The new academic year is here! Read a letter from a member of staff who has written a letter especially for you with their advice on how you can make the most of your time as a student.
This letter was written by Jonathan, a French and Theatre Studies graduate. They identified themselves as a home undergraduate student who experienced living on campus in student halls. They are also the first member of their family to go to university.
Dear student,
How wonderful that you are starting your studies or returning to the University of Salford for another year. This is a very special time that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Although I say that with confidence years later, I also remember that in the weeks before going to university I had all sorts of worries including how I would fit in, what it would be like living away from home, and whether I was studying the right subjects. (Personally, I wasn’t but was able to change and now have no regrets. Remember to reach out if you feel like you’re not on the right track, there are teams here who can help you work out your options.)
What I discovered when I arrived at university is that there were lots of people feeling just like me, all starting this adventure with similar uncertainties. That made me feel a lot better. It did take a while to find the people I wanted to spend the most time with, but there are so many people all looking to make new friends that it happened naturally – though not at the same speed for everyone. The friends I made at university are still my closest friends today, many years later.
Oh, and if you’re moving out for the first time I can safely say that living away from home takes a bit of getting used to, but then the independence is great.
Have a great time at Salford, one of the friendliest universities anywhere!
– Jonathan, French and Theatre Studies graduate
This letter is one in a series written by Salford staff members and alumni to you and your fellow students. We hope that, by sharing our experiences and advice, we can help you settle into uni life and feel excited for all that you have to come. Want to read more? There’s plenty to choose from.
