I remember it like it was yesterday- the nerves of waiting to open my A level results, thinking back to all the work of applying, and then finally, finally, the euphoria of finding out that I had done it- I was going to study at Queen's that September.

That was 3 years ago, and while my degree has been tough at times, it's been every bit as amazing as I thought it would be- but not always in the ways I’d imagined.  Before you start any course at university you may find yourself in a similar position- excited and imaginative of all that’s to come, but with no idea what to actually expect. From trial and error -here’s the top 5 things I wish somebody had told me at the beginning.

^{Kathryn's view on her first day at uni}

Work hard, play hard

Maybe your course has a particular reputation- whether its lengthy reading lists, a lot of contact hours or essays galore. For me, I was convinced my medical degree would mean I would be spending every hour inside the McClay library trying to make sense of the whole human body.

No matter what you’re studying, it’s true that degrees can be a lot of work- but don’t worry, there is plenty of time to still make the most of your university experience. There’s a time and place for a late night study session, but also for a nice meal, a coffee with friends, clubs and societies, work outs or nights out!

When you’re busy, I won’t lie- it make take a little more planning- but this also means you appreciate the social time you have even more and allows you to enjoy it guilt free. It’s all about balance.

Everyone is in the same boat

You know that person you see who just seems like they have their life perfectly together? Maybe they have the iPad set up of your dreams, answer a question in class before you’ve even started to figure out the answer or have an Instagram curated to perfection. There always seems to be at least one, and I know personally it used to make me insecure. But the secret is- they’re in exactly the same position as you.

Despite outward appearances, when you start university it’s a level playing field. Everyone is nervous about how their classes will go or if they will settle in. This should be reassuring! It means everyone is in it together, and I’ve found it makes people willing to share good resources, revise as a group and just look out for one another a bit more.

^{Don't forget that everyone is in the same boat}

The most important things you learn might be about yourself

Sometimes I’m not sure 18 year old me would recognise me now. Your time as a student is a chance for independence, to try new things, and to be challenged in your degree- and all of this helps you to grow as a person. For example- all my favourite foods have changed in the last few years, as I figured out I really enjoy cooking and experimented with a bunch of new recipes, plus I discovered I am more extroverted than I knew.

For you, it might mean figuring out what you plan to do in your post graduate years, discovering new skills in writing or presenting your work , or simply knowing yourself well enough to decide when its time for another coffee or a study break. This is a time of learning, both inside and outside the lecture hall- and you might just be in for a surprise!

Belfast and beyond

Before I started studying at Queen's, I had no idea that my degree would mean I would not always be in the university area. This past year, I have been on medical placements across Northern Ireland, and next year I hope to travel internationally for my elective- amazing experiences I never knew would be a part of my degree.

Though sceptical at first, I ended up loving the teaching environments in the hospitals I travelled to and I made new friends on my course at the same time! You may know your course has a placement year or year abroad, or there may be unexpected opportunities to go somewhere new. Don’t be afraid to grab them when they come along- your studies will be all the better for it.

^{The day I moved to a new hospital for placement}

Real friends for the real you

Everyone says it- University is a great place to make friends for life. But when you are preparing to start studying, that can seem like a lot of pressure. I think there’s also a pressure to change who you are in the pursuit of new friends- and while its hard, resist it!

You may need to step out of your comfort zone by talking to new people on your course or attending events, but do it in a way that’s true to you- no point making friends who you have to pretend to be someone else around. With hundreds of others students starting at the same time as you, people you are compatible with will appear, even when you least expect it. (The blog here also contains loads of great advice on making friends at Queen's!)

^{My new friends and I at the medicine toga party, during freshers.}

All that’s left to do is wish you good luck. Everyone has a unique experience at university, and whatever path you end up on during your degree is the one meant for you- so enjoy the journey.

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Life in Belfast

Nightlife and Music

Kathryn Allen Medicine| Undergraduate Student | Lisburn, NI I’m a 21 year old student originally from Lisburn and starting my fourth year of Medicine at Queen's in September- I love my degree because its combines caring for people, learning fascinating things and working as a team. When I’m not busy surviving placement and exams, you can find me in one of Belfast’s great coffee shops with a friend, going to concerts to get my fix of live music, or curling up to read a book with a carefully curated Spotify playlist on in the background!