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It’s that time of year when the summer holidays end and everyone goes back to school. For many of us this means that it’s time for new starts and new experiences. This week at my university all the new students are arriving and beginning to settle in, and I’m sure this is the same for students across the country, and maybe even across the world. Going somewhere new can be incredibly daunting, perhaps even more so for LGBT students, but it can also be exciting, and has the potential to be an important and affirming experience. With all that in mind, I would like to share with you some of my tips for LGBT students going into higher education.
In my personal experience, this was one of the most important things I did during my first year. Through getting involved with the LGBT community at my university I made most of my current best friends, and I found a group of people I could trust and talk to. It was also a really great way of meeting other LGBT people whose experiences I could relate to and learn from. Getting involved with the university community is a great way of finding a safe space and group of people who can help you out if things get tough. Plus you can have some really great group experiences, such as attending pride together.
2. There will be likeminded people out there
Whether you find them through a society or committee, or through classes or within your group of housemates, you will find people who have similar experiences to you, and who you can talk to. You never have to feel alone while you’re at university. Know that there are people out there who know what you’re going through and can be a friend if you need one. They shouldn’t be too hard to find, and there will be people who can point you in the right direction.
3. There will be people who will help you without judgement
If you’re ever in trouble and need someone to listen to you there are people who will do that, at any time of the day or night, on any day, whenever you need it. Counselling services, night line type organisations, welfare officers, mentors, whatever your university has, they are there to help you out, and it’s their job to do that without judging you. They should all be safe to talk to when you’re in need, and they should be easy to find. Hopefully you won’t need them, but remember they’re there if you do!
4. Make sure you’re comfortable, happy and safe
You should never be put in a situation where you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. If anyone, be it classmate, tutor or anyone else, says or does anything inappropriate or hurtful then you shouldn’t hesitate to report them. Never suffer in silence. You’re at university to learn, and you can’t do that if you’re stressed out and being made to feel in danger. Your university should be protecting you and making sure that you’re in an environment where you can learn to the best of your ability. If you can’t do that then make sure you tell someone and get it sorted out, because your safety and ability to learn are the most important things.
5. This is your time. Enjoy it and make the most of it!
Maybe this is your first time away from home; maybe this is the first time you’ve been able to really be yourself. Whether it is or not, this is still your time to start adult life and truly establish your own identity. University is very different to school. There tends to be a bigger, more inclusive community, and the people there tend to be more mature. You aren’t tied so much to past friendship groups, and it’s a great chance to open up and come out of your shell. Take the time to find out who you are, and to find people you get on well with. The opportunities here are endless, and it’s up to you to make the most of your time. Whatever it is you end up doing, good luck, and I hope you have a great time!
1. Get involved
In my personal experience, this was one of the most important things I did during my first year. Through getting involved with the LGBT community at my university I made most of my current best friends, and I found a group of people I could trust and talk to. It was also a really great way of meeting other LGBT people whose experiences I could relate to and learn from. Getting involved with the university community is a great way of finding a safe space and group of people who can help you out if things get tough. Plus you can have some really great group experiences, such as attending pride together.
2. There will be likeminded people out there
Whether you find them through a society or committee, or through classes or within your group of housemates, you will find people who have similar experiences to you, and who you can talk to. You never have to feel alone while you’re at university. Know that there are people out there who know what you’re going through and can be a friend if you need one. They shouldn’t be too hard to find, and there will be people who can point you in the right direction.
3. There will be people who will help you without judgement
If you’re ever in trouble and need someone to listen to you there are people who will do that, at any time of the day or night, on any day, whenever you need it. Counselling services, night line type organisations, welfare officers, mentors, whatever your university has, they are there to help you out, and it’s their job to do that without judging you. They should all be safe to talk to when you’re in need, and they should be easy to find. Hopefully you won’t need them, but remember they’re there if you do!
4. Make sure you’re comfortable, happy and safe
You should never be put in a situation where you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. If anyone, be it classmate, tutor or anyone else, says or does anything inappropriate or hurtful then you shouldn’t hesitate to report them. Never suffer in silence. You’re at university to learn, and you can’t do that if you’re stressed out and being made to feel in danger. Your university should be protecting you and making sure that you’re in an environment where you can learn to the best of your ability. If you can’t do that then make sure you tell someone and get it sorted out, because your safety and ability to learn are the most important things.
5. This is your time. Enjoy it and make the most of it!
Maybe this is your first time away from home; maybe this is the first time you’ve been able to really be yourself. Whether it is or not, this is still your time to start adult life and truly establish your own identity. University is very different to school. There tends to be a bigger, more inclusive community, and the people there tend to be more mature. You aren’t tied so much to past friendship groups, and it’s a great chance to open up and come out of your shell. Take the time to find out who you are, and to find people you get on well with. The opportunities here are endless, and it’s up to you to make the most of your time. Whatever it is you end up doing, good luck, and I hope you have a great time!
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