I came to university excited but secretly anxious. What I didn’t realise was how much support there actually is and how helpful it can be.
Coming to university, I was excited, but also anxious in a way I hadn’t really expected. I kept thinking about everything that could go wrong. I worried about whether I’d make genuine friends, can I cope with the workload, if I’d have enough money, and whether I’d feel out of place.
Now that I’m here, I can say that a lot of those fears settled naturally. There is just so much structured support that exists. Even if you never end up relying on it heavily, knowing it’s there changes how you approach university.
Here are five support services I wish I had known about before starting my Medicine degree.
Academic support is embedded into the course rather than being something separate you have to search for. You’re assigned a PAT and meet with them at least three times a year. These meetings are a chance to talk about how you’re coping, how you’re studying, and whether anything is affecting your performance. They helped me think more strategically about revision and exams and where to change and improve. They can guide you towards other services if something outside your studies is having an impact.
The ASC, based in the library, is another resource that’s more valuable than I first realised. They offer drop-ins, one-to-one appointments, workshops, and online materials covering academic writing, statistics, referencing and exam preparation. It’s helped me to strengthen my work and build confidence in areas I hadn’t practised for a while.
Starting placement can feel intimidating. You’re in real clinical environments, surrounded by professionals, and suddenly everything feels more serious. But you’re not just sent in and left to cope. There are supervisors and teaching staff there to guide you, answer questions, and create space for reflection. If anything still feels overwhelming, there’s a placement team at the university who you can vocalise issues to and they’ll be able to help you.
UBHeard provides a confidential listening service, whether you’re dealing with something significant or just feeling unsettled. The Residence Life Team offers peer support from students who have already experienced accommodation life, which can make a real difference if you’re feeling homesick or struggling with adjustment. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Service offers sessions with qualified practitioners and dedicated College Wellbeing Officers are always available to focus on what’s affecting you. Knowing this exists takes away some of the pressure to manage everything independently.
Financial concerns are another major worry for many students. The university provides practical tools such as an online budget tracker to help monitor spending. There are also opportunities for flexible student jobs that can fit around your studies. You may also be eligible for scholarships, bursaries or the Student Support Fund (SSF).
Looking back, I realise university isn’t about doing everything alone. If I could tell my pre-university self one thing, it would be this; "The support is there, and it’s designed for real students with real concerns. You might not need all of it. But knowing it exists makes walking into university feel less daunting and far more manageable."
Hi, I'm Ellie, a first year Medical student. I enjoy the gym, reading and exploring new places. My experience so far has...
