Welcome to Strathclyde! Throughout the year, a lot goes on here at Strath and, in first year, it can be very easy to get overwhelmed with it all, but don’t worry, here’s a helpful guide to – hopefully – make everything a little less scary.
Balance – I’m sure you’ve heard it many times, but it’s true! The key to navigating university is to have a good balance of classes AND hobbies. Even if that hobby is sitting in the union; its good to have time to relax.
Societies – Following on from the previous point, here at Strath we have so many different societies and sport clubs available and open to join – many of which you might have seen at our Freshers’ Fair. Joining clubs and societies is an easy and exciting way to find likeminded people, and to develop new skills! You might even enjoy a society so much you decide to run for committee next year (which I would recommend – great for the CV).
Additionally, there is our amazing Strathclyde Sport facilities. Whether it’s going for a swim, running on the treadmill or playing a bit of squash with your mates – there’s almost fifty sports clubs to join, so it is likely that you will find something for you.
Go to classes – I know, an obvious one, but it is super important to go to as many of your classes as you can, even when you don’t want to. It’ll save you in the long run when it comes to end of term exams – trust me.
Preparation – Take notes, prepare essays, give yourself time! I promise you; your lecturers are telling the truth when they say to start things early. It feels so much more rewarding, and definitely less stressful than cramming everything in the day before.
Opportunities – There are so many different opportunities for awards and competitions available throughout the year here at Strath, and I would recommend you take advantage of as many of them as you can. For example, our end of term STAR Awards is a great chance to be rewarded for your volunteering work with societies/the union.
Step out of you comfort zone – One of the things that has helped me the most throughout university, with my confidence, and with finding my people, is to just put yourself out there. Try new things, talk to people in your seminars, include yourself in things that interest you. It’s scary, I know, but its so rewarding when it works out. And if it doesn’t? Who cares! We’re all just trying to figure things out.
Support – There are many avenues of support on offer here at Strath, and different ones will suit different people, but never feel you can’t reach out and ask someone for their help. Even if it’s just asking your tutor or lecturer for clarification; it’s better reach out and ask instead of worry in confusion.
Overall, just enjoy it – your time here is over quicker than you can imagine so take every opportunity to make friends, learn and grow here at Strath. I’m wishing you all the luck for the next four years!
Fourth year English and Creative Writing Student.
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