I am thinking especially of all the students who are launching into their next stage – university.  May this chapter ahead be so rewarding, stimulating and a time where you are learning.  Learning about life, about people, about yourself and discovering avenues that have piqued your curiosity.  May these next few years ahead be really broadening your horizons.

A few pointers:

Remember that you are figuring things out.  You will find your way around, working out where your lectures are taking place, as well as your tutorials; you will get to grips with your new time table; you will meet plenty of new friends; you will adjust to student life; and you will get to participate in the array of established student societies.  Be encouraging to yourself!

There will be times when you are really feeling ‘at sea’ but please just trust that  those times do pass.  Life is about the ups and the downs – and if you ever assume that everyone else around you has got is sussed and are completely confident and sure of what they are doing – just know that your mind is playing tricks on you!   Everyone has challenges and insecurities and every student will at times be feeling lost and unsure.  And that is alright.  It really is.

With that in mind, I would love to encourage you to reach out to others and to get involved in as many student activities as possible.  Learn some new sports; try out some interesting societies; say yes to volunteering your time.  I know that you are balancing with this work schedules … but just fill your time with enriching pastimes.  

And take care of your health.  There is such a trend to drinking … and more.  But it is in the nourishing of yourself with good sleep, good food and energising exercise, that will enable you to study better, engage better with others, to manage the load on your time and just to be more productive all round.   Hurray for health!  

Keep exploring ideas and exploring new areas of study.  Learn from each other and remain very curious.  Make a daily decision to remain very present and very attentive and engaged.  Make a daily decision to enjoy your day and to embrace possibilities.