Hey there
I've just had my first proper week at university, and let me tell you a secret: it's really not that bad/scary, but it's also not that glamorous/exciting.
That said, I'm having a great time.
I've technically been at uni for two weeks, but for the first week we were doing only 2 hour welcome lectures a day and it wasn't the proper timetable, so I'm not counting that as such. In those two weeks, I've gotten to know some really great people, and I've settled in pretty well, I think.
Here's a few things I've realised about being at university:
"Fresher's celebrations"
Unless you're in a bit party city, or you're in halls and you can get drunk enough before you arrive to not care if it's good or not, Freshers isn't all it was cracked up to be.
My university doesn't do it all that well, because it isn't exactly a big one, and the union bar wasn't in the city. We could have invaded the other nearby city (where I actually live, 30 minutes by car's drive away) which is definitely a better night out, but I think, given they're rival cities, it mightn't have gone down all that well.
My tip: get a little "merry" before you go, but not bad enough to automatically get you marked as the drunk who is creepy/clingy/sick/falls over/passes out. That's not going to be something you want hanging round as your reputation...
You don't have to go to EVERY event. It can be expensive and they're really not worth it. Just find yourself some friends and co-ordinate. Also, co-ordinate with your timetable - you'll probably still need to go to uni the next morning in most cases.
Meeting people
Everyone is just as nervous as you are. If you're not nervous, you're lucky, so just make other people feel comfortable by being nice and putting their mind at rest. Even if you're petrified to speak first, just try and do it, because it's always appreciated.
"What course are you doing?" (note: don't ask this if you're sat in a lecture with them, they're obviously doing the same as you...)
"Are you living in halls then?" follow up question: "Which one?" or "Oh, at home...whereabouts do you live then?" (note: it seems creepy to ask where people live but it's just an icebreaker and you'd be surprising what people'd tell you just to make conversation when they don't know anyone else)
"So are you going to join anything at Freshers Fayre?" - they might be interested in the same thing, which means +1 friend, or you might be able to try something new and meet more people. hint: Societies = good, but don't be a weirdo and join them allllll.
Studying
This bit's not boring I promise!
Actually, it's a bit of a relief, because university is actually a breeze compared to full time A levels. I know not everyone comes from that route, but as someone who has, my timetable was certainly a surprise for me, and my parents.
You'll still have to do a lot of reading outside of the lectures/seminars if you're wanting to do well, there isn't as much support and not a lot of second chances for work, but don't panic about it, because if you want to do alright you will. You'll be doing it on your own, but you'll no longer have the pressure. Plus, you're actually probably doing something you're really interested in, and if not, then good luck to you...
So...I've been having a good time and I no longer feel like I'm too young or too immature to be a uni student (well, maybe still a little sometimes). It's going to get SO MUCH BETTER though, as I get to know more people. Like, a ski trip which will basically be skiing and drinking for a week (with some good-looking and well-toned guys ;)...) and student nights and...
Anyway...
Love to you all,
Katy
x
