A letter to first year me: Ruby

Posted on: 5 June 2025 by Richard Finch in Student experiences

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

I know right now you’re feeling so nervous about starting this new chapter, sat all alone in your Greenbank flat, staring at a purple wall, waiting anxiously for your flatmates to arrive. Liverpool wasn’t the plan, but it was the best possible outcome. You fall in love with this city in a way you didn’t expect. It becomes home and even now, with graduation around the corner, you have no idea how to say goodbye. 

University has been full of milestones and too many of them happened without someone you wish more than anything was still here to see it. You’ve had to learn to be proud of yourself even when it feels bittersweet and that’s a kind of strength most people will never understand. 

Then there’s Law. From banging on about it for far too many years, you’re finally taking the first real step. It won’t be easy, and you’ll get bored of reading pretty quickly but I promise its all worth it in the end. You finally a found a subject you truly enjoy, and it pushed you one step closer to your dreams. 

In third year, you finally got to pick your modules, you found areas of law that sparked something in you. That wasn’t the only new thing in third year, you also start working as a career coach, met incredible people who you could not have imagined third year without. 

Through all of this, Liverpool has been the backdrop to the most important chapter of your life so far. You’ve grown into yourself here. You met two girls who became your absolute rocks. You’ve lived with them, laughed with them, cried with them, made memories with them that you’ll carry forever. 

And now you’re here. Ready to jump into a brand-new chapter (patiently waiting for my future self to write me one of these letters)! You’re not the same girl who arrived three years ago. You’re stronger now, ready to embrace change and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.  

Thank you for being brave enough to start this journey. For holding on through the hard parts. For becoming someone, I am so endlessly proud of. 

Liverpool changed your life, and it’ll always be home. Appreciate every single moment because as someone who’s coming to the end of this journey, I can promise you, 3 years was not long enough.  

With so much love, 

Ruby x