Okay, I have officially finished my first year at
University. When people said that the first year goes really fast, they weren’t
lying! I. Have. Loved. It! So much that today this post is going to tell you my
top 10 highlights of University, and suggest something’s that you can do to in
order to get a memorable, fun experience:
#1 – FRESHERS! – Ohh if I could replay these two weeks for
the rest of my life then I would! It’s a week full of parties, socials and
inductions where you get just a taster of your first year at Uni. Clubs do
themed nights which are filled with themed fancy dress and games. University’s
take this opportunity to introduce the course and activities. But, overall, this
is the perfect way to meet loads of new people and make new friends. People say
that you make friends for life at University, this I can definitely second! My
advice: DON’T MISS OUT! This has definitely been one of the best memories of my
life so far, and I’m sure it will be yours as well.
#2 – Your Course - Unlike college/sixth form, you can be
super selective when choosing your University course. This will be what you do
every week for 3 years so make sure you choose something that you don’t mind
waking up to every morning. I’m currently studying Media and I honestly say
that I would never change my course. The Units are appropriate for my career
choice and are interesting and fun. My advice: Choose wisely! Make sure you
pick a course that you enjoy for you’ll get better grades and overall
experience that way!
#3 – Your University choice – This is a BIG choice (I know,
it took me half a year to figure out where I wanted to go!) but selecting the
right Uni is essential. Choose somewhere that you think reflects your
personality. That probably sounds odd but its true! Different Uni’s have
different atmospheres, courses and mottos so make sure you research a) where
the University is located (inner city or rural), b) what the general place
looks like and c) what the University specialises in. My advice: Visit the
University on an open day, you can gage a full feel of the University that way
and ask appropriate questions to your lectures.
#4 – Clubs and Societies – There are so many opportunities
to try new things at Uni. Things that you wouldn’t normally think of. This is
the time to try them out and get involved! Now this may sounds like a pep talk
but I would encourage you to investigate what the University’s offer. Don’t be
afraid to try some things out, even if you have never done them before. My
advice: Join everything! University’s often have a Fresher’s Fair where you can
sign up for any clubs or society’s that you’re interested in. Sign up for
everything that you’re interested in, get more information and go try it out!
You have nothing to lose! (Except and hour or so!)
#5 – Student Rep and Ambassadors – The perfect way to
represent your University and meet new people. Here you get to have a voice and
state your opinion/ recommendations of improvement (Rep role) or do tours
around campus and help future students decide where they want to go (Ambassador
role). It’s good to represent your course and change you whole University
experience as well as paving the way for future University students. You could
create a legacy! My advice: Take this opportunity, it will improve your University
life and others. You will gain a lot of experience!
#6 – Social life outside of University – Cinema, cocktail
nights, lunches, bowling you name it! This is a brilliant way to escape halls
for an hour or so and a good way to absorb the life of the town/city. My
advice: Look at the deals that are available. A lot of places have student
nights or discount nights to take those opportunities to do something different.
Maybe dedicate a day a month to something that’s unique and that you enjoy
doing. My personal favourite is the cinema (I’m such a film fanatic!) but
lunches are just as fun and are simple, easy to organise. It’s a great way to
socialise.
#7 – Movie Nights – My first year has been full of these! It’s
a good way to have a social but cheap, quiet night in. Rent out a film (or get
a Netflix/ LoveFilm account because this may well be your lifesaver for that
brief time when you have no assignments…), buy some popcorn and grab your pillows
and your pj’s. This makes a cute, relaxed night which give you the opportunity to
get to know your flatmates. My advice: Don’t be afraid to be the one to
organise these events, you will feel better surrounded by people and you will
get to have a range of social groups.
#8 – Halls! – Ahhh Halls. I would definitely recommend
staying there for the first year of University. You meet lots of people that
way. I was really lucky with my halls. I’m surround by a great group of people
on my floor and the location is just a 20 minute walk from the town centre. I love
the business of the city so this was perfect for me! My advice: Be extremely
selective (you will be living here for a year remember that!). Think
critically. Where is it located? How many rooms are there? Do you share a
bathroom? If so between how many people? These little things can sometimes make
or break the accommodation choice.
#9 – Food – Learn how to cook! Simple but very true. I had
no idea how to cook before University (I burnt toast… Not a natural chef to say
in the least!). You are probably not going to be eating Michelin star courses… You’re
on a student budget so you may not be able to get certain foods. Frozen foods
are a money-saver but it is important to get some fresh food once in a while so
you have a good diet! It may be best to be a part-time vegetarian as well to
save money. My advice: Before you start it’s probably best to learn a few set
dishes. My favourites = Lasagne, Roasted Veg with Fish Fingers and Salmon salad.
Easy, tasty and you can save portions for another day!
#10 – Never say no to an opportunity – This I cannot stress enough!
University will offer trips concerning courses or general social events and it’s
essential to not turn these down! Obviously it’s important to consider money
and your health for some things but if you can do it feasibly then why not!?
Sky-diving, trips abroad, Ski trips, study abroad… DO IT! Take the plunge and
go for it! Confidence is key and this is a good way to gain in. My advice: if
you can do it, do it!
If I could sum up my first year experience at University in
three words then they’d be: amazing, life-changing and perfect. People say that
nothing’s perfect, but here I disagree! I would not change one aspect of my
first experience at Uni. The friends I’ve made, the social, the course, the Uni
- and even the stress of work at times! – have enabled me to get life
experience that has made me independent and more confident. I love love LOVE
Uni and I can honestly say that it will be strange not being here for three
months for summer. The hard work will begin in September, and I say BRING IT
ON!
If you have any questions about University then please feel
free to comment below. Hope this read helps you decide Uni-wise.
Love
Gee x
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