A letter to first year me: Tia

Posted on: 10 June 2025 by Richard Finch in Student experiences

Tia is a Class of 2025 Geography graduate. She looks back at her time at the University of Liverpool and thinks about what she would tell her first-year self.

Dear First-Year Me,

Everything may feel uncertain right now; staying close to home wasn’t the plan, and changing direction at the last minute felt like a disaster – but it wasn’t. Choosing Liverpool will turn out to be one of the best things you’ve ever done. Moving into a flat with the girl you sat next to in college will turn into a lifelong friendship. Living in the city you thought you already knew inside out will feel more like home than you ever expected, still finding ways to surprise you and becoming a place you’ll struggle to say goodbye to.

The decision to study Geography came with a lot of doubt. Not knowing exactly where it would lead felt uncomfortable, but over time, you’ll discover that not having a set path leaves space to grow, explore, and learn what actually matters to you.

Some of the most meaningful moments won’t come from inside lecture theatres; a few weeks in, you’ll head off to Wales and share a caravan with people who’ll define your entire university experience. Overseas field classes in Belfast and Barcelona will be highlights of your time at uni, so make the most of them, don’t hold back, and talk to as many people as possible!

Work will be a big part of your uni experience. Although you began first year only ever having worked a paper round, you’ll dip your toes into a few different industries, ultimately ending up in a role that will shape your professional development in ways you can’t yet imagine. It’ll take you to conferences, open the door to exciting opportunities, and completely transform your confidence and aspirations. Beyond this, you’ll get to work alongside the most amazing team of people and forge many new friendships.

There will be challenges: losing a loved one, adapting to pressure, and finding your feet through change. But you’ll get through it with the support of your family and friends. Resilience won’t come all at once, but it’ll grow with every experience. By final year, you’ll look back and see just how far you’ve come. Your confidence will be unrecognisable. You’ll have spoken in front of rooms you once would have avoided, travelled to places you’ve dreamed of visiting, and taken on responsibilities that once felt far out of reach.

And when graduation gets closer, you won’t be ready to leave. Saying goodbye to the people who’ve become part of your everyday life will feel like heartbreak. Staying on for a master’s won’t be just about further study – it’ll be a chance to hold onto a place, a community, and a version of yourself that you’re proud of.

You’ve done more than you thought possible. Keep going – you’re just getting started!

With love, Tia