Posted on Fri 15 Aug 2025 at 09:28 by
Anthony Foster YOUR DEGREE ISN'T ENOUGH
That's what I told my kids. One is still a student, the other in the world of work. Your degree isn't enough. Of course, like most kids, they ignored me. Or ignored most of my top tips. But they took a bit from here. A bit from there. They mixed it up and made it their own and (even though they will never, ever admit it) benefitted from part of it too (the rest they probably got from tiktok).
I guess that is what University is all about. Taking what you have learnt at school and applying it to your chosen academic course, perhaps even discovering something new within that field. But you must always find time for yourself outwith that. Discover something new about yourself. Take Welcome Week, Settle In Week and their first semester to make friends, some for life, with different experiences. Have an eye out for potential flat mates when moving out of Halls later in the academic year. Your friends won't just be on your course. Join a society. Or sports club. Or try a few. Or start your own - somebody else, somewhere, may be wishing there was club for your hobby too. You will make friends and get core skills that can compliment your degree (and do things you course doesn't offer) or do something entirely out of your comfort zone. Don't worry about that comfort zone. Everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY, is in the same boat.
Take off the cool sunglasses. Be a course rep. Student Council Rep. What are they? Good question. It's a forum for having a say about your academic career and advising the Students' Association and University how we can make your lives that little bit easier. In between go out. Try the Students' Association events to start. Explore the city with us. But keep your eye out for jobs to help get you through the year and add to your CV. Go to the Careers Fair. Turn up for intern meetings or graduate recruitment schemes. Keep in touch with Careers and Employability at the Uni. You will not regret this decision or any that I have mentioned here.
Your degree isn't enough. It's the best advice I can give you. Ignore it if you want (at your peril!). That's up to you. I'm not your Dad. The Students' Association is there every step of the way. And if things get tough don't hesitate to come to our Advice Service and we will help you a little more.
MORE ABOUT YOUR STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION
Can be found in our brand new guide here
WELCOME WEEK PROGRAMME
We have been working on Welcome Week since January (we are already working on Christmas and early 2026!). Check out over 40 events here - but be quick things are already sellling out.
YOUR IMPACT
Some students don't think their degree is enough. Want to see what their impact was. Check the Students' Association Impact Report here
THE STUDENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The Students' Association is not standing still. We have a Plan! A roadmap of engagement with the new community you are part of now and beyond (through the Students' Associaiton and University Alumni). Read the Plan here
YOU MAY NEED A LITTLE EXTRA HELP
Sometimes things don't always go to plan. There is always someone to help at Napier. It's difficult to find out where that help is. So check in with the Students' Association Advice Service first (and as soon possible). We have four professional members of staff over all locations and online. If we can't help we will know someone in the University or a local agency who can. Check out our brochure here