Robin Cummings, 19, studying Ecology and Conservation. I enjoy crocheting and playing Dungeons and Dragons.
What made you join Thrive?
I was feeling really nervous about starting university and all the changes involved, so I joined Thrive for the extra support that would help me adjust to university life.
What did you enjoy most about Thrive?
I enjoyed the coaching sessions, especially the ones focusing on writing my CV.
How did Thrive support you?
Thrive helped me overcome my anxiety surrounding university life. I felt more comfortable going to Thrive events than most other university events, so it helped me come out of my shell and work on my anxiety in new situations.
Did anything surprise you about Thrive?
Something that surprised me about Thrive was how welcoming everyone involved was. At the start, I was nervous to go to events but everyone (activity leaders, my coach and other students involved in Thrive) was welcoming and I felt comfortable to get involved in the activities and coaching sessions.
Can you share one challenge you faced in your first year, and how you tackled it?
I struggled with going out and doing things alone, even when doing things on campus. Now, I am able to do a lot more independently, including getting trains to Liverpool and Manchester and shopping alone. Asking other people to join me when first doing something really helped so that when doing it alone, I knew what to expect, and it also helped for me to set small goals to beat such as going for a coffee alone.
What advice would you give to students about to start Thrive?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! I often found myself putting off asking for help because I was nervous, but once I reached out for the help I needed, things became so much easier. Thrive is here to help students, and the university has so many other teams that can offer additional support.
What are you up to now?
I’m about to start my second year of university. I’m currently working on gaining work experience involving ecology, and thinking about what I want to do after university.