All Minds Support Journal — Reflection
Starting Uni? Here's What Two Graduates Wished They'd Known | All Minds Support
Journal reflection — becoming happens in ordinary rooms.
As another academic year draws to a close, two of the students I’ve been privileged to support since first year — one in Accounting and Finance, the other in Geography and Management — are finishing their degrees. One has already secured a First; the other is still waiting for results. Both have grown, stumbled, regrouped, and succeeded in their own ways. Before we wrapped up, I asked them a simple question:
“What would you tell a fresher starting university this October?”
Their answers were honest, thoughtful, sometimes unexpected — and incredibly valuable. Whether you're preparing for your first lecture or just trying to picture what uni might be like, here’s what they had to say.
1. Attendance Matters - But Be Realistic About How
“You can probably coast through coursework, but your exams will find you out.”
Accounting student
Both students agreed: staying engaged with your course is crucial — but there are different ways to do this. One emphasised attending lectures in person. He missed too many in his first year and it affected his marks.
The other had a more flexible take: go to lectures if you can, but what matters most is catching up. Watch recordings. Read the slides. Do the reading. Don’t fall behind — because catching up later is far harder than staying gently on top of things week by week.
All Minds Support take: Be kind to yourself, but build a rhythm. Even if you can't show up every time, stay connected to the material.
2. Join Something — Even If It’s Just One Thing
“Join a society — it’s how you meet people who actually share your interests.”
Accounting student
Making friends at uni can be daunting, especially if you’re neurodivergent, shy, or just don’t love crowds. But both students said joining a society — whether sports, drama, gaming, or something totally niche — helped them find their people. That social connection matters more than you might think.
Our reflection: One club. One society. One thing you care about. It might be enough.
3. Placements: Do One If You Can (Even If It's Not Your Dream Job)
“If you hate it, great — now you know what to avoid.”
Both students
A placement year gives you more than a CV boost. It gives you confidence, work habits, and sometimes a reality check. Don’t give up if you can’t find one straight away — keep looking. And don’t be too fussy. Even a bad placement is useful, because it teaches you what you don’t want.
Our take: Don’t let perfectionism stop you. The “wrong” placement might turn out to be the most useful experience.
4. Think Twice (or Thrice) About Second-Year Housing
"You’re choosing housemates before you even know them.”
Geography student
This was a big one for both students. Choosing who to live with in second year often happens before Christmas — before you've really lived with anyone. And while it’s tempting to pick the friends you’ve partied with most, the truth is: shared housing can bring out a very different side of people.
The Geography student also gave this gem: “Don’t fear the randomer.” Sometimes the best housemates are the ones you didn’t already know.
Our take: Take your time. Ask around. Think ahead. And know that luck plays a part — you can’t control everything.
5. Start Early (Or at Least, Earlier Than You Think)
“Double the time you think you need to finish an assignment.”
Accounting student
It’s easy to underestimate how long a piece of work will take — especially when you're managing other demands or navigating executive function challenges. While not every student can "start early" in the traditional sense, the spirit of this advice is solid: don’t leave it all to the last minute if you can help it. And if you do — give yourself grace, but make a plan for next time.
Our take: Start with a title and a sentence. That’s starting. Then build.
6. Use Every Last Minute (Then Submit)
“Don’t submit days early unless you’re truly done — use that time to refine.”
Accounting student
This one’s about standards. You don’t get extra points for early submission. So if the deadline is Friday, treat it like Friday — and polish, edit, tweak until you’re happy. That said: know when it’s good enough and press send.
Our take: You don’t need perfect. But you deserve the time to do your best.
7. The Unexpected Lifeline: A Hamster
“My hamster kept me at university.”
Geography student
Yep — this one’s real. When her second-year house turned toxic, she stayed because of a small, warm, furry friend. Pets can be a grounding force, especially for students living away from home. (Check your tenancy agreement first!)
Our take: Care for something. Even if it’s just a succulent or a sourdough starter. It helps.
8. It’s Not Always the “Time of Your Life” — and That’s Okay
"You’re expected to love uni. But not everyone does. And not all the time.”
Geography student
Perhaps the most important takeaway. Uni is sold as a golden age — freedom, friends, fun. But it can be lonely, stressful, overwhelming. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. That means you’re human. And the student who said this? She stuck it out, built her resilience, and now looks back with hard-earned pride.
Our take: You don’t have to love every minute. You just have to make it through — your way.
Final Words
These aren’t official guidelines. They’re lessons from two real students who lived it, got through it, and want you to do the same.
If you’re starting university this October, we’re cheering you on — whether you’re a high-flyer, a slow starter, a deep thinker, a neurodivergent legend, or just trying to survive the next deadline.
If you're starting university this October, perhaps take what resonates — and leave the rest.
—
James Fraser
All Minds Support