Everything I learnt from first year at university from a second year student.
By: Maddy Sparks
Tags: University, Learning, Experience, Education, Advice

Everything I learnt from first year at university from a second year student.

First step picking accommodation:

When I first even applied to University I made sure I chose the perfect accommodation for me from students reviews online. Doing research through websites such as student rooms helped me decide. They make it clear which accommodation locations were best for a heightened social life, the prime distance from each campus or more quiet places for a more relaxed atmosphere. They also have more personal reviews of the living standards themselves than the official university website would. By doing this I was able to get a perfect accommodation for me which was close to campus, with a bus stop outside, an amazing social scene (before COVID-19 of course) and the exact living standards I wanted.

My kitchen at university accomodation

Moving in:

When I moved in I brought the entire world with me. I had planned my chosen aesthetic for my room and brought double of everything. Now I would say this was good and bad. Many people regret the amount of stuff they bring and realise they don’t use half of it but I found quite the opposite. I have a lot of clothes as I am slightly addicted to fashion and if you’re anything like me you do not want to part way with an endless range of outfits. I found this quite useful as having lots of clothes meant I was ready for any social event life threw at me. Be it an animal themed society night or a cozy evening with the flat, I was always prepared. However, my room was very much packed in. I would say to anyone, bring everything you think you want and then try and fit it in, if you find out you don’t have enough room send it home because you don’t want your room to feel claustrophobic.

Making friends:

To me this was a learning curve. The first few days or even weeks you obviously want to socialise with your flat mates and get to know them well so you will all get along. Although, you should also try to branch out. I know the atmosphere is probably very different nowadays, with social distancing rules and regulations due to the pandemic enforced across universities this is more challenging. For me I tried my best to make friends on my course and through societies I joined. I told myself to try as may new things as possible and it was the best decision I could have made. Nearing the 3 month mark of starting university one of my flat mates decided to detest me for no apparent reason. Literally, I wish I could give you a reason but even my other flat mates were baffled. A common issue that you never want to happen but can at university is coming across people who don’t like you. I don’t want to use the word bullying as it may seem too strong but, it can occur anywhere to anyone at anytime. It did make me emotional and upset quite a bit and being away from home made me feel slightly isolated. The best thing that helped me was the friends i had made outside of my living world. Doing this meant I had an escape from a toxic environment that had negative connotations. This allowed me to distance myself from the issue and still enjoy myself at university. I would say not to completely try and fall out with your flat mates and try and resolve any issues you may have. But if you experience anything like myself where the other person doesn’t even try to communication or cooperate to try and make situations better its always best to surround yourself with people who make you happy. Having a strong support system of people who would listen to me, comfort me and enjoy my company made my university experience much better despite the downs.

Society Pub Crawl (before COVID)

Work Load:

Everyone always talks about the jumps within our education system. The jump from primary to secondary school, the jump from GCSE’s to A-Levels, but what about the jump to university degree level learning? This so called jump is very mixed. At times throughout my first year I found the material and workload very relaxed (obviously depending on the course, I study History and Politics which is understandable not as demanding as medicine). I would read some articles each week for my seminars and then attend lectures for each module which wouldn’t last too long. Me being the education loving person I am also spent my free time in the library making sure my notes were perfect but many people I met got away with doing the bare minimum to begin with. Then came along the first assignments. Everyone usually initiates work mode and spends far longer in the library, late nights at their desk or leaves it last minute and pulls an all nighter. I can’t tell you what method is best for you as everyone is different. I personally make a lot of lists and try my best to follow them but that’s just the way I am. To reassure you though, I wouldn’t say the work load is a massive step up if you actually apply yourself to the work and put some effort in. You’ll do just fine. Never panic, you got to where you are by working hard, you can do that again now. Don’t try and over work too. Allow yourself to have fun, go out with friend (depending on COVID restrictions), watch TV or do some experimental cooking. A balance between work and fun is all part of learning to live independently. You might not find the right balance first time but learn from yourself as you go along and you will do just fine.

Short Sharp Tip to take on board:

I thought I would now share some snappy tips that i’ve learnt without much detail to help you quickly with First Year University life: