7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting University

Starting uni is exciting, but it can also feel pretty overwhelming. Between moving out, meeting new people, and trying to figure out what you actually want to do with your life, it’s a lot to take in. Looking back on my first year, there are a few things I wish someone had told me before I started. So here are 7 lessons that might make your own experience a little easier (and hopefully a lot more fun).

1. It’s okay to not have everything figured out

The summer before my first year of university, everyone kept asking me what I was going to study and whether I already knew what I wanted to do after graduation. I really had no clue ( and I still don't ) and I used to panic about it, because I thought that if everyone was asking me it was because I should have an answer.

But here’s what I realised once I actually started uni: almost nobody really knows. Of course, some students might look like they've got their whole life mapped out, but most of us are just figuring it out.

It’s normal not to have a perfect career plan, that’s what uni is for. It's about exploring and trying things out. You'll probably change your mind many times, discover new interests and new sides of yourself, and yes, you'll also fail at some things. But that's all part of the process.

2. Time management is harder than you think

When you start uni, there are so many things going on, and of course you often want to take part in everything and don't miss any occasion. You've got classes, assignments, group projects, maybe a part-time job, and of course, you still want to have a social life and attend every possible event.

At first, I thought I could do it all without planning, but it didn't work for me and it doesn't for most people.

So what you need to do is write things down. Get yourself a planner (you can find a free one in my resources), a calendar or just sticky notes, it makes a huge difference. If you don't plan, your deadlines will sneak up on you and suddenly it's 3 a.m. and you're crying over an essay (from personal experience, it's better to avoid that).

3. Mental health matters

Uni is definitely exciting but it can also become very quickly overwhelming if you don't take time for yourself.

Going from living with your parents to being away is not as easy as it sounds. You'll probably feel stressed, anxious or super exhausted sometimes and that's completely normal.

But here's the thing, ignoring it won't resolve the problem. It's in those moments that taking breaks is essential. Talk to your friends, call your family, or even spend some time alone to just breathe, recharge your social battery, and reconnect with your feelings. Try to do little things that you like, whether it's just going on a walk and listening to music, watching a movie or painting.

Looking after your mental health is actually what will help you enjoy every moment of your life at uni.

4. Friends take time

I am not saying this to scare any of you because there is no need to stress about it.

One thing you have to keep in mind is that everyone will be looking for friends. People will be coming from many different cities and even countries. No one will arrive on the first day with their group of friends already made.

In the first weeks you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people, go out and make friends.

BUT finding the right people, finding your people, is not always something that you'll do in your first couple of weeks, it can take longer and it often does for many of us.

Your friendships might also change a lot during the year and that's completely normal. So don't be scared, go talk to as many people as you can, and take part in everything your university organises. Trust me you will find amazing friends at uni.

5. Don't overpack

I’m telling you this, but I know you’ll still do it because I did too. But if you can reduce what you’re taking with you, even just a little, I’ll be glad I helped.

Now listen, if you're looking at something thinking "I've never used it before but who knows I might need it at uni" trust me you won't, and you'll probably never need it.

Only bring with you things that you really like, because from my experience you’ll always end up wearing and using your favourite things.

6. Cooking simple meals is a life saver

At the beginning you'll probably be tempted by takeaway, uber eats and even just buying already made meals. But eating out all the time is expensive and not always healthy.

I had friends who were always taking the easy way and buying ready-made food, but they were spending so much money on it. Instead, you can learn how to throw together just a few simple meals and it will save you so much money.

Even if you're not especially into cooking, that's not a problem, because believe me everyone can make easy and quick meals.

Bonus: it's a nice way to take a break from studies.

7. Enjoy it, it goes by fast

This one is probably the most accurate. One minute you're moving into your dorm and the next is the end of your first year.

When you are in the middle of your exams period, it feels like it'll last forever. But trust me, it goes by much quicker than you think, and suddenly a whole semester is gone. Then a year.

And here's the thing: when you look back, you won’t remember how stressed you were before that exam. What you’ll remember are the nights out, the random evenings where you and your friends laughed until your stomachs hurt, and all the little traditions that became a part of your routine.

So my advice ? Say YES to everything. Yes to opportunities, yes to random adventures, yes to things that feel a little outside your comfort zone. Because sometimes the best memories are those that come from the craziest and most unexpected plans.

If there’s one thing to take away, it’s this: university isn’t about being perfect, it’s about exploring. You WILL make mistakes, change plans, and learn a lot about yourself in the process, and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. So pack light, plan your time, take care of your mental health, and don’t forget to have fun along the way !!