#THEUniAdvice: social media campaign reveals top college tips

When you tell people that you are about to go to university, one of the standard responses is: “Oh, you're so lucky, you’ll have the best time! I wish I was still at university!”

You can also expect to hear a whole ream of anecdotes and advice about how to make the most of your time at university – some incredibly useful and some, unfortunately, not so much so.

We at Times Higher Education Student decided to take this discussion onto Twitter and, using the hashtag #THEuniadvice, asked our followers: “What is the one thing you wish you had known before going to university?” We received many brilliant and varied responses, some of which we have collected below to help you get started on your university journey. 

I wish I'd known how easy it was to get involved in student journalism - took me until 3rd year to write for London Student #THEUniAdvice https://t.co/vVht03jMaa

— Phil Baty (@Phil_Baty) July 24, 2017

Pick most boring-sounding module - often the most memorable & intellectually stimulating bit of course https://t.co/CmhF7GgLbg #THEuniadvice

— Jack Grove (@jgro_the) July 25, 2017

That it was okay to say "I don't know how to do this" & lots of lovely people were there to help me work it out #StudySmart #THEUniAdvice https://t.co/ZvVGXOr2r5

— UoR Study Advice (@UniRdg_Study) July 25, 2017

#THEUniAdvice Embrace not being sure who you are or what you want to do. Try each new day on like a new outfit and see how it fits.

— Tim Daplyn (@TimAtRedBrick) July 25, 2017

The friendships you make will almost certainly be more valuable than grades you're awarded #THEuniadvice

— Tim Sowula (@timsowula) July 25, 2017

Plan out all your major assignments for the term at the start, and assign weeks to do them; leaving all to the end is bad idea #THEUniAdvice

— Daniel Woolf (@queensprincipal) August 4, 2017

That there would never again be such a good opportunity to live abroad and study a range of subjects https://t.co/EL6CetSwvI #THEUniAdvice

— Ellie Bothwell (@elliebothwell) July 26, 2017

That I'd be surrounded by all the other kids who were the cleverest in their school/college & they were all as scared as me #THEUniAdvice https://t.co/vcpmo4EL55

— Kirsty Palmer (@KirstyAPalmer) July 26, 2017

That "scary" librarian really just wants to help you! #THEUniAdvice

— BPP Library Services (@BPPLibrary) July 27, 2017

And the beans on (whole wheat) toast diet is actually quite nutritious. Don't ditch it for the instant noodle diet. #THEUniAdvice

— Not a Proper Dr (@PhysicsGirlie) July 27, 2017

Establish how you'll be assessed, and how to excel with minimum work. Then explore: minutiae, other subjects' lectures #THEUniAdvice

— ben goldacre (@bengoldacre) August 3, 2017

Ask questions when you have them, with no shame. Having a question is a great sign of engagement. Not a sign of weakness. #THEUniAdvice

— Suzanna Forwood (@SuzannaWood) August 4, 2017

#THEUniAdvice that the people who look coolest and most interesting are often the most boring - and vice versa.

— (@rachelherriotts) July 26, 2017

My advice to #Freshers? Don't be afraid to try our something new - a new sport, society, food, etc. Uni really is eye-opening! #THEUniAdvice

— Craig Bateman (@CraigBatemanUK) July 26, 2017

These are just some of the responses that we received but there are so many more on #THEUniAdvice. 

In fact, if you think something has been missed here, why not send in a video of the one thing you wish you had known before you went to university? The winning entry could receive a £350 smartwatch! We aren't looking for anything perfectly produced, just switch on your phone camera and email your response to seeta.bhardwa@timeshighereducation.com. The competition closes on 30 August 2017. 

Read more: What do students from around the world wish they had known before going to university?