From someone who has been there, done that

Dear first year me,

I know you’re standing in your new room, heart racing a little from nerves, excitement and worries over how you are going to get settled into a whole new city. Everything feels unfamiliar and you’ve just met people whose names you’ve already forgotten. You’re wondering if you will ever get used to this new environment. Let me tell you, you will.

Right now, you’re worried about the small things like how to get to know your flatmates, how to make friends when everyone else seems to have already clicked or when is the best time to do laundry. However, you should know that you are allowed to take your time with these things and go at your own pace.

Those awkward small talk moments when you first move in? They will soon turn into late-night kitchen chats and sitting at the dinner table together every day. Not sure how to do your laundry? Eventually, you’ll do it half-asleep on a weekday night. London, a city that is fast and busy, will soon start to feel comfortable and homey.

Yes, you will feel overwhelmed sometimes because of deadlines, homesickness, or the pressure to always be doing something exciting. But you will also discover the comfort and small joys of simple interactions like a spontaneous catch-up with your flatmate in the hallway or joining a society that ends up shaping your year.

The truth is that everyone is figuring it out, just like you. No one walks into first year having figured everything out. Everyone has their off days. You will make mistakes, but you’ll learn, adapt, and surprise yourself with how much you grow. That first group assignment that takes up your nights? You’ll get through it. The awkward feeling of going to the kitchen when someone is using it? You will claim your shelf and find your rhythm.

Even when it ends, I know you are going to have no regrets, just amazing memories. Just enjoy your first year, the next year is going to be another challenge.

You’ve got this!

With love, 

Your future self