University education is designed to push you in the next steps of your development. We hope you are excited to embark on the next steps of your development and will embrace the challenges with a positive and ambitious mindset.

Our aim is not only to develop your expertise in the subject discipline but importantly to also develop you as an independent learner who is responsible, resilient and highly employable.

We will provide a platform and the required support structures for you to develop these valuable skills.

Please can we encourage you to proactively engage with the opportunities that the department and wider university provides so that you can make the most of your time here. If you do this then you will maximise your opportunities for success on and your enjoyment of your programme at Warwick University.

Starting at university can be an exciting but intimidating undertaking. For most students it is a new experience that combines new academic and social challenges.

It is the first time that most students will live away from home for any prolonged period of time. This comes with new freedoms and flexibilities that can be highly liberating but also require students to take on significant responsibilities for themselves for the first time.

It is absolutely normal if you feel anxious about how things will run and what to do to be successful.

To get a place on our programme you have achieved very highly academically in your School and/or College studies and we want that to continue as you enter the next phase of your development.

Here are three very common concerns that students have and I don't want you to feel alone with these:

• Am I good enough to be on the course? You are. You achieved what was needed to get here so be proud, trust yourself, continue to work hard and you will do very well on our programme.
• If I struggle, is there support available? Please take a look through these new student pages to learn more about what support is available. In particular take a look at this page. There is a wealth of support available so please be proactive and use it early! If you aren't sure what help you need then talk to your personal tutor.
• Will I make friends? It is probably the first time in several years that you will find yourself in an environment where you are establishing a new friend group. I can assure you that if you attend welcome events, lectures and tutorials you will very quickly meet others on your course. Joining societies and sports clubs is another great way to meet new friends. Make the most of the early weeks to meet others as everyone will be in the same position so equally keen to meet new people.

The style of teaching is also different from the School and/or College style but we have designed the first year of your programme to guide you and help you adapt to this new style.

• Class sizes and structure of content delivery will be different - See here for information on how lectures and tutorials work.

For all students it takes differing periods of time to adapt but it will happen if you engage, work hard and and trust the process. It is an exciting time in your life where you embrace the new challenge and it should be very enjoyable!

University is a place where you can find people from all backgrounds and interests; make sure you make the most of the opportunity to try new activities, join interesting societies, and develop your passion for your chosen course.