What every student needs to know – in pictures

Founder John Stanbury says: "The project is about giving graduates the chance to pass on their advice and inspiration where it can make a difference."

Eat breakfast by Always With Honor Photograph: Always with honor

Since he started Advice to Sink in Slowly in 2006, John has found: "By passing your advice on in a creative way, it is possible to create something with the potential to last, so the advice has chance to sink in slowly and be there to help out later on."

Let go of what you think you know by David J Plant Photograph: David J Plant

This year, first year students starting a course in the UK can request a free poster through the Advice to Sink in Slowly website.

The venture is funded by the sale of sponsored fundraising posters. If enough fundraising posters sell, Advice to Sink in Slowly will be able to reprint, package and post posters to new students throughout the autumn term. It's an experiment.

Find some place to stop & be quiet by Lizzy Stewart
Photograph: Lizzy Stewart

"The idea behind the poster is to have belief in the process and to not jump to the final outcome. There is beauty in lines and marks that are imperfect and the happy mistakes that can happen when you are working. Not to mention how important it is to believe in yourself and what you are putting down on paper and what your putting your mind to."

Believe in the marks that you will make by Steph Ginger
Photograph: Stephie Ginger

"Heading to University can be a pinpoint in your life when you start to realize who you are and what you can become."

Be yourself by Jane Laurie Photograph: Jane Laurie

"If you ever feel sad or worried you should talk to somebody about it; it will make you feel much better than if you bottle everything up."

Worries by Rebecca Cobb Photograph: Rebecca Cobb

"My poster is a message for anyone on the brink, or in the midst, of a daunting challenge. "It Will Be Worth It" means that often the most intimidating challenges are the ones worth going through, and when you find yourself out of the woods, you'll see them for what they were."

It will be worth it by Cat Hayward Photograph: Cat Hayward

"I once read something like 'do what you love because it's the only thing you will ever have enough motivation to actually get great at'."

Do what you love by Andy J Miller Photograph: Andy J Miller

"I always tried to read one book that had nothing to do with my main area of study. I found that the intensity of the research I was doing meant that I would always be able to relate that seemingly unrelated title back to my main topic. Doing this created odd insights and often gave me a deeper understanding of my core subject."

Get lost by Thomas Barwick Photograph: Thomas Barwick

"Even though it's almost impossible, ignoring the voices that tell you that you are useless and talentless or unrivalled and brilliant, is key to staying sane and making good work. Turn the volume down, work hard and see what happens."

Ignore both of them by Eleni Kalorkoti Photograph: Eleni Kalkorkoti

"Worry about what you do. Make yourself your competition. Then the work you produce will be true to you and you will get far more from it. It's too easy to be swayed by what other people are doing and to worry about your progress in comparison to others. Be yourself and not something that you think other people want you to be."

Chase your own tale by Jon Gray Photograph: Jon Gray

"Don’t feel under pressure to be who you’re not. Take time to find your confidence. One day you will be able to shed your shell and shout from the rooftops!"

If you are a first year UK student, visit the advice to sink in slowly website to request a free poster.

Come out of your shell by Alice Povey Photograph: Alice Povey