Blog: Managing the jump from sixth form to university

Making the move from sixth form or college to university is a big step and there's a lot to take in during those first few months. In this blog, Hanna reflects on her own journey, sharing honest insights and tips to help you feel more prepared for university life. 

Heya! I’m Hanna, and I study Sustainable Chemistry here at UoB. It’s now my fourth and final year at UoB, and this Welcome Week has me reflecting on how I felt when I first joined UoB as a first-year student.

Starting university brings a lot of change: theirs so many fun opportunities and new experiences, yet let’s be honest, it can also be quite stressful and overwhelming entering a new chapter of your life. So, here is some guidance and knowledge I would’ve found useful to manage the jump between sixth form and university

How big is the jump between sixth form/ college and university really?

As someone who lived at home for the majority of their life, moving to a different city and becoming completely independent was quite a big transition. The first few weeks at uni felt thrilling but also strange; there were times when I felt very free and excited, yet there were also times when I felt quite homesick and lost. What I found reassuring was the reminder that everyone is in the same boat and feeling the same way. You’re all navigating this new and thrilling chapter together.

Getting to grips with independency

One of the biggest challenges I found when transitioning from sixth form to university was how much more independent studying becomes. At sixth form or college, you have constant help from your teachers around you, easy access to support, and your timetable was probably full of classes all week.

At university, however, you may have one lecture a day or a couple of lectures spaced throughout the week, and the lecturers have other responsibilities to take on. Therefore, studying becomes much more independent, and it is up to you how you want to spend your free time. I found setting up a routine and organising my time on when to study, do a food shop, chill, etc., very helpful to keep me on track and up to date with what I have done (me and Google Calendar are best buds).

A newer and greater social environment

At university, you enter a greater social environment compared to school, whether you are in halls, society clubs, or seminars. A lecture you may be attending can have more than 200 students present, which is significantly larger than the 30-odd classmates you may have had with you in a maths lesson at school.

It can be quite overcrowding and overstimulating to be surrounded by and socialising with people more than you would normally. With that in mind, take it easy on yourself and go to social events that you want to go to. During the first few weeks, I do recommend saying yes to social events as it’s a fantastic time to meet new people and form friends (and battle homesickness!). Another great way to meet new people is by attending the Welcome events. But don’t feel like you have to say yes to everything in fear of missing out - remember to put yourself first.

Homesickness

Homesickness is a universal feeling that all students experience. Even as a fourth year, who is more than settled at uni, I still get homesick. The first few weeks (and months) at uni were when I experienced homesickness the most, but the best way I got out of it was by distracting myself and meeting up with friends. Going out to social events or exploring the city with mates not only reduces homesickness but makes uni feel more like home. If at any point it gets too much, we have a range of wellbeing services to support you. No matter what it is, someone is here to listen.

All in all, transitioning from sixth form or college to university can be challenging - from getting to grips with independence to battling homesickness. Yet university is such a great, exciting and promising time of your life that you will soon come to call it home. The years fly by - and I mean fly - so make the most of it! I truly hope you enjoy every second. Good luck!

Written by Student Content Shaper Hanna Khalil