The common next step after college these days tends to be the leap into independence and to go off to university. I was the kind of strange child that always envisioned this to be my future so for me it was inevitable. That being said, it isn't for everyone. Two good friends dropped out in their first year and another has just left after being there for nearly three years. Yes, it's fun and you have the experience of a lifetime but it is also really hard work. You have to do you reading; or you'll be sat in your seminar not knowing what the heck they're talking about. You have to do research on your topic or you will not do well and what is the point in paying the (extortionately high) fees if you're not going to make the most of it. The library will no doubt become your safe haven in times of deadlines and stress; my housemates have been known to sleep there from time to time. Your lecturers will become your saviours when you do eventually build up the courage to go to the dreaded one-to-one talks and they give you advice on your last piece of s@&* work. So with this all in mind, be prepared to work.
A lot of my work friends are currently unsure whether to apply to university or not and I've been telling them this;
Whilst it's fun and games and you do get a sense of independence it is also really hard work and you do you have to be determined and devoted to getting the best out of your degree for it to be worth it.
If you decide it's for you;
1) living on campus was my absolute favourite part of university. Imagine, everyone in your halls being in the same boat as you. You all want a good degree but all want to have a good time. It isn't just about the going out and the getting totally rat-arsed all the time but the flat times where you share meals or watch films together. I lived with 3 international students which really opened my eyes to different cultures. 2 were Chinese and 2 was Spanish and it was great! Your thrown together in the university melting pot and expected to respect each other's areas. I know I have friends for life after meeting them in halls! So my advice, if the option to live on campus is there then take it.
2) Do not fall into the 'students are so poor' trap. Whilst there are some better off than others, the loan is there to help you. I got a job in my first year simply because I hated waiting for everyone to wake up at the weekends! Petty, I know but I cannot twiddle my thumbs from 10-3pm waiting for a bit of interaction! Getting a job will not only help you gain skills that employers will not insist that you have but it's cold hard cash to aid you in living your lifestyle!
3) Make the most of it. You're paying a small fortune and it's only three years (4/5 if you're special) so you need to grab the bull by the horns! Join societies, make new friends, go out and make memories (the kind that involve you being escorted out if a club or being sick in the taxi home) enjoy the new city that you're in and relish that you're living the dream!
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and once it's gone, it's gone.
I am more than happy to provide any more information on the uni life!
Love Mel x
