Welcome to Strathclyde SurveyAdvice to new students from new students!

In the Welcome to Strathclyde survey we ask our new students what advice they would give to students starting a new course at Strathclyde. The survey runs a few weeks after the start of term so all our new students' advice is reflecting on their own experiences in hindsight! Here are some of the responses from those who started in September 2023 and January 2024. Please note that no spell check or formatting has been applied - these are the comments as typed by our new students!

Advice from new students from semester one of 2023-24

Undergraduates

Ask for help when you need it. I should probably take my own advice!

Definitely attend freshers week and the events, read all of your emails as soon as they come in so you don't miss important information and learn how to navigate myplace asap.

Don't worry too much about making friends, that all happens naturally and everyone else is trying to make friends too. Just go to events that interest you, whether you know anyone else that going or not, because those people with the same interests as you will become new friends soon enough.

Get involved with classmates and ask questions! Have fun and settle in too. Find a routine to protect your mental health.

Go up to random people during freshers week if you can. I made some of my best friends from it, and it isnt as scary as you realise? I've only been at university for about a month now and I feel like I've changed from introverted to extroverted socially. You can also still have fun without drinking, its just so important you find the right people!

Honestly I know it seems scary but you will find that once you're here and starting to find your feet everything will be okay. The other students are so helpful if you're lost or if you just need help with something. Same goes for the lecturers they are so helpful, with any answers you may need. If making friends is something you are worrying about, trust me you'll be fine almost everyone coming to Strathclyde are in the same boat.

Just go to the freshers events, join the online group-chats and you'll find your people.

Honestly, just take your time with it. It's alright to get things wrong. If you feel overwhelmed there are many people you can talk to for help. Do your assignments as they're given, plan your time and study hard. All in all, just have fun - talk to people! Most of them are in a similar situation and you never know who could be your next friend.

I think it's important to remember that everyone is feeling the same way we all have nerves and feelings of apprehension. Some people may seem super confident but once you start speaking to everyone you realise your all in the same storm. Also there is lots of support available for everyone at Strathclyde all of the staff are very approachable and if they don't know something will find out for you.

If you are struggling or need help just ask as there is plenty of help and support available for a whole range of things and if you are finding it hard there is usually another handful of people also thinking the same. Help and support can be sought anonymously, with a lot of stuff online or it can be in person by asking lecturers and staff.  

Its extremely independent compared to high school and make sure for the first few weeks you don't have a busy schedule out with Uni as it takes time to get use to the work style/workload.

Join groups on social media!! Allows you to get in touch and meet people so it's less daunting when you're coming into university.

Prioritise starting your work after freshers week, and make the effort to have a good balance between seeing your friends and making sure your work is being done. Start working on things well before the deadline!

Strathclyde is a modern, fresh thinking university with a melting pot of diverse high achieving scholars.

Talk to everyone and be nice, I have met the loveliest people ever by being brave and starting conversations and asking them to sit with me in the Union.

Time Management is key! Try stay ahead as much as you can.

Try to get into the habit of planning your day, as it keeps you organised and relaxes your mind because you don't have to worry about what tasks to do and when to do them, as they are already mapped out for you.

Uni life is all about time management! Many of the things which I took for granted without knowing it (living at home, meals being made for you, laundry, groceries) take up quite some time so learning to balance work, life and relaxation is key!

Postgraduates

Attend Orientation: Make sure to attend the university's orientation events. It's a great way to familiarize yourself with the campus, meet fellow students, and learn about available resources.

Manage Your Time: Time management is crucial. Balancing coursework, social activities, and personal time can be challenging, so prioritize and plan your days accordingly.

Ask Questions: If you have questions or uncertainties about your course or university life, don't be afraid to ask. Professors, advisors, and fellow students are usually happy to help.

Explore Glasgow: Take time to explore the city of Glasgow. It's vibrant, culturally rich, and has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment, history, and cuisine.

