7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Uni

Alesha's journey so far

Hey! I’m Alesha, and I’m halfway through my Sport and Exercise Science degree at UWS.

Starting uni was exciting, but also a bit overwhelming - there’s so much to learn outside of lectures. These are just a few things I wish I’d known earlier, and I hope they help you settle in to #LifeAtUWS!

Work hard - it honestly does pay off

Even when it feels like no one’s noticing, your effort will show in the long run. Stay consistent, even on the tough days. You’ll thank yourself later when those marks and opportunities start rolling in.
 

Do the work even if it’s not “mandatory”

It’s tempting to skip the extras, but trust me, they matter. Optional readings, practice tasks, and tutorials can deepen your understanding and set you apart from your peers. It’s the difference between scraping by and standing out.

Learn the UWS Harvard referencing style early

Referencing is a big deal at UWS. So many students lose easy marks just because they didn’t cite properly. Get familiar with Cite Them Right and the UWS Harvard Guide early - it’ll save you stress later on.

Get used to independent learning - uni is a big shift

Uni isn’t like school or college. Lecturers give you the resources, but it’s up to you to use them. There are no reminders - just deadlines. Learning to manage your own time and workload is key.

Group work is a big thing at UWS

Teamwork is a major part of the uni experience here. It’s not always easy, but learning to collaborate with different people is a skill that’ll help you in your career. Embrace it - even when it’s challenging.

Don’t ignore the student support services - they’re amazing!

From essay writing to mental health support, UWS has loads of services to help you succeed. Check out Student Services - they’re genuinely helpful and easy to access. Don’t wait until you’re struggling to reach out.

Put yourself out there

Whether it’s chatting with your lecturers, joining a society, or just saying hi to someone in class - go for it. Everyone I’ve met at UWS has been lovely and supportive. Feeling part of the community makes a huge difference.
 
These are just a few things I wish I knew earlier - so I hope they help. You got this!