HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR FIRST YEAR IN UNIVERSITY

Professor Andy Schofield Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University

I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to share my thoughts on how to make the most of your first year at University. It’s an incredibly exciting time, with so many opportunities, and I encourage all new students to make the most of them.

Above all, that means trying new things. Be adventurous. University will give you opportunities to pursue interests you already enjoy, but it’s also an amazing opportunity to discover new passions. At Lancaster, for example, we have more than 100 clubs and societies covering everything from art to adventure sports to activism. They are open and accessible to all, so take advantage from the very start.

Please don’t worry about fitting in or finding friends. Universities are wonderfully diverse and welcoming places that attract people from all over the world. It’s somewhere you can be yourself and feel confident that you will be accepted. However, you should also realise that it can take time to find your niche: the people who became my closest friends I did not really meet until the second term and in some cases the second and third year of my time at University. In fact for me every year was better than the one before so don’t rush to judge your time by how you feel at the end of the first week, or first term.

Relish learning alongside people at the very cutting edge of their field. Universities such as Lancaster are home to worldleading researchers. They are not simply your teachers; they are part of your academic community. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and contribute your thoughts. I promise you, they are interested in what you have to say.

Find out about all the support available to you beyond your lecturers too, and use it. Careers experts, study support, financial advisors – they’re all there for you, and it’s worth spending time in your first year understanding what they can offer and how to make best use of them.

You should also expect to face challenges and be ready to talk about them. Universities are supportive places with specialist teams who care about your wellbeing, so please reach out to those around you.

University will provide you with many of your most memorable experiences, as well as friends, lessons and skills that will last you a lifetime. I envy anyone about to begin that journey – enjoy it.

Best wishes,

Andy Schofield, Vice-Chancellor