With some people, probably with more than is generally thought, one of the most frightening aspects of “ going back” to education is the prospect of being in a new environment and a new group of fellow students. The knowledge that few of us are as confident as we may look to others should be of some comfort.

See if there is a pre-course meeting or function of any kind and attend if at all possible. If the course attracts foreign students, then there is a very good chance that they will meet up in some form of introduction or welcome before the main body come together. Make a call to see if there is such a get together, and offer to attend to help welcome them, or even to join them afterwards. This may sound a bit childish, but the point of this is not to be. When meeting in the group for the first time, do not feel the need to make “best friends” right away. Be generally sociable and natural and just see how it works out. The chances are that the first people you talk to may not be the compatible soul mates; you should not be seeking anyway.

It’s quite likely that a reasonable proportion of the group will be young; but, especially in masters’ degrees, there should be quite a diversity of race, sex and age. Enjoy the mix, and do not look for like; although you will be either very lucky, or very amenable or even a little naïve if you get on well with everyone.

Part of your group, but still a little removed, are the lecturers and tutors. Again, you may not like all of them, and the feeling may be reciprocal. Where this relationship is friendly enjoy it, and where it is not, then, just carry on and keep things professional. My advice, although it would not be everybody’s, is only consider making any official complaints, if the personal behaviour is serious, such as sexual or racial harassment. The one proviso is that as a paying student you are entitled to expect reasonable service and return. This aspect is dealt with more thoroughly elsewhere on this site.

These articles interlink and this section could well have been in “Where things go wrong”. When you are into the course it is possible that you think that you are really struggling. This is more than just worrying about individual submission times, but a general feeling that you are not up to it. This is neither that unusual (at some time or other) nor insurmountable. Before confronting a tutor, talk it over with one or more fellow students. You may be surprised to find out that those people you thought were just sailing through are having or have had similar problems. Mostly you will be able to get your thinking and self-assessment back on track.

You may, of course, be incredibly unlucky and ask the one student who is the resident genius, totally calm and self-assured, modest with it…and, worst of all good looking as well. And just when you thought you were being incredibly clever in asking the (male or female) equivalent of an academic bimbo. Anyway, talk it over with other students. Listen to advice whilst always assessing it yourself.

If you feel the need to talk it over with a tutor, do so, but only if you expect some sympathetic response, or as a last resort. Finally, if you want us to help, well, that’s what we’re here for.