Dear first years – words of advice from alumni

So what better way to get advice on how to manage the start of your journey than from those that have just completed theirs.

Recent grads Anadita, Aliana and Samira have pulled together some advice for settling into university life, making the most of first year and making friends.

Anadita – LLM 2026 Graduate

I travelled to the UK with one spoon, one bowl, and one plate. Two weeks into the country, I somehow found myself buying an extra mattress and more cutlery.

But somewhere between figuring out life in a new country and navigating university, I ended up finding something I never expected: friends for life.

I have two completely different groups of friends. With one, I share almost everything - language, food, culture, and a million little things that make home feel like home.

With the other, I shared almost nothing except our love for law and politics. And yet, I somehow ended up travelling to Scotland with them and boy, did we have so much fun!

Looking back, all I really did was tag along. And somehow, voilà, I found one of the biggest reasons I had flown 5,000 miles away from home.

So, if I could tell the new freshers just one thing, it would be this: it might feel lonely at first, but look around and say “Hi” first. You genuinely never know who you might meet.

You might just find a friend worth getting a tattoo for.

Here’s to unexpected friendships, spontaneous plans, and the people who make a foreign country feel a little more like home.

Aliana – BA Chinese, French and Spanish 2025 Graduate

Looking back at my time at Uni, I would say the Welcome Weeks were always such a good way of meeting new people and most importantly trying new things! I would really recommend going to different taster sessions for societies and sports clubs.  Even if you are feeling apprehensive remember everyone is in the same boat and want to make friends with people that have similar interests. You never know what seeds of friendship you may sow if you try something new.

Samira – BA Politics with Anthropology 2025 Graduate

I’d tell my younger self, starting university, not to worry so much about not feeling settled in immediately. It’s a completely new experience, and it’s okay to feel uncomfortable, but that shouldn’t stop you from putting yourself out there. Looking back, a lot of people felt exactly the same way I did, so there was nothing to be embarrassed about. Over the months, you’ll get used to the new routines, see familiar faces, find your favourite study spots and campus will start to feel like home.

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Welcome Week is an exciting time but it can be overwhelming. We are here to support you through all of the adjustment period and don't forget to check out our What's On page to plan your Welcome Week.