Today student writer Priya gives her tips on preparing to give presentations at university, and how to calm those nerves! 

It doesn’t matter whether your presenting when you’re 5 years old or in your late seventies – everyone suffers from those dreaded nerves at some point or another. You might be hit with them the day before you’re due to speak in front of your class, going to an interview, a meeting or even going onto to stage. But it is imperative that you don’t allow them to hinder your performance and hold you back from achieving great things!

When you get to university, presentations are essential and they are pretty much thrown at you from the day you set foot through the door. You might be asked to present by yourself or in a group – either way, there are things that are expected; like being able to project your voice, speaking clearly and with confidence and being able to adapt. If what I’ve just said is making you quiver then don’t worry! I’ve devised a bunch of top tips to help you calm and prepare those pesky nerves!

1. Practice, Practice, Practice!!!

Yes, the first tip is the most obvious and the one that you probably didn’t want to hear, but, it is true! The more you practice the more you will start to feel comfortable with the information that you are required to present. This means that when the time comes you will be an expert in talking about it and answering any questions. If you have to present with some of your friends then make sure you practice together and do this more than once. Make sure you don’t stress out too much though! 10 minutes before you are due to present take a break – you need to keep a clear head!

2. Watch other speeches

Have you heard of TED Talks? No? Ok – go online and have a listen to some of these amazing speakers. You’ll find more than one inspiring individual and you can pick up a lot about what makes a good presentation. Note how they engage the audience and how they use their hands to communicate their message.

3. Meditate

This is an optional tip to help with anxiety and the jitters. Studies show that meditation can reduce anxiety and depression by increasing calmness.  It helps to deal with a loss of control and feelings of hopelessness. You don’t know how to meditate and want to try it? No problem – apps like Headspace can guide and give you some super handy tips on how to handle, manage and deal with stress.

4. Stay hydrated

So the tips mentioned so far are all things you should do way before the presentation, however, drinking water is one that you can use during the presentation. Drinking water stops your throat from getting scratchy – which happens when you are super nervous! Bring a bottle and keep it near so that you can reach for it before and during the presentation. (Just make sure you don’t overdo it otherwise you’ll have to run to the little boys/girls room)

5. Breathe

Breathing is super important! When you get nervous or anxious you tend to breathe much shallower than usual meaning that your brain isn’t getting the normal amount of oxygen. Sometimes this can lead to hyperventilations or panic attacks. Make sure you take a long deep breath – in through your nose and out through your mouth. This can really calm you down and slow down your current heart rate meaning that you stay calm. Trust me – if you do this you will feel instantly better

6. Smile

Yes, this is no joke. Smiling makes you and the audience feel comfortable. You look confident. You look like you know what you’re doing. There is a reason, a scientific one at that, to smile. Smiling releases those endorphins and little hormones called Serotonin. This hormone is the happy chemical released in your brain and it relaxes your muscles and body – it slows your heart rate and decreases your blood pressure. All good stuff right? Even if you’re not feeling a Cheshire cat smile – do it and it will help the whole experience!

A word from the writer:

Hi my name is Priya! I study Biochemical Engineering – my area of expertise is in Bioprocessing of New Medicine with Business and Management. I am currently a 2nd Dan Black Belt ITF Tae-kwon-do instructor. I like to regularly train at UCL but also love to teach at my local club.

Today student writer Alex tells us about why he decided to do a year abroad whilst studying at UCL. Alex is currently spending his third year at the Higher School of Economics in St Petersburg. 

When I was debating which degree to apply for a big deciding factor was the possibility of taking a year abroad. The employability factor of it undoubtedly played a part but I also really wanted to properly experience another culture, as a student, before the mayhem of employed life, responsibilities, etc etc etc, kicked in (and, not to mention, put off such things for another year).

Whilst upon arrival at uni everyone is vaguely aware a year abroad is a possibility, and there is an obligatory caveat to your introductory conversations that you will be leaving in third year, discussion of it ceases once routine university life commences.

That is, until you get a fateful email from UCL reminding you to attend a preparatory seminar during your second year.

Photo: Unsplash

Choosing where to study

I was never in any doubt that I wanted to take a year abroad but for many people the preparatory process clarifies what exactly they want. Equally, whilst this is not widely advertised before applying to university, it is quite easy to opt in to do one once you’ve arrived, as long as your course offers it.

The process begins by letting you debate where you want to go, and potentially what to study. Deciding I wanted to study at the Higher School of Economics in St Petersburg I was offered the opportunity to attend a discussion with fourth years who had returned from their year abroad.

