Top Tips from other Birmingham Students
Top Tips from other Birmingham Students
Starting university can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it all out on your own. We've asked Birmingham students to share the advice they wish they'd received, so you can learn from their experiences.
What I Wish I Knew in My First Year by Amelia EDI Student Ambassador 25/26
Starting university is a huge milestone and, if you're anything like I was, you'll probably feel excited, nervous, and slightly overwhelmed all at the same time. Having just completed my first year at the University of Birmingham, I wanted to share a few things I wish I'd known before arriving.
Your first experience of university will likely be Freshers' Week in September. Campus suddenly comes alive with society stalls, events, freebies, and thousands of students all trying to find their place. My advice is simple: say yes to things. Join that society that catches your eye, attend events even if you don't know anyone, and don't worry if you don't make your best friends in the first week. Most people are feeling the same way as you!
As teaching begins, you will gradually settle into a routine. One lesson I learned quickly was that preparation makes a huge difference. Even spending ten minutes looking through lecture slides beforehand helped me feel more confident and get much more out of teaching sessions. University is very different from school, and no one is constantly checking that you're keeping up, so building good habits early really helps.
Around November, many students begin to feel the workload building. If this happens, remember that support is available. Your Personal Academic Tutor ( PAT Tutor) is there to help with both academic and personal concerns, and the Academic Skills Centre offers free advice on everything from essay writing to revision techniques. Looking back, I wish I had used these services sooner rather than waiting until I felt stressed.
Before you know it, Christmas arrives and campus starts to feel festive. The winter break is a great opportunity to recharge, spend time with family and friends, and prepare for January assessments.
Returning after Christmas can feel challenging, especially when exams are waiting for you. I found it helpful to balance revision with proper rest rather than trying to study constantly. Once exams are over, Semester 2 begins and the pace often picks up. This is where many students start thinking more seriously about their future goals. The Careers Network runs excellent workshops and appointments, whether you're looking for part-time work, internships, volunteering opportunities, or simply trying to figure out your next steps.
The Easter break arrives faster than you think. While it is tempting to see it as a month off, it is also your opportunity to prepare for final assessments. Creating a realistic revision plan helped me stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
By May, exam season is in full swing. During this period, remember that you are not expected to cope alone. Friends, tutors, wellbeing services, and university support teams are all there to help.
Once exams are finished, take time to appreciate how far you've come. First year can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. You'll learn new skills, meet people from different backgrounds, and grow in ways you probably don't expect. My biggest piece of advice is not to put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out immediately. Take opportunities when they come, get involved in university life, and remember that everyone is finding their way.
You've already done the hard part by getting here. The rest is about making the most of the experience. Good luck, and welcome to UoB.