Things I Wish I Knew

I always knew I wanted to study abroad. I had lived my whole life in one of the busiest, most populous cities in the world, but I wanted more. I wanted a chance to experience different cultures, environments, and people. I constantly thought, "the world is too big for me not to try to see more of it," and I chose to study abroad.

I picked a city that was different enough, but not so different that I would feel the full weight of being over 5,000km away from home. Manchester was that city. I knew I would love it and would be happy there. I also knew I was privileged to win a scholarship to study at the University of Manchester. I found my home away from home. Looking back on my time as a student, here are 40 things I wish I knew earlier:

1. You deserve to be here.

2. It is okay to feel like you do not know what is happening in class; if you had all the answers, you would not need to be here.

3. Ask questions. You're in the presence of the greatest minds in their fields, so ask as many as you can and use office hours.

4. Treating university like a 9-to-5 actually works, and it's solid advice.

5. The university has resources — the library, financial support, careers, wellbeing and health, etc. Use them. Serving as the Academic Representative for my cohort showed me exactly how much support is waiting for you if you just speak up.

6. The student union has resources too — financial support to join societies, careers advice, groceries, housing, clothing. Use those as well.

7. Ask for help. You might be struggling, but simply speaking up often reveals that someone already has a solution.

8. Do as much as you can during Welcome Week. From getting free kimchi to pimple patches and tote bags (you'll end up with far too many). It's the calm before the storm. It doesn't matter if you're 20 or 50, you're a student, and it was organised for you.

9. Say yes to as many things as you can, that is how great stories are made.

10. Create the community you desire and show up for people.

11. Join a society and be an active participant.

12. Go to as many society taster sessions as you can.

13. Make friends with people outside your culture and share meals together.

14. There is always something happening in your city, go to as many events as you can.

15. Volunteer. Giving back is extremely rewarding and helps you connect with the community.

16. Volunteer for research studies. Not only do you help other students and staff but you could also get compensated for your participation.

17. Have boundaries. Experiences are great, but not at the expense of your physical and/or mental health.

18. Find a creative outlet.

19. Find an active or physical outlet that requires no cognitive load. I chose to garden at the community hall.

20. Find out what makes a good sleep routine for you and stick to it. Sleep is important.

21. Eat well.

22. There is no reward for suffering.

23. Build self-care into your weekly routine and stick to it.

24. Learn the different kinds of rest and practice them. You can't do good work if you're constantly on edge.

25. Practice self-compassion. You do not have to force yourself to be positive all the time.

26. You make the rules. Be flexible and adaptable when things don't go the way you planned; no need to dwell on it.

27. A year goes by really fast.

28. If no one talks to you, be the one to talk. People yearn for connection.

29. The place and people you live with have the power to make or break your experience.

30. You do not need to drink alcohol to have a good time. If you don't drink and get invited out, go anyway and get a non-alcoholic drink.

31. You can always say "no."

32. Take advantage of as many student discounts and perks as you can.

33. Learn to manage your finances.

34. Our parents were right, sometimes it really is the phone. You have nothing to gain from knowing everything happening everywhere in the world all the time.

35. Enjoy the sun while it's out (wear sunscreen).

36. Call your family frequently, even if you have nothing to say.

37. You will feel alone, but you are not alone in feeling this way. Almost everyone does.

38. Have a good birthday. Do something you enjoy. It's just one day, and your schoolwork will still be there tomorrow.

39. You will probably cry, but that's okay, we all do. Just remember:

40. You deserve to be here.

- Vanessa