Before university, I felt like I was stepping into the unknown. Not many people around me had gone to university, so I didn’t have anyone to ask or look to for guidance. I didn’t really know what university life would be like, or whether I would fit in. That uncertainty made the whole process feel overwhelming at times.

Discover Bath: seeing what was possible

Attending Discover Bath was a turning point for me. It’s a residential programme for widening participation students, and it gave me something I hadn’t had before – a real insight into what university life could actually be like. It made me realise that this could be for me.

Before that experience, university felt distant and abstract. But staying on campus, meeting other students in similar positions, and speaking to staff made it feel real and, importantly, achievable. For the first time, I could picture myself there.

It also helped me feel less alone. Being surrounded by people who, like me, didn’t necessarily come from backgrounds where university was the norm made a huge difference. It gave me confidence not only to apply, but to believe that I belonged in that environment.

Arriving with doubts

Even after that positive experience, I still had doubts when I arrived at Bath. I was aware of the University’s reputation for being quite ‘posh’ and very sporty, and I worried about whether I would fit into that image. Starting university without knowing anyone only added to that feeling.

What I quickly realised, though, is that Bath is far more diverse and welcoming than those perceptions suggest. Through my course, and by getting involved in different societies, I met people from a wide range of backgrounds, many of whom had felt the same nerves and uncertainties as me.

Those shared experiences made it easier to connect, and over time I found my own group of people – people I genuinely feel comfortable around and supported by. That sense of belonging didn’t happen instantly, but Bath gave me the space and opportunities to build it.

Feeling supported

One of the things that made the biggest difference to my transition was the level of support available. Knowing that there was financial support in place helped ease a lot of the stress I had about coming to university. It meant I could focus more on settling in and making the most of the experience, rather than worrying about whether I could afford it.

Beyond that, the support from staff and the wider university community made me feel like I wasn’t navigating things on my own. That reassurance was something I hadn’t expected but really valued.

A place I belong

Looking back, I can see how much my perspective has changed. Before coming to Bath, I wasn’t sure if I would fit in or even if university was the right place for me. Now, I feel settled, supported, and part of a community.

Bath didn’t just meet my expectations – it changed how I saw myself and what I felt capable of. I’ve found my place, my people, and a sense of belonging that I wasn’t sure I would ever have here. And it has provided me with so many opportunities such as internships and research.

If I could say one thing to someone in the same position I was in, it would be this: it’s okay to feel unsure. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you arrive. Programmes like Discover Bath show you what’s possible - and once you’re here, you’ll find your own way, just like I did.