Freshers' week: What I wish I knew before going to university

Zara Oldham, a politics and Chinese student at Glasgow University, says it’s also okay to let a friendship go if things aren’t working out.

“I think it’s really useful to have different friends for different aspects of your life and if someone’s not in your life, that’s totally okay,” Zara says.

In her final year, she feels it’s important to surround herself with those who support her emotionally, even if they’re not on her course.

“Balance is key. That way you’re not relying on one person for everything,” Zara says.

Somerset lass Zara was also placed in a flat where the only the shared interest was their studies, and she advises not creeping early assumptions interfere with forming deeper connections.

She found when she took time to learn about her flatmates, she uncovered shared interests – and those connections became the cornerstone of her university life.

“I felt like being honest about myself and my experiences has really brought me and other people closer together – no one’s like ‘I don’t want that person in my life’,” she says.

“Especially if it’s been a tricky year, people want unconditionally positive spirits around – I’d like to think I provided that.”

Nick Chan didn’t want to let social anxiety control his university experience.

The English student says he felt the pressure to go to every social event during freshers’ week, even though he found them overwhelming.

“It was a blur. I met lots of people and barely remembered any of their names – and then, I didn’t really see them again,” Nick, who’s on a placement year, says.

But Nick found grounding in setting a routine.

The 20-year-old follows a strict timetable around his studies, gym workouts and time spent with friends.

“I think a vague schedule is really important,” Nick says. “But you should still be open to new opportunities.

“Structuring my time helps me get ready for plans that are in the moment and not spend too much time stressing about not having my work done now.”

Fellow student Toby Smith supports Nick’s mantra, adding that personal wellbeing shouldn’t be compromised during university.

“If it doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t work,” the PPE student from Buckinghamshire says. “There isn’t really any point in being upset over it – there are so many things you can try.”

Toby suggests seeing what’s available at your university, from counselling sessions to welfare support groups.

He’s recently discovered a passion for boxing – and uses it as a productive form of stress relief.

“It’s really helped me get better in the few months I’ve been doing it,” Toby says. “I can place all my negative feelings and physical tension into the sport.”

“Experiencing a range of things in university really helps you develop awareness about who you are.”