What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Psychology Degree

Blerona Krasniqi

Starting university was such a big moment for me, it was exciting but also kind of scary. When I first began my psychology degree, I had no idea what to expect. Looking back now, after finishing my bachelor’s and getting ready to start my master’s, there are a bunch of things I really wish someone had told me. So, if you’re about to start your degree or are somewhere in the middle, here’s some advice I hope helps make the journey a little easier.

Psychology is way more than just therapy

Honestly, most people think psychology is just about talking to people and helping with mental health. Turns out, it’s way broader than that! You’ll study everything, from how the brain works to social behaviour, research methods, and even statistics. Yeah, stats might sound boring (and I won’t lie, it can be tough!), but it’s all part of understanding how psychology works in real life. So, keep an open mind and be ready to explore different areas, you might surprise yourself with what you end up loving.

Research and stats are a bigger deal than I thought

I didn’t expect to spend so much time on research methods and stats, but these subjects are super important. They’re basically the tools psychologists use to figure out what’s true and what’s not. If numbers aren’t your thing, don’t panic. I struggled too, but practicing regularly, going to extra tutorials, and using online help made it manageable and even a little fun once you get it. Plus, getting good at this stuff really helps, especially if you want to do any kind of research or clinical work later on.

Time management saved me more than once

University life can get crazy fast. Between lectures, essays, deadlines, a part-time job and on top of all that, trying to have a social life, I often felt overwhelmed. My biggest mistake was leaving things to the last minute. What helped me was making a weekly plan in my calendar, breaking down big assignments into small steps, and setting little deadlines for myself. I know it’s easier said than done, but just don’t think, go to the library, get it done, and then you can have time for yourself. It made things feel way less stressful, and honestly, I enjoyed my time more because I wasn’t constantly panicking.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help…seriously!

There were times when I felt completely stuck or just overwhelmed, but I was hesitant to ask for help. Looking back, that was a big mistake. Universities have loads of support tutors, mental health services and peer groups, you just have to reach out. Whether it’s academic stuff or feeling a bit lost emotionally, asking for help early on can make a huge difference.

Also, here’s a tip that helped me tons: whenever you get feedback on assignments, don’t just skim over it, ask your lecturer if you can meet to go through the parts you didn’t understand. It’s a great way to improve your future work and shows you’re serious about learning. Plus, building a good relationship with your tutors can open doors later on!

Get involved, it’s more than just studying

University isn’t just about lectures and exams. Getting involved in clubs, volunteering, or going to talks really helped me understand psychology better and made studying more enjoyable. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people who are into the same things and build connections that could help you later on.

Looking for work experience? Start now and be creative

This is a big one. I wish I had started looking for work experience way earlier. Psychology is competitive, and having real-world experience can set you apart. But don’t stress if you can’t find the perfect placement straight away. Literally any experience working with people counts. Think about volunteering at charities, youth centres, helplines, or even admin jobs in health services.

Be proactive!!! Send emails to organisations you’re interested in, ask your tutors for leads, and check your university’s career services regularly. And when you get a placement, really take it in. Keep notes about what you’re learning and the skills you’re building. It’ll help loads when applying for jobs or further study, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Dissertation advice: Start early and find the right supervisor

If you’re thinking about your dissertation (and trust me, you’ll want to!), here’s a huge tip: start thinking about your topic early. Try to find something that sparks even a little bit of your interest, it makes a huge difference when you’re spending months working on it.

Also, finding a good supervisor is so important. Someone who supports you, is good at communication, understands your topic, and gives constructive feedback can make the whole process much smoother and less stressful. Don’t be afraid to reach out to different staff members to find a supervisor who’s a good fit for you.

That imposter syndrome feeling? Totally normal

I often felt like I didn’t belong or that I wasn’t good enough. That’s called imposter syndrome, and it hits a lot of us. The truth is, everyone feels this way sometimes. When it happens, try to remember why you started your psychology degree and celebrate even the small wins.

Final thoughts

Studying psychology has been an amazing journey of learning about the mind, but also about myself. If you take anything away from this, let it be: don’t be afraid of the challenges, ask for help when you need it and remember, you’re investing a lot in your education, whether it’s your time, money, or both, so make sure you get the support you deserve.