A warm welcome to all students joining us this September at Canterbury Christ Church University, it is a pleasure to have you here with us! We hope you are excited to embark on your journey at CCCU whatever subject you are studying. Starting university can feel easy for some but daunting for others, both equally valid emotions. It is important to us that you feel like you belong here and hope this blog brings you comfort in hearing advice from a former student.

Hi there! My name is Madeline, former CCCU student and Student Green Office Projects Officer. Having spent three years studying BSc Events Management and working with the university for two years via Unitemps, I have picked up some tips and tricks along the way. While at times university has felt challenging, my journey from Fresher to Graduate has been truly transformative. I simultaneously feel like a completely different person yet still me. Whether you find this blog in the first few weeks of starting or further down the line, I want you to know whatever you may be feeling, you are not alone. Another student has felt the same at some point throughout their course.

Image Description – Emilia (left), Flic (middle) and Maddie (right) helping run a pop-up event in Touchdown

In my first year, I struggled with imposter syndrome greatly. I felt like I hade made the wrong decision, I did not ‘fit in’ and that I was not cut out for a degree. I know it is easier said than done, but if I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to not let that stop you! For most of us, that feeling is likely to affect as at one point or another – the decision to listen to it is completely down to you. Some ways you can challenge this:

• Get involved – Whether this be paid work or internships through Unitemps or volunteering opportunities through CCSU. There are opportunities all year round that you can participate in to grow your skills, confidence and build your CV at the same time.
• CCSU Give it a Go – An event programme curated by the Students Union to encourage CCCU students to try new things from games to arts and crafts and so much more! You can even submit your own ideas for Give at a Go events.
• Sports and Societies – With over 20 sports teams and over 40 societies, there are plenty of extracurriculars to try. If there is something you are looking for but not currently available, you can even start your own society! Drop into the SU and they can offer some advice.

Image Description – Students taking part in the Climate Escape Room

If some of these feel overwhelming, this is completely fine! Being present at CCCU and feeling a part of the community should not be taxing on you but a part of your new routine. Some easier ways to meet new people and get involved with the CCCU community are:

• Right place, right time – Stop off in Touchdown or the cafeteria to grab a drink and bite to eat. It is easy to start a conversation with someone in the line or at the table next to you.
• Tea at 3 – Chaplaincy host a Tea at 3 everyday during the week. Anyone can stop by and chat to others and just take some time out. This is the perfect option for those wanting something quieter.
• Potter and Prune – For fans of gardening or getting outdoors, Potter and Prune is the perfect time to unwind out in nature. This term, all sessions are at 10am-1pm on a Wednesday!

University is about so much more than just studying and there are many experiences waiting for you. You do not have to commit to a society if this is not right for you, you could just drop into a Tea at 3 every over week. The point is, these little things are not so little in your journey from Fresher to Graduate. They can help maintain the positive ease you feel when starting or aid in reducing imposter syndrome, helping you see that you do belong here at CCCU.

We are happy to have you here and hope that CCCU comes to feel like home to you. Your journey at Christ Church is just beginning and is sure to be an adventure.

Thank you for reading! 😊

By Madeline Polston, former SGO Projects Officer

If you are struggling and need extra support, please see resources available to you:

Support | My CCCU