Preparing for fresher year

How to make friends (even before you arrive!)

Official Facebook groups run by Chichester are a great way to make friends. Before I arrived, I found course friends and flatmates on the Facebook group.

Although it’s difficult, it is important, especially in the first few weeks, to push yourself out of your comfort zone and start a conversation with someone. You never know, that hello could lead to an amazing friendship!

Wear band T-shirts or merchandise of artists, TV shows, or films you like.

In freshers week, I wore a T-shirt with a musician I love on it, and someone came up to me and told me they loved that musician too. We’re great friends now!

Join societies. They’re a great way to meet new people outside your course and halls who have similar interests.

Remember, everyone is in the same boat. One of the biggest concerns for everybody before starting university is making friends. Don’t worry, you will find your people!

Preparing academically for university

The writing style at university is different to A Level, use the internet to get tips on how to research effectively and how to write a great academic essay.

This will give you a good understanding of what is expected at degree level.

I found referencing to be difficult in first year. The sooner you grasp how to reference properly, the quicker and easier essay writing will be.

Do note that referencing styles differ depending on your course.

Should you defer?

Do what feels right for you.

People will give you advice on what they think you should do, but it is your decision.

If you have plans for what you want to do during the gap year, then consider deferring.

BY: Liv, Politics and Philosophy & Ethics student