Attend the freshers fair and try as many new things as possible. There are tons of different clubs, you just need to find one that you fit in with. Having joined multiple myself, I can see how it gives you a supportive network of friends and activities to do.

Enjoy yourself! The more engaged you are, the more fun classes will be!!

Get involved with societies and reach out to the Wellbeing services if you are struggling.

I recommend attending all the informational events they can in their first weeks and connecting to their peers by proposing meet-ups outside the classes. If this is not done at the beginning, it will be more complex later with the workload.

I think just going in with the right mentality, knowing how to prioritise and work smart. Get an accountability partner of possible.

It's good to be humble, share your concerns, and say when you don't know or understand something :)

My experience has been fantastic. Every single lecturer has been welcoming and supportive. Completing the PGDE primary course is intense and every step of the way staff say are you okay, what can I do to help.

It's really reassuring to know that you have that support.

Don't go mad and start buying lots of books because the library is fantastic and so much is available online and the library staff are great at helping with all sorts of queries.

When you encounter any difficulties whether with your course, personal or well-being, Strathclyde have a way to help and support as much as they can. From mentoring, counselling, accessibility, even financial issues, they can advise and channel all your concerns to the correct department.

There is a sense of pride to be a student of Strathclyde :)

Undergraduates

I would say that you should try to meet as many people as you can. Not only may you get new friends, but it helps you not to feel homesick, you may help each other figure stuff out and maybe they can even help you with your course. Were all in the same boat and it is nice to actually help each other out.

Talk to the professors, they're amazingly helpful and friendly. There are loads of opportunities to shine and learn about life. Meet new people, connect with them, show interest in your course and classes.

Postgraduates

Attend the welcome week. Walk around campus and get to know the university facilities. Understand the structure of your program. Understand that your physical and mental health is important so try to enjoy and not stress yourself during the journey. Do your best and remember that everything will be alright at the end.

Attending information sessions and participating in Fresher's week event are great ways to find out important information and meet new people.

Be confident! People of Strathclyde are really lovely, just be confident to ask anything you would like to know and be confident to participate in any exciting activities. You will gain many valuable experiences here, not only in knowledge but also in life and career skills. Hope you enjoy your new journey at Strathclyde!

Be prepared to walk up and down a LOT of hills to get to and from your classes! Also, take advantage of the library - it's a great place to study (especially up on the silent floors).

Befriend your coursemates, find a community that shares your non-academic interests, and try one society or sports club that's doing something new to you! This strategy helped me strike a balance between familiarity and novelty - and I also found a new activity I had never considered doing before, but absolutely love!

Book your accommodation in advance!

Come with a free mind. University accepts all cultures, regions and everyone feel comfortable here.

Dive headfirst into the community. Join a society and start going to social events to meet new friends. Everyone at Strathclyde and within Glasgow is so welcoming, so you will make new friends fast and these circles of friends will only get larger as you meet more and more people through these friends. Community will always make you feel at home.

Do prepare yourself after receiving a Uni Offer, as the upcoming processes do take some time being an international student. E.g. CAS, Visa, Accomodation,etc. Especially, accommodation is a struggle to get one so do try to secure before you arrive. Do have a budget plan for monthly expenses, track it at all times. Join clubs or societies of interest, make new friends to get along with.

Don't stress too much about the workload and making friends before classes start! The professors are very welcoming and helpful with allowing time to get to know your fellow students in class and they will also go through everything you need to know about your courses with you - from the assignments to the learning outcomes to the exams.

Enjoy the first two weeks and explore the city as much as you can. Be well-prepared for the course. Be active and talk to your classmates, your neighbours, and your teachers. Keep warm and stay fit, make best use of Strathclyde Sport. And last but not least, stay positive and enjoy the moment here.

Even though your English language is professional if you aren't familiar with assessment writing or presentation, I recommend taking the pre-sessional course. It will not only help you for studying preparation but also make you gradually settle in.

Get used to the hills.

Glasgow people are really very sweet, Scotland is very beautiful!

