*Before I begin this post, I'll just say that everyone's experience at university differs, so please don't see this as a one size fits all situation! It all depends on where you go, which halls you stay in, which subject you're studying etc.*
So my first term of university came around, and then passed by very, very quickly. It was a blur of meeting new people, drinking too much, and trying to squash lectures in with the countless societies I signed up to in fresher's fayre. And then before I knew it, it quickly ended with an exam on translating medieval literature (definitely not my favourite module.)
Before I went to university I exhausted every video, blog post and article that attempted to explain what it would be like to embark on this new chapter. I wondered if it would live up to the films, whether it would be the best time of my life, and what would happen if I didn't find the friends for life everyone told me I would meet.
All of these anxieties were justifiable. University is a completely new experience where you replace all you know with everything you don’t. New people, new places and in my case, a new subject.
So here are a few things I will tell you about university...
Drinking. It’s definitely not the be all and end all. I have so much respect for people who come to university and don’t drink alcohol, whether this be for religious reasons or simply personal preference. I have found that my social life, particularly in freshers week, does include drinking often. However, I stated that I drink during my application for flats within halls. I can't speak for every university, but mine looked at our applications and tried to put us with like minded people.
Clubbing. Not everyone likes clubbing, and universities do realise this. People in my flat that don't drink/don't like clubbing went to other events run by the university, like movie nights. There will always be plenty to do in university, so don't worry if clubs aren't your thing!
Friends. I have met some amazing people at university who I already know will be my friends for life. Having the opportunity to meet so many people from all over the country (and even the world) is daunting, but try to see it as more of an exciting prospect, rather than anything else. Plus, I do find that you get closer to people a lot quicker in university than you would in school, simply due to the fact that you're living with them. However, if you don't seem to click with people in your flat, don't panic! There are plenty of opportunities to meet people in your subject, societies etc.
Flat. You won’t be best friends with everyone, but you learn to appreciate the dynamic a mix of people can bring to the table.
Societies.You will sign up for too many societies in freshers fair, and you will definitely not be able to go to them all. But sign up to them anyway and then pick and choose later, even if a group of you only put your name down for Caledonian dancing because the boy at the stall was attractive...
Sex. You're most likely going to hear it I'm afraid, university walls are thin.
Independence. At first, it’s weird. You can live on a diet of garlic bread for breakfast, lunch and tea if you really want to. Also, the ability to go for a shower at one o' clock in the morning is fab. You can do whatever you want, make the most of it!
Drugs. You will come across drugs often. I make the choice not to take drugs myself, and have never been peer pressured into doing so!
Work. Your first year doesn’t count, and you'll start the term continuously reminding yourself that, after the ridiculous workload of A-levels. However, give it a few weeks and you'll have a much more relaxed mindset towards studying, once you learn to balance work with everything else. Don't worry too much, remember you only have to pass!
I hope this helped those of you who are beginning to get a bit anxious about starting university. If you have any questions, pop them below and I'll answer them in a future post!
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