Starting University
Before joining UON, I would describe myself as being quite shy and reserved and I wouldn’t particularly like going out of my comfort zone. When I made the decision to come to UON, I decided that I was going to have a fresh start and push myself to make the most out of the uni experience. Once I started uni, I decided to take the first step out of my comfort zone by applying to become a student ambassador and student influencer. I felt as though this was a necessary step to becoming more confident within myself as that is a skill I want to build on.
Making friends
When I joined UON, no one I knew was going so I felt quite nervous as I struggle sometimes to socialise with people I am not familiar with. However, I soon came to realise that a lot of people on my course were in the same position as me and we ended up forming a nice group. Finding friends at UON was made easy by being able to bond with people on my course with similar interests, being able to socialise with others through being a student ambassador and student influencer and even through visiting the uni on open days and applicant days. Forming friendships at uni has helped me grow as a person as it has taught me who I like to surround myself with. I have also been lucky enough to form a friendship with someone on my course who also commutes from the same city as me!
Commuting
Commuting to uni has helped me grow as I have become very independent and have learnt how to make my way around a town that is not home.
Joining UON in general has helped me grow as a person as it has taught me that I am responsible for my own education and experience.
Uni gives you a lot of freedom when it comes to studying and the general experience. You get as much out of it as you put into it so it really gives you the responsibility of your own choices.
My advice for students starting university
Advice that has helped me grow throughout my first year at uni is to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. This means to push yourself out of your comfort zone because it can open you up to many opportunities and you will thank yourself for it! Another piece of advice is to recognise that you are scared and do it anyway. A lot of the time anxieties can hold you back from doing things that you may end up loving so sometimes you just need to be scared and do it anyway!
I am grateful for the experience that UON has given me so far and how it has helped me grow as a person, allowing me to overcome personal challenges. I am excited to see what my second year has to offer!
University shapes you in ways you might not have imagined, take that leap and begin your journey at UON!
