This article was written by Holly Poole from University of Sheffield
This is a vastly broad question which almost everyone would answer in a somewhat unique manner so I can only speak for my own experience. Personally, the best part of University is looking back at it all and marvelling at how far I’ve come. I cannot whittle it down to one specific aspect of my time at University, I believe it to be the combination of meeting new people, seeing new places, experiencing new things and being able to look back on it all, content on the fact that you I have myself to thank, both for being here and having persevered through it all. I guess that speaks to the sense of personal development and growth I feel I have achieved. 

An unexpected perspective from friends

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I recently asked a few of my male housemates how they felt they have changed and progressed since we all first met at the start of first year and their answer really made me think; they said they didn’t think had changed at all. I sat with that thought all night and couldn’t quite comprehend it.

The comfort zone and its influence on growth

growth
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How could someone move hours away from home, live with 10 people they never would have otherwise met, learn brand new things, visit new places and make memories they’ll never forget and not feel as though they had grown at all? The only possible conclusion I have managed to form is that they haven’t left their comfort zone, and as my mum always says, nothing grows in a comfort zone. 

Embracing new experiences and perspectives

Despite living with 10 strangers – all with somewhat different backgrounds and upbringings – they had very much stuck to what they knew, and although some inquired out of curiosity about our apparent differences they did not approach them with an open mind. In essence, don’t be narrow minded, embrace differences and instead of seeing that as a reason you aren’t close friends, try and see it as a reason to be, ask yourself what you can learn from this person? Not to suggest that friendships should be transactional or that they carry a certain value in that sense, but it can be a good way to connect and be curious with people you otherwise may not. For some this process will come so naturally you won’t even have to spell out in such terms, but if it feels a little alien try and come back to growth as the chief aim.

Stepping out of your comfort zone

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So that leads me to my advice for you, push yourself and allow yourself to grow and develop. This will, of course, look different for everyone because no two comfort zones are the same but there are similarities and I think the key is to do things that you haven’t before (as long as it is safe to do so) and adopt a ‘sponge’ like mindset – that is not to soak up everything and anything, because there will be many things you encounter you would rather not open yourself up to – so perhaps it is better phrased as a selectively sponge like mindset. University is probably not going to be smooth sailing the whole time, but problem solving and overcoming obstacles is an essential part of life and being able to reflect on the challenges you’ve overcome is a very rewarding aspect of growth.

Making the most of university opportunities

By no means do you have to do anything particularly wild or crazy, but something that contrasts the life you have lived up until now and, in some way, opens up your current world. University presents hundreds of different ways to do this; some of which you are often almost forced into out of practicality; moving out of home and living alone, however, joining societies and meeting people from all walks of life, going on trips and participating in activities you haven’t done before, volunteering in the local community and embedding yourself in a new city are all excellent opportunities.

Building meaningful and diverse friendships

friends hugging in a meadow
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Fundamentally, opening yourself up to new things and new perceptions of the world will develop you. It is easy to be drawn to people similar to yourself, and those you have been friends with in the past, but try and make a few friends who stand out from your others and represent something a little different from what you are used to. These friendships may challenge aspects of your current perceptions and encourage you to try something different and that is exactly how you grow as a person.

Internal growth and self-knowledge

watering plants
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Following that, there are a number of disclaimers I want to make clear, even though the aspects of growth and recommendations I have made appear to all be external factors (i.e. meeting people and doing new things), growth comes from within and opening yourself up to the experience so it is most important that you are open to development as opposed to doing lots of things in a rigid manner. Also, University can be an overwhelming time and putting yourself out there isn’t always possible or what is best, have faith in your knowledge of yourself and make the right decisions for you. Learning to show up for yourself and navigate such experiences is a life skill and it will see you through everything you have yet to come.  Make sure the day you graduate you can look back, fulfilled in the experiences you’ve had and content in the person you have become, because you can leave university with much more than a degree and I think lots of employers are looking for well-rounded and developed people on top of academic attainment.

Authors

  • I’m a second year Politics and International Relations student at Sheffield, I am particularly passionate about social justice, reducing inequality and international affairs. Outside of academica, I try to make the most of every day and like to keep myself very busy! I enjoy writing about student life, particularly top tips for new students and mental wellbeing.

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  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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