Go through Myplace before class start.

Hang in there! Trust the process! Believe in your decision! This is especially for the international students who have taken a huge leap, the first few weeks is a battle zone mentally and physically but do not doubt your decision. Things will fall into place and u will familiarise yourself soon enough. You are just beginning, there is no need to feel inferior about anything like your english accent or work quality. Do your best.

Having a good relationship with your supervisor will make your life much easier.

Research your programs and start doing a Literature review of your proposed topic before resuming.

Resume as early as possible to settle down properly before your induction.

Don't miss your induction for any reason.

Engage in other activities outside your school work to help your mental health.

Join associations because that's the fastest way to make friends.

If you are a Nigerian, be prepared to read a lot and BE DISCIPLINED because the educational setting you're used to at home differs from here. You might get carried away with all the extra-curricular activities if you are not disciplined.

Have an open mind and explore all the channels and opportunities available in school.

Volunteer and gain experience while schooling; it'll make it easier for you to get a befitting job after your program.

Most importantly, be willing to UNLEARN a lot of things.

I'd suggest any student who's starting a course at Strathclyde to be open towards everything available. Make use of all the facilities provided by the uni. Make friends from across the globe and experience their traditions and mainly food (haha). Regarding academics try your best and know that you're in safe hands.

It's a home for persons away from home.

It's better to complete the online registration process ASAP to avoid missing updates about classes and events.

Make sure to know the number of classes you will be attending in a week. I have seen many people in shock due to that as they were not mentally ready specially in PGT programs. Never hesitate to ask for any kind of help.

Make the most of the events organized by the Strath Union. All the support you need is available right there and they are very helpful.

Starting a new course at the University of Strathclyde, or any university, can be an exciting but challenging experience. Here are some general tips:
1. **Get Organized:** Create a schedule or to-do list to manage your time effectively. This will help you keep up with assignments and exams.
2. **Engage with Professors:** Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification from your professors. They're there to help you succeed.
3. **Join Clubs and Societies:** Participating in clubs or societies can help you make friends and enhance your university experience.
4. **Use University Resources:** Take advantage of the library, writing centers, and academic support services.
5. **Stay Healthy:** Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly.
6. **Balance Social Life and Studies:** While it's important to study, don't forget to socialize and have a balanced university life.
7. **Seek Help if Needed:** If you're struggling academically or emotionally, reach out to counseling services or academic advisors.
8. **Explore the City:** Glasgow has a lot to offer, so take time to explore the city and its culture.
9. **Plan for the Future:** Consider your long-term goals and how your course aligns with them.
10. **Stay Informed:** Keep an eye on university emails and announcements to stay informed about important dates and events.

Remember, your university experience is not just about academics; it's also about personal growth and exploration. Enjoy your time at Strathclyde!

Study the Scottish accent.

Be ready to enjoy the harsh weather, because it just gets harsher.

Take full advantage of Strathclyde's welcoming atmosphere and inclusive culture when beginning a new degree. Join clubs and get involved in campus events to create a strong support system. Utilise all of the resources at fingertips, such as the library and academic support services.

Connect with students from all backgrounds to widen your thoughts and improve your university experience, and take advantage of the chance for global exposure.

The people are very friendly and supportive and everything is laid out perfectly to help you understand things better.

To really take some time to get familiar with MyPlace, the course materials and the reading lists.

Try to be proficient in English in all four domains (LRWS), enhance your critical thinking skills, attend library informative sessions offered by university's library.

Yes, Just come early like a week before your starting date. So you can fully familiarise yourself with everything and do all the stuff eg. Bank Account, Part-time Job, Stores for Groceries, etc. that is needed to be done by an international student.

Advice from new students from semester two of 2023-24

Students starting in semester two of 2023/24 began their course around January 2024. All were postgraduate students, on both taught and research courses. Selected comments from this cohort are shown below:

Be confident and focus on your studies !

Definitely attend any welcome events, not only for information but they are key to meeting teachers as well as making friends. It helps to become familiar with the campus too.

It seems scary but everyone is in the same boat and is looking for support and friendship, so you're not alone.

Explore! Put yourself out there. try new things - everyone is welcoming and there is no judgement - it's your time to discover and learn and grow - use it!

Go and immerse yourself on campus whether that's studying at the union, going to the gym- its such a good way to meet new people and feel like a student.

Take advantage of the great facilities that the university has to offer.

There are no stupid questions.

You can always find interesting people and things to do here, coffee breaks, and lab banter...

Timely and useful guidance. You can always find helpful people in difficult times, and they are happy to guide you.

All in all, as a whole, Strathclyde people help and understand each other. The united, cheerful atmosphere is unique.

Anyone starting a new course at Strathclyde should not think much before enrolling themselves as they will feel homely here as there are diverse number of people staying in Glasgow and also student accommodation so they will be able to find people from their respective countries. Also, they will feel safe here both in campus and outside campus as there are so many helpline numbers available for help if any mishappening is done. Moreover, the staff and students are very cooperative and welcoming which will never make you feel left out.

Be ready for an initial challenge settling in, but all gets better with time.

Both the application process and course goes smoother than it appears. Strathclyde offers friendly staff and peers throughout the campus and beyond, so making friends, meeting people, asking questions and assistance won't be a problem for one. The weather is one thing you would need to acclimatize slowly. And the one major thing is the careers team, which provide you with best of guidance in terms of career and performance. Insight helpful even for the freshers in finding your career paths and job opportunities.

Book accommodation earlier.

Do not pre-assume anything and join Strathclyde as a clean slate. You will love the culture, engaging environment and faculty here! The methods of teaching are impressive.

Don't be shy to make to talk to others. Most of the locals are friendly.

Embrace opportunities, engage with professors and peers, and manage time effectively. Join clubs, attend events, and make the most of campus resources. Stay curious, ask questions, and seek support when needed.

Ensure to visualize the timeline and make visa applications as early as possible. Therefore, early and prompt meeting of university requirements to enable CAS Confirmation is of utmost importance.

Find accommodation before you arrive, and also make friends before you arrive through social media platforms.

Get organized early with a schedule and deadlines. Use available resources like academic support and libraries. Connect with peers for study groups and support. Feel free to ask for help from professors or advisors. Balance your priorities for a healthy lifestyle. Lastly, explore opportunities such as research projects or internships to enrich your experience.

I highly recommend the University of Strathclyde to anyone who is looking for a reputable institution that values its students. As an international student, I found the course module to be very extensive and beneficial for my career growth.

I would say to take advantage of all the resources available to you and never be afraid to ask a question. So many times, the questions we ask are ones others had as well. There really are no such things as stupid questions.

I'm so happy to be here, Strathclyde is the innovative and creative university for doing a lot of activities. Library and sport complex are so accessible and huge. Loving to living as part of Strathlife.

If traveling from abroad with a family, ensure that your family are aware of the challenges of relocating to a new country. As far as possible, support them in settling in and help them get engaged with the local community; by joining clubs, gyms, courses etc. Also make sure you apply for a student rail card and use the weekends to discover not only Glasgow but the rest of the UK too!

If you have decided to come here in Scotland, Don't be afraid. The staff is really friendly and supportive. Don't worry about the university processes, you will be taken care off pretty well. Just be prepared to live here for a year and it's you who will have to take initiatives for your career. All the best

If you're starting a new course at Strathclyde, my advice would be to familiarize yourself with the campus layout, connect with fellow students, establish good study habits early on, and utilize the university's resources such as libraries, academic support services, and career guidance. Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out to professors or instructors for clarification or assistance whenever needed.

Make sure you utilise all the resources in the university to socialise perhaps you can keep your mental health stable and healthy.

Work and life in Strathclyde are very wonderful. As an international student studying here, I was always worried about the communication inconvenience caused by poor English. However, the teachers and students here are always very patient in explaining what they want to express.