You are doing better than you think

It is hard to imagine now that I was once worried and nervous about leaving my home country to begin my postgraduate journey at the University of Bath. I remember my first days clearly. I noticed everything: the colour of the leaves, the rain, the cold, my flatmates, lecturers, classmates, bus routes, the beauty of the city, the coffee shops, grocery stores, and the city centre. I felt like a tourist, experiencing many firsts, and it was beautiful.

A month later, it is still beautiful, but it feels different. I feel part of the city and the community. I share this because I remember how those first days and weeks felt, and I also remember how things changed with time. It truly does get better.

You might get lost and walk around the city centre more than once. It gets better. You might get to the bus stop and realise the bus is full and not stopping. You learn to plan extra time. You might have conversations with your flatmates about fridge space, cupboards, and how to fairly manage the bins. It gets better. Learning how to share communal spaces takes time, and it gets better.

The first few weeks can also be challenging academically. You might need time to adjust to the teaching style or discover how you learn best. You may realise that while others type on laptops, you prefer pen and paper, like I do, and that is absolutely fine. You may find certain days easier than others, enjoy particular lectures, or cherish early morning coffees with friends. You might even find yourself working a part time job at your favourite coffee shop and enjoying the occasional free drink.

It is easy to focus on the nervousness of the first day and the fear of not finding your people. But the truth is that we all carry multiple identities, and the chances of finding others you connect with are higher than you think. Give yourself time. You will find your rhythm, and things will get better.

For now, focus on settling in. And remember, before things get better, and even as they do, we at ResLife are here to support you every step of the way.