University has been pivotal. All that talk of ‘character building’ and memorable times weren’t
exaggerated. From the second I arrived at my University Halls I was welcomed into the comfortable
space between freedom from parents and complete adult independence – I’m sad to leave it. The
memories of figuring out things for myself are ones that will always stick with me… housing bills
especially. It’s nice to play adult for a bit, until it gets real.
University lends itself as a stepping stone into the real world, and whilst not everyone may
immediately venture into that step after graduating, lots do. It is important to remember that the
skills and challenges we face as an undergraduate are some that will shape us into who we are
forever. The time you may have been stressing over the multitude of assignments whilst balancing
your work and social life will give life-skills, such as organisation and time management, that you
don’t even realise you’re getting. Everything means something, whether it shows it immediately or
slowly over time.
The lead up to your first year can be daunting; I remember the mixture of nerves and excitement I
felt in the months coming up to September. Now it’s coming up to the end of my time at University,
and those exact feelings are coming back again. I’m sad to leave my friends – they have made my Uni
experience what it is, and I know I’ll hold onto those memories forever. Whether or not you go
through ups and downs within friendships or relationships, what happens will contribute greatly to
your time here – that being said I wouldn’t change anything that’s happened.
As my parents said… character building.
Friends will make your experience, so don’t be shy – meet up with that person, break through the
anxiety of meeting new people and go for it. You could meet your new lifelong friends by doing so.
Academically, I would say push yourself. As breezy as it is to go through the first year without the
same harsh restrictions that A-Levels offered, it’s easy to fall behind, so make sure you try, because
unlike College or Sixth Form, University is way more academically independent. Alongside your
degree, University offers so many different extracurricular activities and societies, there is truly
something for everyone. Whether it’s a student rep position or contemporary dancing, University is
also a time to have fun and engage your interest elsewhere alongside your education.
The time of graduation is almost upon me, and honestly, I am nervous for the future. That doesn’t
mean I’m not also excited and curious as to what my life is going to be. Whatever happens, it’s okay,
as long as you are happy and fulfilled.
Enjoy it, it does go by quicker than you think!
Words by Harriett Venn
Photo by Marc Yusufu on Unsplash. No changes have been made to the image.