Blog: Looking back at my first year at UoB

Written by Caitlin Whelan

Hello, I’m Caitlin, a Student Content Shaper and a BA History student going into my second year. I wanted to write about my first year at university to offer some insight to future students and hopefully calm any worries you may have. Current students may have similar reflections to me which might be reassuring to hear.  

During my first year at UoB, I’ve learnt so much about myself, friendship, and the world around me. It’s been a valuable and rich year, and that’s thanks to the university and wider city.  

There are so many memories to be made as a uni student and I’m so thankful for all of mine. I can’t believe my first year has ended and I’m getting ready for my second year. It only feels like yesterday that I was preparing to start at UoB. That might sound like a cliché by when you’re in this position, I’m sure you’ll be saying the same! 

Although everybody's university experience is unique, I hope you enjoy reading the start of mine. 

Some of my favourite memories

There’s so much to experience when you’re at a new university in a new city. I’ve loved exploring Birmingham. I adore the secret shops in Digbeth, the places to let down my hair on Broad Street, and the serene nature spots around the city, including Winterbourne House and Garden which is just next to the main campus!   

One of my first memories as a student here was enjoying the free activities at the Wellbeing Marquee during Welcome Week (freshers). I coloured in a picture of Old Joe which I still have - but I can’t say if my colouring in was any good! 

Throughout the rest of the year, there’s always something to get involved in and experience on campus with many free events and activities.   

My main lessons from this year

University is a learning curve for everybody. It’s a big but exciting change which can bring its challenges but equally so much joy. Here are three of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt in my first year:

Change is an inevitable but valuable thing 

As daunting and annoying as it may seem, there’s no way to avoid change. Things in life have to change so you can experience new things. It’s not always a bad thing. This year, change has gone from something I feared to something I now look forward to. 

You will learn a lot about yourself at university

Uni will give you the time and space to discover new things about yourself. You’re embarking on a whole new experience and as you go along, you’ll find so many valuable lessons to be learnt. It may seem scary but try and see it as something really exciting.   

Embrace new friendships

Meeting new people can be scary but it’s one of the best bits about university. You’ll always have your home friends but the friends you make at university tend to be friends for life. Me and my best friend met on the first day and are already planning to be each other’s maid of honour! 

University is a completely unique experience for every person but there’s something amazing there for each person. Say yes to as much as you can and don’t forget to take pictures for the memories! 

Are you interested in writing a blog for us about student life at UoB? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk