A letter to first year me: Charlie

Posted on: 24 June 2024 by Richard Finch in Student experiences

Charlie is a Class of 2024 MRes Criminological Research graduate. Here, she looks back at her time at the University of Liverpool and thinks about what she would tell her first-year self.

Dear First Year Me,

It’s a scary thing to drop out of university.

But I’m proud of you for giving it another go. A new course. A new university. A new city. Even if you are in a global pandemic right now.

Don’t worry about feeling that university isn’t for you. Ignore all the comments from teachers, friends, and family that still follow you. You can go to university, and you got here by your own determination. You’ll find your feet very quickly, I promise. This fresh start is not a sign of failure, it is a sign of growth, and taking a second chance will be the best decision you’ve ever made.

First year will be amazing.

Second year, even better.

Third year you’ll love so much you’ll go back for a Masters!

You’ll have your fair share of trials and tribulations throughout your time at Liverpool, but it will all be worth it. I can confidently say you are about to begin the best three (or four) years of your life.

You are going to become part of a huge circle of friends who you’ll keep in touch with long after you graduate. You join a committee and plan a record-breaking ball for your department alongside a team of the loveliest girls. So many more amazing days and nights spent with these guys are to come. Your course will allow you to see the world in a completely different way. You’re going to achieve top grades, graduate with a first. Spoiler, your parents cry when you walk across the stage (although we knew they would).

Masters will be another incredible experience. Simultaneously a fourth year student but once again a first year, you’ll have to go through another round of finding your feet. Except now, you are older, stronger, and happier. Student Researcher and Career Coach, wait till you see how good your LinkedIn looks now!

Make the most of your time here. It will go quickly. Appreciate every achievement, big and small. Take lots of pictures! And most importantly, prove them all wrong.

Lots of love,

Final Year You