OK, so I think anyone who attended uni would say it’s never a breeze. I wouldn’t it’s easy, and I wouldn’t say it’s particularly difficult. If you’re moving away, new challenge of living on your own can be either a dream come true or a nightmare for some people! Did I love it? For sure! I can still remember the nerves of the first day, and the hangover of the second! But here are a few things I noticed during my time at uni.
It’s intense
The first week at university is a great time. Everyone’s full of excitement, and there’re lots to explore and learn – and there’s Fresher’s Week, of course. But then, all of a sudden, you are bang into the work. It’s full-on almost straight away, and it’s easy to see why so many people end up falling behind by the end of the first term. There are so many distractions, too – some of which I’ll go into later.
Alcohol is everywhere
As a drinker, uni couldn’t have been a better place for me. It is nearly impossible to escape the lure of alcohol, even on a school night! There is always someone keen for a quick drink or a night out. Even those not old enough to drink yet have the option of fake id – you can read more here about that.
But there came a time when I knew I needed to settle down slightly, and actually start doing what I went to uni for, to learn! Everything seems connected to alcohol in some way. Nights out, the student bars, and even some of the activities you can get involved in all seem to end up with a little drink at the end of it. I’m not casting aspersions on anyone at all – each to their own, of course. It’s just an observation of student culture – and maybe even British culture in general.
It’s hard to eat healthily
When you are away from home and don’t have someone buying your food for you, it’s hard to eat healthily. Sometimes you just plain forget, and only realise you have nothing in when you get hungry. Then, you will just eat anything anyway! That’s when the unhealthy food starts calling to you – right when you need something fast between lectures. A friend of mine has started trying natural meal replacement shakes. I’m not sure how well they are going, but it’s something to think about – especially if you are worried about nutrition.
There are lots of choices
My advice for anyone going to uni next year is to sign up for anything that you might be interested in at Fresher’s Week. There are so many clubs and societies you can join that it is a bit overwhelming. And, if you are anything like me, you will find out later on down the line about a society that would be a perfect fit – if you knew it existed! So, explore everything at Fresher’s Week, and take some time to talk to all of the societies you are interested in. A lot of them have signing-up periods – especially the sports and fitness clubs.
So, how about you? Is anyone else out there getting to grips with their new student life? Let me know how you are getting on!
One response to “4 Things I Have Learned About Student Life*”
I'm Squibb Vicious, better known as Haydy!
Happiest with a craft beer in hand, eating til my heart is content or exploring somewhere new.
Here you can read about my adventures!
Don’t forget that when you go off to the university no one is telling you where to go or when to get up. If you’re not careful things can go south really quickly. I think that was the biggest lesson I learned when I started college.