I am writing to you from the future, first to say well done. You should be proud of yourself. You have worked hard to earn your place at university and that matters.

I know this journey can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You will learn a lot and grow in ways you never imagined, but yes, you may also struggle. You might have questions, feel confused or even feel like you don’t belong. At first, it can be especially overwhelming to navigate the university system, figuring out your assignments, making sense of grades and feedback, attending lectures, speaking to lecturers or even forming new connections and friendships. But I want you to know you are capable and brave. You have made every effort and deserve this place.

There’s a reason why you are in this space. You have already overcome so much to get to this point, Now it’s about settling in, reaching out when you need help and accessing the support available to you. It’s okay to feel scared or unsure. It is also okay to ask for help because you deserve to be supported. Just don’t let doubt take over. You belong here.

Acknowledge your worth, your strength and your intelligence. Your journey might look different from others, especially when you don’t have someone around to share their experience or guide you, but that doesn’t mean you are alone.

You have got this. One day, you will look back and be proud of how far you have come, just like I am proud of you now.

With warmth and belief,
A fellow first-gen student

REF: W-27062025-02