Grow your confidence

There's nothing more stressful than being asked to do something that you don't think you can do. In that moment you feel exposed and vulnerable. Prepare yourself. Over the next few years you will be stretched and challenged through the learning process. There will be many times when you feel uncomfortable, when you think you've failed. You may even question whether you have the ability to be successful. This is normal. So embrace it - because it's how you'll learn and grow.

Persons studying their nails at an ice rink.

1. Watch the film

2. Take a moment to think: How has having a growth-mindset helped you in the past?

Were you born walking? No. Riding a bike? No. You learned how to do these things through tumbles and grazed knees. You learn by failing, and then getting up and trying again. And again. And again. Until you get there. Each setback taught you something about what you did and what you could do differently next time.

3. Ask yourself:

Do you believe that your talent, skills and knowledge are fixed and therefore limited? Or do you believe that you can grow your knowledge, learn new skills and continually improve your talent? Think about this and talk it over with a person you trust. Write down five skills that you've improved at over the years. You can then refer back to this list when you're confronted by something that you don't think you can do.

4. Let's Talk About… Growing your confidence

Miles and Mo talk about how university gives students permission to try and fail in a safe space, but then to learn to fail better the next time and get better next time, their university experience will be broader and richer.

Featuring: 

  • Mubarak Mohamud (known as Mo), Lecturer, Bristol Business School
  • Miles Thompson, Lecturer, Department Of Psychology

Listen on: Spotify | SoundCloud

Can't listen? The transcript is available.

5. Explore more

  1. Blackbullion: Now's the perfect time to get confident about your finances. Complete a free online course to help you manage your money and set a budget.
  2. Find out more about the Student Money Service.
  3. Find out more about Student Support Advisers.
  4. Log on to Infohub and find an interesting career opportunity or event.
  5. Explore LinkedIn Learning and find free online courses related to your programme, technology and creative skills.
  6. Engage with Academic Skills Workbook
  7. Keep track of your Starting Block using the Personal Planner.

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Preparing and arrival

We've put together some practical information about what to do before and when you arrive.