Reflecting on My First Year at Uni and What I Wish I Had Done Differently

Now I am halfway through my second year, I like to look back at my first year at Chester in a reflective way. It’s so fulfilling to see how far I have come as a person, and reflecting on my time here is the best thing to do.

Moving to Chester

On the first day when I moved here, I remember being incredibly nervous to be moving away from home for the first time. It was a massive change (the biggest of my life so far!), and the prospect of being away from my family was daunting. When my family left, I remember thinking about how on earth I was going to settle into University. I was scared.  However, as I got used to being in accommodation, going to my lessons and meeting new people, I quickly found myself getting used to the environment and really enjoying the independence. Now, I enjoy being able to make my own decisions and direct my own life. It really allows me to grow as a person.

Getting stuck into my lessons was the best way for me to combat homesickness. I really enjoyed my classes and the work that was set on the Creative Writing and English Literature course – I knew straight away that I had chosen the right degree for me. Having deadlines gave me the motivation to do all the work and do it to the best of my ability, and that’s what I love the most! My tutors were incredibly supportive and helped me feel right at home here in Chester, despite being so far away from my own family home.

What I Would Change

If I could change one thing, it would be to go to more sports and societies' taster sessions so I could meet more people and discover more interests. I definitely regret not going to any in my first year, as I feel like it could have been another way to discover more about university life. There were so many options but my nerves and insistence on prioritising my lessons took over. Now that I'm used to university life, I definitely regret not taking more of these opportunities earlier on.

Another regret I have is not exploring more of Chester's coffee shops and any hidden cafes around the city. However, now I try to go to a new coffee shop every week to either have lunch or do some work, and it definitely makes me appreciate Chester that bit more! I love Biite, having a coffee at the Storyhouse while doing my work, or just suggesting a new place for my friend and I to visit. Living in a student house has definitely deepened my appreciation for the city I live in.

Maybe take the time to reflect on your journey since joining Chester, and see how much you have grown. Especially when moving forward into assignment/exam season, taking the time to view your progress really helps to improve your mood and make you incredibly proud of yourself.

Find out more about Creative Writing and English courses at the University of Chester.