Starting university is an exciting new chapter, but it’s also completely normal to feel a little nervous. The good news is that the students who are about to graduate have been exactly where you are now – and they’ve got plenty of advice to help you make the most of your time here.

From embracing opportunities to asking for help, here’s their advice and what they wish every new student knew before starting in September.

Throw yourself into every opportunity

One message came through again and again: make the most of everything your course has to offer.

Faye Atkinson, BA (Hons) Acting for Stage & Screen, said: “To throw yourself into anything the course offers you. We are given so many opportunities here, and I think when you’re first coming in and you’re nervous, this approach helps to put you at ease.”

Liv Breckon, BA (Hons) Fine Art, added: “To anybody who is wanting to study this course in the future, I’d say to embrace all of the different opportunities and aspects that come your way. Whether that be exploring different mediums or networking and getting yourself out there, it’s all helpful in understanding yourself more, as well as your practice.”

Amelia Smith, BA (Hons) Illustration for Commercial Application, also encouraged students to make the most of every opportunity: “Take on every opportunity that comes your way and connect with your fellow creatives. The three years you have will fly by, but you will meet and get to know so many amazingly creative people and build your own network before you even think about leaving.”

Ask questions and make use of your tutors

Your lecturers are there to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Fine Art’s Isabella Dobson said, “Advice I would give to new students would be to always take the tutorials from the lecturers when offered. In the moment, you might not want them, but there will be times when you’re looking for new ideas or ways to describe your work, and you’ll realise it has all been discussed in a tutorial with your lecturer before. Another piece of advice would be to ask questions. You might feel as if it’s a silly question, but it’s always worth asking, as other people are probably thinking it too!”

Make the most of the facilities and keep learning

Our university-level campus gives you access to incredible facilities, resources and specialist software, so use them as much as you can.

BA (Hons) Animation graduate Adam Nevin said”Advice that I would give to future students is to experiment with different techniques and software, follow tutorials and don’t be afraid to search for answers online, as you don’t have to be limited by what is taught in class. The course provides industry-standard software that you can use both in class and at home, allowing students to be productive outside of class.”

Eva Grinvalde, Fine Art, said: “Use all the resources provided by the university and the course to set up a very solid foundation for starting your art career. Make connections and make sure you enjoy what you create.”

BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design’s Heidi said: “My advice to future students would be to just try everything – there are so many different skills you can learn. The facilities are amazing, so make the most of them whilst you are here. Just put your all into the course and you will find your strengths and place as a designer.”

Mature recent graduate San San Liu added: “Show up no matter how hard. Use all the facilities, try out new techniques. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; you’ll always be supported by the tutors.”

Seb Picken, BA (Hons) Graphic Design, said: “Avoid limiting yourself to just one skill or sector within design – especially at the beginning of the course. Try everything throughout first and second year, as that will be the time when you can truly figure out the areas of design that you resonate with the most. I found that I progressed the most in how my design work looked, but also in my confidence in my work, when I explored a new skill in a project. I would also say utilise the minds around you and ask for feedback and ideas, as I found my best ideas would evolve from brainstorming with others.”

Stay organised, be kind to yourself and remember your why!

Looking after yourself is just as important as meeting deadlines.

“Keep on top of your work as it builds up quicker than you think,” said BA (Hons) Production Design for Stage & Screen student Ysabella Caddy. “I tried to do at least two PowerPoint slides per day to not get buried in work.”

Textiles grad Sophie Risdale said: “Personally, I would tell future students to be kinder to themselves, keep pushing as much as possible, and never give up when things become too chaotic to handle. I first came onto this course feeling insecure about my abilities in hand-rendered drawing and would constantly compare my skills to those of my peers. Doing that will not encourage you to do your best. Focus on yourself rather than on what other people are doing.”

Fine Art’s Leoni Dingwall also encouraged students to stay connected to their motivation: “Honestly, the best advice I could give is to always remember your ‘why’. Being an artist will always have its troubles; if it didn’t, it wouldn’t be worth it. Your ‘why’ will push you when you feel you can’t go on. It’ll help you figure out those tricky parts of your coursework when you need to remember why your work exists, why you use the paint or sculptural material you use, and why you chose a certain theorist to discuss in an essay. Every part of this course asks you ‘Why?’. Your ‘why’ can and probably will change, but you still have to remember to say it.”

Build connections that will last

University is about much more than your assignments. It’s also about building relationships and developing your professional network.

BA (Hons) Film, TV & Theatre Production graduate Stuart Hunter said his advice would be to “network, find things that complement your course that are outside of it that you can bring into your practice. The more you throw yourself into your course and the subject matter, and show people beyond your degree that, when the time comes for graduation, you are well versed in your chosen subject beyond the academic.

BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design‘s Jude Pumpford said: “Don’t be afraid to take the opportunities offered to you! Work experience seems intimidating at first, but I’ve made so many industry connections through it that will help me with my career outside of uni. It’s also majorly built my confidence — I’m a completely different person to who I was in first year by pushing myself out of my comfort zone!”

Costume student Ester Pepe also encouraged students to put their work out there: “I would advise upcoming costume students to not be afraid to reach out and ask if your work can be exhibited, as many people are willing to help and you never know where your work will end up!”

Enjoy life in Hartlepool

Many of our students also spoke about making the most of everything Hartlepool has to offer.

“Hartlepool is a hidden gem in the North; the more you look, the more you find,” said Leoni Dingwall, Fine Art. “Being here, you’re surrounded by beaches and nature parks such as Ward Jackson Park and Summerhill Country Park. Make use of the nature here because the closer attention you pay, the more beautiful it becomes.”

BA (Hons) Model Making graduate Ysabella Caddy agreed, “Go to the beaches and parks around you. I think being at uni can be overwhelming, but reconnecting with nature is really grounding and they are so close by!!”

Eva Grinvalde, Fine Art, said: “There are lots of different things to see and explore. I would recommend taking lots of walks, as there are lots of different things to see, from the Navy Museum to the beaches and the parks all around. One of my favourite things about Hartlepool is the train station, which can take you all across England.”

Jude Pumpford added: “Definitely explore the surrounding area! There are so many transport links to places like Newcastle and Middlesbrough, where there are all sorts of artsy events going on. I’ve definitely made the most of my railcard, going out and about.”

Stuart Hunter said: “Appreciate the small moments and simple pleasures. It can be tempting to feel the need to ‘keep up’ with lots of nights out, which can add pressure at a sometimes stressful time in your life. If you can find a few simple pleasures that don’t require spending lots of money or need a lot of time, a walk along the beach, joining one of the many clubs via the Student Union, etc., can all help to be a grounding force.”

Lastly, Pheobe Lynch said: “I’d say take it one day at a time, try and enjoy the rain as much as the sunshine. Hartlepool has a lot to offer when you have a good look around.”

Ready to start?

Every student’s journey is different, but their advice shares a common theme: say yes to opportunities, ask questions, make connections, use the support around you and enjoy every moment.

We can’t wait to welcome you in September! We are still accepting application for this year so don’t miss out! Find out more here.