{"id":2022,"date":"2025-12-17T13:33:18","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T13:33:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student-views\/?p=2022"},"modified":"2025-12-17T13:34:40","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T13:34:40","slug":"how-staying-local-helped-me-build-my-confidence-at-university","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/student-views\/how-staying-local-helped-me-build-my-confidence-at-university\/","title":{"rendered":"How staying local helped me build my confidence at university"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Saliha, BSc Biomedical Sciences\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Student Saliha shares how living at home and studying in her own city helped her build her confidence at university. Read her story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

When I began my Biomedical Science degree at UWE Bristol, I was excited – but quietly overwhelmed. Coming from a BTEC Applied Science background, I chose UWE Bristol as my first choice because of its accredited course and the chance to stay close to my family in Bristol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Although I was familiar with the city, the transition to university life was still a big leap.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Finding my <\/strong>feet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In my first year, I struggled with confidence. I wanted to get involved – whether through student jobs, societies, or ambassador roles – but didn\u2019t know where to start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I wanted to do a lot of things, but I didn\u2019t know where to go or how to begin. I often felt shy about approaching people and unsure how to initiate conversations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The power of community<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What made a difference was my environment. Gradually, I found a supportive circle of friends and mentors who encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

The people you hang out with really matter. They can either help you grow or hold you back. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

With their encouragement, I began to push myself – joining in, speaking up, and applying for roles that once felt out of reach.\u00a0 And I think throughout my time, one thing I realised is that your environment is\u00a0really important.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing in confidence<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By my third year, I had become a PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) leader and a student ambassador. These roles gave me the chance to speak to prospective students and their families, share my experiences, and represent the university. I also joined the Student Consultation Panel after spotting a call-out on the Students\u2019 Union Instagram. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I wish I\u2019d done it in my first year. It was such a great opportunity to hear different perspectives and be part of shaping the university\u2019s future.  <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

But the real turning point came when my tutor introduced me to a research group he ran on Friday evenings. He encouraged me and others to apply to present at a conference in Birmingham. I took the leap and travelled to Birmingham for the three-day event. It was life-changing. People came to see my work, asked me questions, and I even stood up during a panel discussion to ask a question in front of hundreds of people. I never thought I could do that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That experience, along with many smaller milestones, helped me realise how far I had come. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You start to feel like you are good enough. Like you belong here. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Living at home<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Reflecting on my journey, I believe that living at home gave me the comfort and support I needed to thrive. If I\u2019d gone to a completely new city, I think I would have been even more reserved. Being in Bristol gave me a sense of comfort and familiarity that helped me adapt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Staying close to family provided a strong foundation while I built my confidence and independence at university. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s\u00a0the comfort of your own place and your own city, your home – it really helped me.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s next for me?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now, having completed my undergraduate degree, I\u2019m starting a new job as a radiographic assistant in a hospital and plan to begin my master\u2019s in September. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I\u2019m\u00a0staying in Bristol. Still close to home, but with a whole new level of confidence and ambition.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about undergraduate study <\/a>at UWE Bristol<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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