Advice from alumni

You can see advice and encouragement from your fellow alumni below.

"Be true to who you are: your personal values, your own high standards and your desire to be the best that you can be. Whatever comes your way, it is important to keep smiling as best you can."

"You have the opportunity to study at a leading institution with some great fellow students and in one of the best locations in the world. Take full advantage of student life and everything the university has to offer. Academically, socially and in your leisure time. Make the most of it – and not just the nightlife!

Above all, be yourself – on a good day!"

Conor Boden, BA(Hons) Law, 1983

"Never underestimate what you can do. Take every opportunity – they might not come again"

"In the face of adversity, family and friends keep me going – and finding time to reflect. Tomorrow is another day and a new start. Don't be afraid to share as talking is always good. If I was to give my 18 year old self advice, I'd say always challenge yourself and don't sit back, and never underestimate what you can do."

Richard Stiff, BA(Hons) Social Science, 1979

"Make the most of the people around you and the support available. Best of luck – you've already achieved so much!"

"You will be used to caring for others, and generosity and compassion are wonderful, valuable traits. To make the most of your time at university and beyond, you will likely need to focus more on yourself and accept more support than you are perhaps used to. That doesn't mean you love your family any less, and you deserve to succeed too. You can't pour from an empty cup!"

Sarah Duncan, MSW Social Work, 2016

"Don't get a job – make a career out of doing something you love"

Radhika Raichura, MA Human Rights, 2014

"Decide what you want, what you need, where you want to be. Set yourself goals. Figure out the steps that you need to and take, and take them."

University taught me that a good story needs a force driving it – a ticking clock, a journey, a cause or reason for doing something. Use every birthday as a deadline, a new chapter, an opportunity to level up. Keep the bigger picture in mind, remember the plot, your driving force this will help you through the hard times. In summary: Have a goal – achieve it one step at a time. Yes sometimes the journey may not be the most comfortable, but it's all about the destination.

Megan Blythin, BA(Hons) Creative Writing and Drama, 2017

"Starting university or work can make you feel nervous and unsure. Your confidence will grow sooner than you think and you will shine!"

Janice Larden-Price

"You'll be working for money during term and holidays. Seek work that develops you; imagine yourself talking about the responsibility and skills proudly at an interview after university."

Ilana Jackman

"Make the best use out of your free time, whether that's working on a passion, enjoying your hobbies or finding new things to do that you love – you will never get this amount of free time again so use it wisely."

Leonie Evans