The jump to university isn't as scary as people say

The transition from A-levels to university is often made to seem really daunting, but this was the opposite of my experience at the University of Birmingham. If you are currently in sixth form, worrying about how you’ll cope with the change, do not worry – it is more manageable than you might think.

Surprisingly, I found the "step up" in workload less stressful than my A-levels, during which juggling three entirely different subjects felt much harder. Whereas, at university, because all my modules link together – either Politics or International Relations focused - I find it easier as they build upon each other. However, the essays are definitely harder, and mastering referencing takes practice. To stay on top of independent study, I live by my daily to-do lists. I’ve also found that staying on campus between lectures and seminars is the best way to remain productive, as it’s much easier to focus in the library than it is if I head back to my room.

Settling into campus life also happened much faster than I expected. I got lucky with a great set of flatmates in Mason, but the real game-changer for me was joining the cheerleading society. I made the majority of my closest friends here, both from my training sessions with my team and weekly socials with the whole society. Beyond sports, even just chatting with people in my seminars and lectures helped me find course-mates who understood the specific pressures of our assignments.

Living away from home was nerve-wracking at first, but having a supportive flat makes the "adulting" parts – like laundry, cleaning, and managing finances – feel shared rather than a chore. The biggest adjustment for me was definitely cooking. I wasn't a strong cook when I arrived, but with help from my friends, I eventually improved. My number one tip for any fresher is to start meal prepping. It really stops you from overspending on campus lunches and ensures you’re eating well during busy weeks.

Birmingham felt huge when I first moved in, but my friends and the uni staff actually made it feel way less intimidating. This is particularly true for the School of Government and Wellbeing, who were really welcoming from the start. My best advice is to join a society, plan your days, and don’t be embarrassed to ask your flatmates for help with things!