These informal meetings are massively helpful in influencing your decision, in the sense that they tell you the things the university are unlikely to – such as what the quality of teaching is like, what the nightlife is like and how the people are. Getting an unbiased, truthful perspective is vital in informing your decision.

Then you have to fill some forms out, then some more, and finally, fill some more forms out. At which point you are, on the whole, ready to go.

Pros and cons

The pros and cons of doing a year abroad are difficult to fully appreciate until you do one yourself, largely because of the variety of reasons people decide to do one, the different destinations on offer and the individual problems people encounter. That being said, I haven’t met anyone who has regretted it.

In my opinion, the major pros are the opportunities – the people you meet, the skills you acquire and the experiences that are pretty much inaccessible to anyone else merely visiting the country. On the other hand, you are acutely aware that whilst away the rest of your friends will be continuing their life in London and the group chats continually remind you of what you’re missing out on. Whatsmore, elements of life abroad just often can’t compare with life in London. It’s highly likely you’ll return to student accommodation, which whilst often much much cheaper than London commonly has its downsides – such as shared rooms.

Photo: Unsplash

Whilst many people take a year abroad simply for the benefits mentioned, a massive draw for me was learning a language. I knew I would be taking a language module with my degree (Russian in my case) and, as any linguist will tell you, it really is incredibly difficult to learn a language without living in the country. So far (one month in), this mantra has rung true. Whilst the work you do throughout your first two years of study is a good foundation nothing quite prepares you for the slang, the speed of conversation or the difficulty of listening to a conversation in a noisy bar.

If you can I would certainly recommend looking into taking a year abroad. Not only do you get another year of university (often at a cheaper rate) you also get the thrill of living in a new place and meeting new people. For me, the challenges and the rewards have become a quintessential university experience.

Further information

More information is available about studying abroad whilst attending UCL on the study abroad team’s website, including videos from current UCL students based in countries across the world.

Today, student writer Michael tells us about his experience of starting university two years later than planned. 

“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional”

– Walt Disney

Are you a UCL fresher? Are you older than 18? Don’t worry, a lot of us are/were.

When I arrived at UCL two years later than planned, needless to say, I was apprehensive. I was conscious of the fact that I had not been socialising with people my own age for a while and I’d been out of education for enough time to believe my brain had gone dormant. I’d convinced myself that everyone was going to think I was “old and boring”, and as a result make no friends and regret the time I took out after school. I was wrong. 

If you are about to start at UCL and become a ‘UCL fresher’ after taking a year (or years) out prior to this, hopefully this post will settle your nerves a bit. Trust me, you’ll be fine. Your brain has not collapsed in on itself; you’re not a dinosaur and you’ve gained valuable life experience that will only enhance your time at UCL, not diminish it. 

Reaching the end of your gap year(s)

It has become the norm for students to take gap years after secondary school before starting university. Many travel, some work and some are forced to take some time out beyond their control. Me? I spent a year in and out of hospital, then a year working to strengthen my CV. When the start of term approached, I suddenly realised that I’d not spent a lot of time reading or engaging my brain in academic work, or even doing much socialising, and immediately panicked that I was in no way prepared for what lied ahead.

For any ‘fresher’ (new student), starting university can be scary, and we all arrive with our own unique anxieties about the coming months. For those about to start after taking time out, there may be a few shared anxieties that you and your fellow 20th century born peers are feeling, I know I had a few. This is why I have decided to write a short guide below on how to approach university if you’ve not come straight from school. The short version? Don’t worry – it all works out fine!

Am I too old for freshers? Am I too old for friends?

In a word: no. University is full of people all shapes, sizes and ages. If you’re a 21 year old fresher, there will be many younger than you but also students who are older too. It may be cliché, but age really is just a number at university. Whilst a lot of ‘freshers’ arrive straight out of school at 18, there are a still a huge number of students that do not. Some are child prodigies and start university 16 or 17, whilst others are taking a pause in their career to do another degree. Either way, taking a gap year or some general time out and arriving at 20 or 21 will make no difference. You may gravitate towards people you’re own age, or mix with a range of different age groups. As long as you choose to want friends, you’ll find them.

Will I find it hard coming back into education?

This is a concern I think a lot of students face before arriving at university; even if they haven’t taken a gap year. Post sixth form summer in itself can feel like a long time to let your brain seep into a joyous state of relaxation, let alone taking a year out. I spent over a year working in an office before coming to UCL and still thought my brain had not been worked hard in so long that I was going to struggle reading a book – not to mention writing essays every month.

