10 Things Every Psychology Freshman Should Know Before Uni

Starting university is exciting, especially if you are about to dive into the fascinating world of psychology. But the transition can also feel overwhelming. New faces, new expectations, new terminology, and no one handing you a manual on “How to Survive First-Year Psychology.”

That is why we have pulled together 10 essential things every psychology freshman should know before starting uni. Think of this as your head start, and if you want to go deeper, check out Uni Preparation: Psychology Edition (£9.99) for the full guide.

1. Psychology Is Not Just About Therapy

Yes, clinical psychology and therapy are part of it, but your degree will cover much more. From cognitive neuroscience to social psychology, you will be exploring the scientific study of mind and behavior. Prepare to think critically and challenge stereotypes.

2. Lectures Move Fast

Unlike school lessons, university lectures can fly by at lightning speed. Slides will not always explain everything. Having a note-taking strategy, whether it is the Cornell method, mind maps, or voice notes, will save you from information overload.

3. Research Methods Are Everywhere

Experiments, surveys, case studies, statistics, and research design underpin everything in psychology. Even if you are not a “numbers person,” you will need to understand how studies are structured and what makes them valid.

4. APA Referencing Is Essential

At university, plagiarism is a serious offence. You will need to learn APA referencing style early on. Do not worry, it is a skill that gets easier with practice, but first-years often get caught out here.

5. Critical Thinking Matters More Than Memorization

Psychology is not about repeating facts. It is about evaluating evidence. You will be asked questions like: Does this study really prove what it claims? What are its limitations? Being able to analyse, not just remember, will set you apart.

6. Your Lecturers Will Not Chase You

University is about independence. If you do not do the reading or attend tutorials, nobody is going to send your parents a letter. Staying accountable is up to you, which can be liberating but also challenging.

7. Feedback Is Your Secret Weapon

It is easy to skim over assignment feedback and focus only on your grade. But feedback is gold. It tells you exactly what you need to improve to climb the grade ladder.

8. Well-being Equals Success

Stress, homesickness, deadlines, and social pressure can be a lot. Building healthy habits such as sleep, exercise, and connection, and knowing when to ask for support, makes a huge difference in your performance.

9. Group Work Is Common and Important

Whether it is lab reports, presentations, or study groups, collaboration is a big part of psychology. Learning how to work effectively with others will save you headaches and reflect real-world psychology careers.

10. Careers Go Beyond Therapy

Psychology graduates go into everything from education and mental health to UX design, HR, and marketing. Keeping an open mind about career paths early on can open doors you did not even know existed.

Simply Put: Start Strong, Stay Confident

First-year psychology does not have to feel overwhelming. By knowing what to expect and preparing ahead, you will give yourself a smoother transition and a real confidence boost.

That is exactly why we created Uni Preparation: Psychology Edition, a comprehensive online course designed to help you master academic skills, understand research methods, navigate university life, and prioritise your well-being. At just £9.99, it is the head start every psychology student deserves.

👉 Be prepared. Be confident. Be excited. Start your Uni Preparation journey today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before starting a psychology degree?
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. Expect research methods, basic statistics, APA referencing, critical thinking, and a higher level of independent study than school.
How can I prepare for my first psychology lecture?
Preview core perspectives, learn key terms such as hypothesis and variable, choose a note taking method like Cornell or mind mapping, skim your reading list, and set up a simple study schedule.
Do I need to be good at maths for psychology?
You will study statistics, but it focuses on concepts such as correlation and significance rather than advanced calculus. Consistent practice and support sessions will build confidence.
What is APA referencing and why is it important?
APA is the citation style used in psychology. It helps you avoid plagiarism and lets readers find your sources. Learn in text citation rules and how to format a reference list early.
How can I take better lecture notes in psychology?
Capture key ideas rather than copying slides. Use abbreviations, mark questions to review, and rewrite or tidy your notes within 24 hours to improve recall and understanding.
How much reading should I expect in first year?
Plan for weekly textbook chapters and journal articles for each module. A common guideline is two to three hours of independent study for every taught hour, using active reading strategies.
What careers can a psychology degree lead to?
Graduates work in clinical, educational, and occupational psychology, as well as research, UX, HR, data insights, marketing, and policy. Some paths require further training.
How can I manage stress during first year?
Build routines for sleep, movement, and social connection. Use campus support services, set realistic goals, break tasks into steps, and seek help early if you are struggling.
How can UniPrep help me get ready?
UniPrep covers academic skills, research methods, wellbeing, and career planning. It is self paced and online, designed for new and prospective psychology students, and priced at £9.99.
How long does UniPrep take to complete?
Most learners finish in a weekend at a steady pace. Allow three to five hours, or spread it out over the week to suit your schedule.
Theo Kincaid

Theo Kincaid is our undergrad underdog in psychology with a keen interest in the intersection of human behaviour and interactive media. Passionate about video game development, Theo explores how psychological principles shape player experience, motivation, and engagement. As a contributor to Simply Put Psych, he brings fresh insights into the psychology behind gaming and digital design.

Previous
Previous

Be Ready for Your First Psychology Lecture

Next
Next

Psych Tool Review: APA Style Table Creator (Pro)