Hello, I'm from England and just finished with my college life (6th form). I am waiting for my results to come back in august and then I can hopefully be setting off for university! the thing is I am so scared, it's such a big change for me, I've always had my family with me and we've always had money but my dad has recently abandoned us for another woman and taken almost all the money.
So most of my worries are money wise, since my mother has been a house-wife and is now struggling with money while the divorce is going through and I'll be quite far away by my standards (down in Luton). I'm more than willing to get a job once I get there but my cousin who is all ready at uni said there's no time between having fun and school
Which leads me to the next concern, Socialising. I would rather work and study than be getting drunk but I'm a shy person and don't make good friends easily so I'm worried people will see me and think I'm just strange and ignore me :/.
The final concern I have is about the workload, I don't know what to expect at all and if anyone (particularly those who have done Psychology) could tell me how difficult the shift is from A level to university and how much I am expected to be doing in a given week would be much appreciated.
I guess what I'm asking for is a sort of guide of tips or own knowledge that will help me relax, I'm the only member of my immediate family to get into university so they really aren't much help and besides that, were all falling apart at the seams lol. thank you :)
I've just finished my first year of university in the UK so hopefully I can be of some help to you.
Money is a struggle at uni and it would be a good idea to get a job. Ignore your cousin, you will have plenty of time to fit in a part-job, especially in your first year. If you can, try and get yourself a job on campus because they are usually more flexible and accommodating to your schedule. Most high street stores are very good when it comes to employing students and offer part-time contracts, working evenings and/or weekends.
What you must remember about starting uni is that everyone is in the same boat. Freshers' Week isn't just about getting drunk, it's about meeting people and making friends. You will not be the only shy person there and you will not be the only person who doesn't drink much. You will have to make some effort. If you sit in your room all the time and don't get out and get to know people then it will be harder to make friends later on. I suggest you really take advantage of Freshers' and any 'get to know you' type sessions your course runs because this will be where you make the most friends. In reality, you probably won't end up being lifelong friends with the people you meet during Freshers' Week but it gives you a jumping off point.
The step from sixth form to uni is a big one, in terms of workload and course content. One of the biggest differences is that you are expected to do a lot more independent work. The best piece of advice I could give you is to keep up with your reading. Your lecturers will expect you to do extra recommended reading for each topic and you will find it a lot easier come exam time when you've actually done it and don't have a last minute panic not being able to find the book in the library.
It varies from university to university but in general, Psychology courses have a lot of contact time. This means you will have several hours of lectures/seminars a week. In terms of content, I get the impression that there isn't too big a jump between sixth form and university Psychology. Try looking on your university's website as usually they will have information on course modules, contact time, reading etc.
Take advantage of seminars (or tutorials/labs, whatever your university calls them) as they are your opportunities to ask questions and clarify anything you don't understand. And remember your tutors will be happy to discuss any problems you're having with the course or university life in general.
Believe me, everyone is nervous before they start uni and those who aren't are either lying or the ones who have a meltdown before Christmas.
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Thank you :) It is good to hear from someone who has experenced the same thing recently and I'll be sure to do my best keeping up with everything ^^
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