The key thing to remember is this: you got into UCL. You’re smart. Your brain needed the time you gave it to chill out, and whilst it may take you a couple of weeks to get back into routine, you are no less intelligent than when you finished school. If anything, you’ve gained life experience and have used your brain in new ways over the last year that you’re even more prepared!

Everyone struggles to get used to the independent working style of university at first. There is no one to tell you when to do things or how they should be done. Allow yourself a bit of extra time to write up lecture notes and read articles in the first term. Take your time to ensure you are understanding everything you’re trying to learn. After Christmas, you’ll have forgotten about the time you were worried about under achieving because you’ll be swimming in firsts.

Do I need to prepare myself for what lies ahead?

Absolutely not. Show up with an open mind and prepare for a complete world wind of an experience. Nothing can prepare you for university. It is a world completely outside of your control – other than your grades – and that is what makes it so exciting.

Today student writer Nikita gives you her top tips on preparing for life as a fresher. 

Thursday 16 August 2018.

The date marked in every A level students’ diary.

The day that would reveal whether you have gained a place at your firm or insurance university choice, or whether the process of finding a place through Clearing might begin.

Regardless of how a university place is obtained, the preparation before term starts applies to everyone.

Starting university is a big step and adjusting to the various aspects of university life can take time. Some students may adjust quicker than others but there is no right or wrong way of adapting to the new changes.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for life as a fresher which hopefully will make you feel more at ease!

Student finance

University might be the first time that you have to navigate your finances yourself and that can be a challenge especially with increasing costs of living. However, financial support is available in the form of student loans which can be used to cover tuition fees and/or maintenance costs (more information can be found here). To ensure the student loans are deposited in your bank account in time for the beginning of term, submit your application by the stated deadline.

You may also want to consider opening a student bank account which is tailored towards students such as having an interest-free overdraft and joining incentives like a free railcard.

Budgeting

Linked to student finance is the concept of budgeting. A good way to prevent overspending is to set a weekly budget for food, rent, travel, leisure/social activities etc and try to stick to it!

Also, making some lifestyle changes can help to stretch out your student loan for longer; for example learning how to cook and freezing any extras rather than eating out or ordering takeaways, taking a packed lunch rather than buying a meal deal and walking to places if possible rather than using public transport or paying for a taxi.

Moreover, getting a part-time job could be a good way of supplementing your bank balance whilst enhancing your CV at the same time.

Accommodation

Depending on the location of your university, you may need to arrange accommodation which is closer to campus or within a more commutable distance. For many students, this will be the first time living away from home which in turn brings associated responsibilities e.g. rent, bills, contents insurance, TV licence etc.

Once your accommodation has been sorted, you may want to explore the local area to find the closest supermarket, pharmacy, gym etc in addition to your route to campus whether that be via public transport, driving, cycling or walking. There are a number of handy navigation apps available, such as Waze and Citymapper, which could be useful in helping you get around.

Packing

If you are moving away from home, the joys of packing can commence! It is very easy to over pack and pack things for ‘just in case’ scenarios but bear in mind your new room will only be so big! There will be some items which won’t be necessary to pack such as a microwave or toaster if these are usually provided by the university accommodation but some essentials which definitely should not be forgotten are bedding, towels, toiletries, clothes, stationery and of course loo roll! A more comprehensive list can be found here. As I mentioned before, university is the first time for many students that they will be living independently. Therefore, personal items like photos, posters or a teddy bear could be taken to make your room feel more like home.

Connect with other freshers

Social media has become a feature of everyday life and can be a convenient way to keep updated with friends and upcoming events. Most universities have their own Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat pages which you can join and follow. This can allow you to be part of an online community even before you officially start term. There may also be specific groups or pages dedicated to clubs, societies, accommodation and degree courses which are more relevant and provide you with information regarding Fresher’s week and socials.

Last but not least, don’t panic! While the prospect of starting the next chapter in your life may seem daunting, it will also be an exciting time! There will be so many opportunities to take part in and memories to be made so try to make the most of your time at university!

A word on the writer

I’m Nikita, a fourth year undergraduate on the Pharmacology MSci course here at UCL. I’m from London and currently undertaking a Master’s project at the Centre for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. I’m a Student Ambassador and Senior Transition Mentor and these roles allow me to interact with more prospective and current students at UCL. Outside of my academic studies, I like to cook and bake, go travelling and have a keen eye for photography. I’m always open to exploring and trying out new things!