What I’d tell myself as a first year; regrets, advice, and instructions
Worried about what your first year holds? Seasoned students Will Tucker and Christine Wong share their words of wisdom.
Will Tucker
Alarmingly, and without any real conception of how this has happened, I appear to be about to start my final year at Warwick. Through the mists of time I can just about remember first year, so what would I have told myself as a Fresher?
First, I would have told him not to worry about how you get on with your hall mates. I barely talk to anyone I lived with in first year now, and this is no big deal. Think about it – with the exception of a vague accommodation form, you have no control over who you live with, so there’s no guarantee you’ll get on brilliantly with everyone. Be friendly, of course, but don’t be too upset if you don’t. Plus, if you’re politically minded like me, be prepared for some almighty kitchen ding-dongs with people of a different persuasion.
Getting involved with societies can be a bit daunting but is the best way to meet people like you. It’s more likely the friends you make here and on your course are going to be the people you really get to know. So find something you’re passionate about, turn up to the events and get involved. Why not run for an exec position? The worst that can happen is you’ll lose.
Why not run for an exec position? The worst that can happen is you’ll lose.
Freshers’ Week can be survived with caffeine and chocolate to keep you going. It’s worth going to ten events to get £10 off your summer party ticket. Don’t worry about things you don’t do or people who seem to do everything. Don’t spend time doing things you don’t like or with people you don’t like. And to paraphrase one of my favourite songs, there were no good old days as these are the good old days. So make the most of them.
Photo:Flickr/CollegeDegrees360
Christine Wong
My first piece of advice would be to never, EVER volunteer to drink a dirty pint. You are already drunk, and volunteering to help out the cursed victim of the dirty pint will not do them or you any kindness at all. You already know you’re a bit of a lightweight, so this situation isn’t going to work out well for anyone. Instead, keep your drinking steady and slow, and you’ll actually get through the night without making an embarrassment of yourself.
Secondly, I would advise my first year self to always wash up the dishes immediately after eating. This avoids a whole lot of stress when you live in Rootes and there are thirteen other people available to rant at you and your evident lack of cleaning ability. Do not become a dirty dish pariah. To be honest, this kind of pre-emptive, problem-avoiding thinking goes for all halls-living related woes; get out of the shower or bath quickly, don’t leave your course books in the kitchen the day before your essay is due… the list goes on.
asking for help is not a bad thing or a weakness
The last thing I would tell my first year self? Don’t be scared to talk to people! Although other people can seem intimidating, they’re students just like you and you’ll never know if they’re cool people unless you give them a shot. This also includes professors – asking for help is not a bad thing or a weakness and it lets the professors know both how you’re doing with the course and that you care enough to seek assistance with improving yourself! Getting to know new people is one of the best parts of going to university, and you learn so much from the people you talk to. Now hopefully my second year self will take my own advice…
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