As I write this I'm currently donning fluffy socks, a glass of Archers and lemonade and watching the intense Wimbledon final. Relaxing Sundays are the one.
This year has been a huge whirlwind and so much has changed in my life, the majority for the better. Your fresher year at university is most definitely a learning curve, you'll make lots of mistakes; not only academically but also with your life choices, so here is my reflection on what I've learnt throughout the year.
You'll do a stupid amount of stupid things when you're drunk //
If you drink, or even if you don't, you are guaranteed to make rushed or peer influenced decisions which you will live to regret. Fact. Whether it's having that extra sambuca shot, kissing that person or leaving your essay to the last minute, it's gonna happen. But don't let it get to you, you're young and at university, if that's not an excuse for your silly mistakes then what is?! It's a learning curve, embrace it. But do remember that although you may have erased it from your memory, others may have not...
Although you'll deny it at first, the library will become your "favourite" place //
It seems daunting at first, especially if you miss the library induction due to a hangover, like someone I know *hides face in shame*, but the library really is an invaluable resource. I know, who'd have thought it?!?! You'll need it to find the endless list of books you need for essays or presentations and you'll spend hours in there wishing you hadn't left your essay or revision to the last minute. My advice would be: take snacks, a friend and your headphones. They're your best weapons to surviving it.
You will miss home more than you expect //
Before leaving, I knew I would miss home, but I thought I'd be too busy to really think about it, which is true to an extent. When you're out partying, meeting new people and attending lectures, you'll rarely have time to think about what you're missing. But it is when you feel down, or are low on money or have had back a result you aren't pleased with, that you'll really start to miss your home comforts and family life. Sometimes the only thing that will make thins better is a mummy cuddle.
You can't please everyone //
Although I tried super hard in first year to get along with everyone I came across, in reality, it just doesn't happen. But instead of moping around and wondering why, just accept that it's the real world. You can't be great friends with everyone you meet, they may not like you, you might not like them. Just forget it and concentrate on the people who you are friends with, cause they're the only ones that matter.
Lecturers will give you better marks if they like you //
It's not fair to anyone, but it undoubtedly happens. It's hard not to see it when, for example, this year I completed 4 essays as part of my four modules and in them I received two 2:1's and two 3rds. Coincidently, the thirds came from the lecturers who disagree with everything I say in seminars. Of course their opinion is valid, but so is mine and I feel it is extremely harsh to mark a student down simply because you do not agree with the points they made. As long as they have accurately backed them up with evidence, they should get credit. But of course this is not the case, it's not fair, but it's life.
You will return home with half the kitchen stuff you came with //
I spent hundreds of pounds buying ample kitchen equipment and crockery only to have to re-buy lots for second year. Partly due to my clumsiness but also due to other people thinking it's okay to claim it for their own. If you live in halls for first year, in shared flats, you will definitely experience this. Not only with equipment but with food, certain people have no morals and therefore if they see, it they'll nab it. Not a lot you can do because you don't want to go round confronting people (even if you know exactly who the culprit is...) because it just creates unwanted tension which will make you uncomfortable for the rest of the year.
You'll meet people you never thought you would //
There are thousands of students at university (duh...) so you'll meet and possibly become friends with people you never thought you would, which will in turn open up your ideas about the world and the people in it. It's a wonderful thing because you can learn so much in so little time, not just academically but about the world we live in.
Make the most of societies and clubs //
This year I failed to join any clubs or societies and made the excuse of "I just don't have time" when really, I was just lazy. It's a great way to meet new people and learn new skills, university is a time to develop yourself as a person as well as becoming more qualified in your field of choice. Make the most of your time there and learn as much as you can!
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