As you begin your student journey, it's natural to feel uncertain about the future and how to find your way. Here at Teesside, we understand the importance of preparing for University and we encourage you to fully embrace the opportunities that student life offers. It's all part of your journey towards enjoying and succeeding in your studies.
Building your confidence
In new environments and unfamiliar experiences, you may feel unsure or have self-doubt about getting started, what you can achieve or about fitting in. This is referred to as imposter syndrome.
It's normal to doubt yourself, but we want to help you build confidence, and support you to reach your potential. Feeling that you belong and having a sense of involvement helps you overcome these doubts.
Top tips to overcome self-doubt
- Personalise your accommodation – bring belongings to remind you of home, such as keepsakes and photos.
- Say hello to other students – make the effort to meet new people, join a club or society and check out the Student Life events.
- Manage your money effectively – check out Blackbullion for online guidance or talk to our funding team for great advice.
- Reach out to your module tutor and utilise the Succeed@Tees workshops and library guides. They provide great support for starting and constructing your assignments
- Believe in your ability – enhance your skills and confidence with the Learning Hub.
- Have realistic goals and targets – manage your time effectively to stay on track with assignment deadlines.
- Acknowledge that assignment feedback is constructive – reflect on it to identify what you are doing well and ways to improve.
- Reach out to your module tutor and the academic librarians – they can provide great support for starting and constructing your assignments.
- Be kind to yourself – accept praise, share your success, treat yourself or have a relaxing day.
- Take time to refocus and recharge your mind and physical health – look after your health, wellbeing and lifestyle.
- Get out of your comfort zone – even though it seems hard at first, try something new like a sports club or become a volunteer.
- Find out about our inclusive campus, faith and reflection services and life on campus – Teesside is a culturally diverse campus which acknowledges inclusivity and respect for all.
- Improve your English language and communication skills if you're an international student – embrace the Language Café and in-sessional English workshops.
New to University? Download the Supporting the transition into University life guide.
Top tips for settling into University life
Prepare to prepare
Access all pre-arrival information and know what to expect
Feel at home
Make sure you have identified accommodation that meets your needs
Hit the ground running
Be ready for your course by attending your induction, orientation and welcome events
Societies
Get involved and meet with people who share your interests
Get social
Welcome Week and University activities are a great place to meet new people and make friends
Know your supporters
Find out about the wide range of support on campus
You're not alone
Chat to other students. They might be feeling the same as you
Paint your picture
Manage your expectations and think about what you're looking forward to
Managing wobbles
This is natural and many students experience this in the first few weeks
Stay connected
Send updates to your friends and family, and share photos of your student experience
Make a difference
Become a volunteer, support your local community, meet new people and make friends.
Individual support
Teesside has a diverse student population from all walks of life and from all around the world. Some are entering university after transitioning from school and college, others are returning to education as mature students or after a break between studies. There are commuting students, those moving into the area from the UK and overseas, those who have caring responsibilities and those studying online.
What students tell us
Undergraduates
- You recognised you may need to access services to improve written, studying and IT skills.
- Some are unsure about how much time to invest in independent study.
- How to balance studying with work and family commitments is on your mind.
- You are looking forward to making new friends but unsure how to get involved with university life.
- Managing and understanding how to manage your finances is very important.
- Maintaining your health and wellbeing is something you may need help with.
Postgraduates
- Improving IT skills and academic writing are areas you may need help with.
- Two-thirds are studying to improve employment prospects and over half expect to access careers support.
- Over half of you are unsure if you will adjust to the level of study required for postgraduate studies.
- International students are a little concerned about living in a new country and how to make friends.
- Your health and wellbeing are important and you expect to access services to help with this.
- Around half of you feel unsure if the course you have chosen will meet your expectations.
The Student Journey team are here to assist you with any enquiries about your student experience and to guide you on your journey. If you have any questions, please email studentjourney@tees.ac.uk. If in doubt, seek us out.
You can find out more about overcoming barriers and the support that is available in our Circle of Support section
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