly add a part-time job if your schedule allows but be mindful of how this could impact your grades, remember no.1 – keep the end in mind.
Some practical ideas include:
Purchasing a Railcard as this saves you a third on all train journeys apart from the London Underground.
Opening a student bank account as many banks gives you incentives for you to bank with them. I got a £50 Amazon voucher from HSBC and back in the daySantander offered a free Railcard for duration of your academic pursuit.
Utilising student discounts from UniDays, NUS, Student Beans, etc.
3. Respect the hustle ‘no thank you’
In a world full of yes-men, yes-women, YOLO, froyo and FOMO the (fear of missing out) a ‘no’ or ‘no thank you’ speaks volumes. If you can’t or don’t want to, just say no! You may feel like you’re letting your friends down but when you say no and follow through people respect that. It’s something I wish I knew earlier. Yes in the short-term, the spur of the moment it may hurt or even feel embarrassing, but in the long-term people respect you as it shows character and that’s something money can’t buy.
4. Embrace the city.
Before you complain, my campus or lack there of was located in Gillingham which is neighboured by Gravesend, a town ranked in the top 10 worst places to live in the UK. However, no matter how trashy a town or city there are always a hand full of locations to be loved. If you’re moving away from home embrace the new place, as you’ll be there for at least the next three to four years. Complaining won’t fix it and neither will the local council.
5. Ask questions.
It’s the questions that you don’t ask that will get you into trouble, not the questions you do. Never be shy or embarrassed to ask a question no matter how silly you may think the question sounds. There’s usually people thinking the exact same thing so you’ll be helping them, and leaders are helpers so you’re doing two in one here, leading and learning. At university learning is not requested but demanded for a first or 2:1 with the process vastly accelerated through asking questions. A question which should never go unasked is a question for feedback, always keep an eye on your development and growth, look to improve and for opportunities which enable you to do so. Make curiosity an acquired trait with questions alongside.
Thank you for reading till the end! I hope these five pearls of wisdom make your university experience something to reminisce about in the not so distant future. Enjoy the journey and keep the end in mind with plenty of questions in-between.
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. - Maya Angelou