Going to university transforms people’s lives, and that’s a prize worth seeking

Last updated 11:32, Tuesday, 23 September 2008

Every new beginning means an end of something else – that which went before.Many, if not most students, going to the University of Cumbria will be first-generation students, from families and often local backgrounds with no previously experience of universities.

Going to university is a new beginning. It is exciting looking forward with anticipation to the journey that is about to begin.

It can also seem daunting and sometimes unnerving, the letting go of that which went before, whether it is leaving friends or family, family or school, college or job.

It doesn’t matter whether you are 18, 38, 58 or 78, whether full-time or part-time, on campus or studying remotely at home or in the workplace, starting university will bring a range of emotions, opportunities and challenges.

What can be guaranteed when studying at university for the first time is that it will involve change.

Change in all shapes and sizes – meeting (and possibly living with) new people; mixing with people from different social and cultural backgrounds and from different parts of the UK and abroad; new ways of learning and studying; course work deadlines, new interests and opportunities. The list goes on.

We all react differently to different types of change – sometimes it is exciting, sometimes we just grit our teeth and get on with it and sometimes the change can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to do.

The important thing to remember, however, is that the overwhelming majority of new students adapt to life very quickly and thrive at university whether full or part-time, on campus or distance learning.

For those who do find the new start unsettling or who are worried about any aspect of university life, remember countless others have and will experience the same feelings.

Universities understand this and will all have in place a wide range of student support services – whether it is advice on academic matters, financial, health or feeling a little lost.

Universities have specialists working in all these areas whose job it is to provide advice, guidance and practical support to help support students through the transition and throughout their time at university.

What is a fact though is that most of us who have the fortunate opportunity to experience university education are changed by the experience and for many it is nothing less than transformational.

It can seem a big step to take, to go from a position where university is for others, not for me.

The step to leave behind that which went before and replace it with the unknown of university can seem insurmountable and the challenge we all face is to help raise expectations and bridge this gap.

Institutions like the University of Cumbria exist to open doors and opportunities to all those who can benefit from what higher education establishments can offer, so we must work as hard as we can to make this a reality for people throughout the county.

All over the country right now thousands of people young and old will be starting life as a university student for the first time.

It will be the start of a journey which will have highs and lows, be a challenge, and change and just maybe transform the lives of those travelling through.

They do it because they realise the benefits and opportunities studying at university can bring.

They recognise it is a prize worth seeking. We need to help all those who can win this prize.