5 HONEST TRUTHS ABOUT UNIVERSITY

We all know by now that, as of Septemeber last year, I'm a full-time Uni student. I study English Language in a city University, I've moved homes, I've made new friends, and I've already had a bunch of new experiences. From the outside, looking in, you'll probably see my Uni life as a cliche kind of set up - friends, learning, drinking, and just all-around student vibes. And, to be honest, you wouldn't be too wrong because I certainly do wish to embrace these sweet years before it gets serious, but there are definitely some honest truths about University that you don't always get to hear.

1.     IT REALLY IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT

If you're heading to Uni anytime soon and you've already got your Netflix subscription lined up, you might want to consider taking it down a tier and just keeping yourself on the standard tariff because there's no way you're going to fulfil your Uni experience by glueing yourself to a screen the entire time. Ok, yes, there will be times when you need those peaceful moments to yourself and, believe me, they're equally as good for you, but you're not going to necessarily achieve lots by keeping the laptop as your only friend. 

Doing things like joining societies, saying yes to more things, arranging things, joining group chats, or just simply trying something new can really open your eyes and, if you're lucky, help improve you as a person. 

When I started Uni, I said yes to a job that I thought was completely out of my reach, actually ended up getting the job, and now thrive in a position that I love while knowing that this will be great for my CV. Getting up, saying yes, and being your best self is exactly what will make Uni a great experience. 

2.      £9,000 ISN'T ALWAYS JUSTIFIABLE 

Being on a course like mine where the most specialist equipment you possible get is a database for corpora, where others get lab coats, iPads, and whatnot, I can easily have days where I feel frustrated at the amount of money I pay for this experience. Of course, the money is loaned and right now not something I need to worry about, but I'll be delighted when the day comes that different courses are given different loan amounts. At the moment, my course is a hefty £9,000+ and, frankly, it only involves powerpoint slides.

Understandably, I'm paying for the environment and the expertise that I get to work amongst at University, but I just don't quite believe that courses like mine should have to pay the same amount as a course that requires lots of time and equipment. 

3.      IT'S NOT JUST A PRETTY WALK IN THE PARK

As I mentioned at the start, a lot of people see students as living their best lives, socialising and having fun, but I cannot sugar coat this experience completely. There are moments of stress, a fair amount, to be honest, moments of upset, weakness, or frustration but these are just the battles that you have to face to enjoy everything else and get good grades and memories by the end of it. Just like many things in life, this University chapter is supposed to challenge you - whether for you that is waking up for 9am lectures, finding friends, learning about yourself, or tackling deadlines - at the end of the day, these should be obstacles that make you stronger on the other side. 

4.       THERE REALLY IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Part of my role as a representative for my University has meant I've had to open my mind to every length and breadth of the University lifestyle. For example, I've had to engage with societies that would normally be of no interest to me, and open my mind to exactly how these niche places are such safe havens for others. I guess you have to put yourself in another person's shoes in some instances. Take my University's Boardgame Society, for example; that's something that wouldn't take my interest but for others has provided a space of safety, friendship, and a sense of belonging. To me, hearing about how joining the society had impacted some of the students warmed my heart because it really gave me the sense that University can bring people together from all stretches of the world and make them feel less alone. 

So, basically, if you're thinking of starting University but worry that there isn't something there for you or that you don't know anyone or even where to start, you can pretty much be assured that you'll find something and be accepted as yourself. 

5.        IT'S REALLY NOT THAT DIFFERENT FROM SCHOOL

... but believe me, I hated school but love Uni. However, I can't deny that you'll still find 'the popular kids', and the ones that never shut up in class, the days where you and friends just can't stop giggling through lectures at completely immature things, the fact that lecturers really can't get you to be quiet, and even sometimes do that 'I'll stand here silent until they notice', and the childish gossip that floats around now and then. These though, are the things that I think actually make it that bit more bearable. I guess it's like a home-from-home or a nostalgia that never left; these qualities are what keep us going, keep us feeling young, and keep us learning. 

So, it may not always present itself at face value but one of the best things about attending University is learning about the University experience. Even coming from someone who was doubtful as to whether I'd go to Uni, I would now completely and wholeheartedly recommend it.

What truths about University have you never shared?