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 personal tutor or support services – don't keep concerns to yourself, help is available.
- 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.
Circle of support
There may be times when you feel out of your comfort zone, struggling with self-doubt or various challenges that affect your engagement and sense of belonging. This isn't unusual and there's a supportive network to guide you through your journey – the circle of support.
Factors that can have an impact on your mindset and sense of belonging at University. You may experience some of the following at times, but support is available to help you.
Loneliness
When moving away from home, remember you are not alone and you'll find like-minded people all around you. The Students' Union is a great place to meet people and find new interests. It offers food, entertainment, sport, clubs, societies, support and advice, a jobs service and a shop. The social space offers meals and drinks throughout the day, whether you pop in for breakfast or make a night of it with friends.
Finance concerns
It can be difficult to manage your money and unexpected costs can sometimes pop up. Our finance advisors are available to give you advice and information on money matters. They offer general advice and guidance on tuition fees, student loans, delayed funding loans and welfare benefits.
Personal issues
Things can happen in your personal life that impact your studies. You can access a range of support through Student Life, including counselling, health and wellbeing, disability support and welfare advice.
Social comparisons
Your student journey is a personal experience and comparing yourself to others can be detrimental to your sense of achievement, and how you learn and progress. You can access support at the Learning Hub to develop academic skills such as writing, referencing and finding resources for assignments, plus different approaches to learning including drop-in sessions, one-to-one tutorials, workshops and online support.
Desire for perfection
Set yourself realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary pressure, this helps you create a positive sense of achievement and help you meet deadlines. The Learning Hub offers a range of guides to support your learning experience including self-management of expectations.
Avoiding feedback
Feedback is important to show you where you can improve or what you have done well. Embrace feedback, it is constructive for your development and understanding. Ask your module tutor to clarify anything and seek out support from the Learning Hub to develop your skills through the Succeed@Tees workshops.
Assignment anxiety
There may be times when you don't know where to start, you feel overwhelmed or feel a barrier preventing you from progressing your assignment. This is common, and many students feel trapped by a fixed mindset, but remember that help is available to get you moving forward with renewed confidence. Your module tutor can provide guidance around assignment briefs and The Learning Hub offers resources for studying at University to develop your academic skills and strategies for resilience and wellbeing.
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.
Contact the Student Journey team on studentjourney@tees.ac.uk.
If in doubt, seek us out.
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.
Everyone is unique and your expectations and experiences vary. Find out some of our new students thoughts from our pre-arrival survey
What students tell us
Home students
- Some skills may need development in academic writing, studying independently, numeracy and IT.
- A third are unsure about how many hours of independent study to do.
- Fitting studies around family commitments may be challenging.
- Coping with the level of study at University may be challenging.
- Around half have apprehensions about getting involved in University life and making friends.
- Nearly half are thinking about how to look after health and wellbeing.
- Managing financial commitments is important.
- Interested in improving employability skills and accessing support for careers guidance.
- Looking forward to learning new things but also enjoying the experience.
International students
- Not confident in IT.
- Two-thirds are anxious about settling into a new country.
- Fitting study around work and family commitments is a concern.
- Two-thirds are anxious about getting involved in University life and making friends.
- Unsure about how many hours of independent study to do.
- Two-thirds think they need English language support.
- Academic writing, skills and numeracy support is important the majority.
- Half are concerned about managing finances.
- Most are looking forward to developing employment skills and to learn new things.
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.
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