Skip main navigation

New offer! Get 30% off one whole year of Unlimited learning. Subscribe for just £249.99 £174.99. New subscribers only. T&Cs apply

Find out more

What's it like to be a university student?

Here are a few thoughts from our students about how you might get the best out of your time at university.

University is a place where you develop invaluable skills and have the opportunity to access life-changing opportunities. You’ll meet lots of new people and make new friends, gain new experiences and study among experts who share a passion for your subject.

You will experience lots of highs at university, but you may also experience a few lows along the way too. No matter what your experience is, you can be assured that there’s a wide range of support and wellbeing services available to you. Whatever you’re feeling and thinking, please don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Here are a few thoughts from our students about how you might get the best out of your time at uni.

Receiving results and feedback

Séamus highlighted that receiving your work back from a tutor might be a low at first, as you might not get the marks that you want. However, he recommends using your feedback and applying this to future pieces of work. He also recommends asking your tutor if you aren’t sure about anything in your feedback. Measuring his progress through his improving marks has been a real highlight of his time at Leeds.

Avatar of Séamus.

“I would tell myself and others starting university, not to worry over first few essays, assignments or practicals in your first year of university. What is important is learning the new material and enjoying university. So work hard, but don’t aim for perfection with your first few results.” – Séamus

Securing a placement

Katie secured a placement over the summer and this is something she is really proud of. She will develop her skills and work for a company outside of the university or study in another country. She recommends using the careers service or your tutor to help you to find the right placement for you.

Securing a volunteering role

Calista secured a volunteering position during her time at university and has found this to be very fulfilling. She feels it has helped her to develop her time management and planning skills. These are transferable skills that will be useful to her in any future career.

Seeking help when you need it

Although university will be filled with lots of highs, you may also experience some lows. Katie found it quite hard during her first year. She recommends using the student support and counselling services to help, if you’re struggling. She found that by accessing that support it has helped her to overcome the challenges she faced and get the most out of the opportunities available.
Avatar of Katie.
“If you don’t feel like you understand things, when you first arrive at university, that’s completely normal. Just give yourself some time, reach out to people and you will get in the swing of things eventually. And you’ll find what works for you.” – Katie
This article is from the free online

Skills to Succeed at University

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now