First of all, welcome freshers. The next four years will be some of the best most memorable years of your life. As a nostalgic fourth year, I’d like to offer you some advice I have learnt from my past four years in Stirling.
I actually spent my first year commuting from home and didn’t get my on-campus, in halls, experience till second year. With the pandemic and classes online a lot more students will be in that position, this by no means at all limits your freshers experience. The best way to throw yourself into university life is through the Student Union, sports clubs and societies.
Each one is unique with welcoming people who have similar interests to you and there are hundreds to choose from to find the perfect fit for you. There is also no limit to how many clubs and societies you can join.
The best way to discover all the sports clubs and societies is through Give It a Go’s (GIAG). Over the next month all our fantastic clubs are hosting different virtual events to give you a taste of the society, to meet new people, and see what we are all about.
Going to a number of GIAG’s will allow you to have a really exciting Freshers week, doing all sorts of different things.
It was our newspaper GIAG that introduced me to the society and many of my friends. The Brig GIAG is on Tuesday 22 at 6:30pm, the link will be on our Facebook page and advertised across social media.
Put yourself out there. Being in new situations and meeting people can be a nerve-wracking experience, but everybody is in the same boat and probably feeling anxious too. You won’t know if you like something or not till you try. Freshers is a perfect opportunity for that.
But equally as important take things at your own pace, and make sure you take care of yourself. You won’t miss much if you take one night off and you’ve got four years of socials, parties and pubs ahead of you.
Take some time with a couple of friends to walk round and discover Stirling. It’s easy to get engulfed in uni life and with the beautiful campus it’s understandable you wouldn’t want to leave. But Stirling is unique as it has many incredible natural beauty spots on your doorstep. If you are feeling brave you can tackle Dumyat Stirling’s hill, the Wallace Monument just ten minutes from university or the graveyard next to the castle that has some fascinating features.
Get to know your lecturers that’s what they are there for. Any questions, queries or just a chat it is a great asset to get to know your department early on. Your lecturers will always be there if you need help or advice.
Make sure you take care of yourself, sometimes its easy to forget with all the fun of first year. Getting enough sleep and eating well will ensure you have plenty of energy for all the activities, nights outs and lectures.
Most of all enjoy yourself. University is a brilliant time so make the most of it. If you are ever feeling stressed, anxious or like everything is just a bit too much reach out. There are plenty of people here to help.
You can contact Student Services on: https://www.stir.ac.uk/student-life/support-wellbeing/
Film Media and Journalism student at the University of Stirling. Editor in Chief at Brig Newspaper. Edinburgh / Stirling
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