Hiya everyone! My name is Mya and I’m a 4th Year French and Marketing Student at the University of Strathclyde. My degree is split into half French classes and half Marketing classes. Marketing focusses on promoting and selling products and services. We all know the McDonalds jingle and the iconic Compare the Meerkat because of marketing! I’m here to tell you all about my journey from school to university and what university life is like.
Deciding what to study
At school, I was really indecisive about what I wanted to do at uni. For the most of school I wanted to be a nurse. I was so close to submitting my application when I completely changed my mind to go down the business / languages route. If I could go back, I would have really explored what nursing involved instead of just setting my mind on it. My advice to you is to try and get work experience in the field you want to study. Or, talk to those who are studying it. This will help you make your decision in plenty time, unlike me!!
Leaving home
I was the only one from my friend group who left home and travelled to a different city for uni. Leaving home was a big decision to make especially since I left friends behind. That being said, you can make friends wherever you go. Also, there is time to go back and visit during weekends. I moved into university student halls and shared a flat with 3 other people. It naturally took some adjusting, but I think this was the best decision I made regarding uni. I made lifelong friends there, so I would definitely recommend halls to anyone thinking about it. It may not be super glamorous, but it was always safe and warm!
The workload
I was really worried about not being able to keep up with everyone else because I didn’t study advanced higher levels in the subjects I was going to uni for. I know it is easier said than done, but don’t panic! Universities know that students from all sorts of levels will be coming, so they adapt the work level to this. If you do still find yourself struggling, your tutors or lecturers will have drop in sessions where you can get help or advice. They all want you to pass, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Making friends
I didn’t make very good friends until the second year of uni and that is completely normal. You can make friends at any stage of your degree - it happens at different times for everyone. I think at the beginning I didn’t really know how to make friends… it sounds strange but I was always so used to having the same friends from primary school. So when I came to uni I realised I had to make an effort! I now wish I knew sooner that all it took was a hello. The way I made my close friends was by doing exactly that. I remember sitting on my own in lectures and regularly seeing another girl also on her own. I eventually worked up the courage to go and sit next to her and say hello, and from then on we became great friends! My advice to you is when you are in your induction week, try to say hello and then the conversation will start. I can guarantee that most others will also be in the same position, so be the person who goes for it!
Outside study life
Uni isn’t just about studying… there are plenty of things you can do out with your course to make friends and have fun! Most people join societies, clubs or get a part time job. It can be a bit daunting to join a society full of people that you don’t know, but I have never had one bad experience with a society. No society that I know has been unwelcoming and it’s the same for my friends as well. They all come to freshers week (the first week of uni with no classes, just social experiences) to recruit people like you, so definitely join if you are interested! I joined a society called AIESEC in second year. It is a youth leadership society, providing skills in public speaking, leadership, teamwork etc. It was perfect for me seeing as I was super shy back then. Plus, AIESEC has branches globally so I have been able to travel and meet people from all over the world – it’s super cool! I also have had 2 internships and 2 part time jobs during my 3 years at uni, so there is time to earn a bit of money on the side as well.
My key piece of advice
Step out of your comfort zone! Uni is going to be a lot different to what you are used to, so take this fresh new start to really get the most out of it. If I could go back again, I would definitely put myself out there more. Personally, I have never felt more accepted than where I am right now. You meet people from all over the world and can join societies that you never even knew existed. Take these opportunities because you’ll never get an experience like it. On a final note, enjoy yourself, work hard and embrace this next chapter!