Things I Wish I’d Known Before Starting University

Welcome! (Or if you’re a returning visitor, welcome back). Welcome to my little corner of the Internet where I pretend I regularly write blog posts and upload them. Wow, what a crazy thought, eh?

In all seriousness, the reason for my lack of updates or posts in the past month or so is due to something I’m actually proud to say is taking up all my time (rather than every other time I’ve given up writing for a while, which was just my own damn fault), and that is University.

Yes! I started Uni (read about my decision in this post)! Just over a month ago I began my degree in Communication and Media at Bournemouth University, and I’m very happy to say that it’s going…. alright. Lots of things have happened, I’ve learnt some new things and met some new people and, you know, been here. Survived this long. Which may sound melodramatic, but trust me. It’s an accomplishment (coming from a serial quitter).

While my first year of university experience differs from the typical one (i.e. I live at home rather than in halls, I drive into Uni every day rather than getting public transport, and generally just being a bit of a loser), I do have a few bits of advice that I personally wish I’d known before getting stuck into student life again. So here they are, and I hope they can help other potential undergrad students to prepare for the next step in your lives!

1. Uni is so much bigger than you can even comprehend

You think you went to a big school? A big college? Nah. You’ve never ever seen so many people in one place in your life. Once you’ve maneuvered your way around the campus, you’ll still constantly be shocked at how many people there can be all doing the same damn thing: pretending to work while doing sweet jack-sh*t.

2. You will feel left out

There’s no denying it. When you live at home, you’re giving yourself away to a few lonely nights watching everyone’s crazy halls-night out Snapchat stories. But that’s okay. You’ll have those times, too. Be patient. You don’t have to always be social to be having a good time, and because you’re not there doesn’t mean you’re missing out. Relax, you got time.

3. You will not make lifelong friends straight away

If you think you will, then you’re setting yourself up for a bit of disappointment there. The first people you sit with might be the best friends you’ve been searching for your whole life – but then again they might not. Keep your mind open and always be up for meeting new people. You never know when you might find them.

4. You will be overwhelmed, and Uni will NOT take it easy on you

Your lecturers are cool, and they want you to succeed. But they will also lull you into a false sense of security for the first few weeks, then set you four assignments within a month. And you will hate everything and everyone, and spend multiple nights crying by your laptop. But it’ll be okay. That’s just how it is, apparently.

5. GROUP WORK IS A THING

For some reason, in first year, lecturers are OBSESSED with setting group work. Don’t ask why, they probably just like to see us in pain. It will be hard to work with complete strangers, but keep working and don’t let anything keep you from doing your absolute best. Everyone wants the same thing in the end.

6. Freshers Flu is NOT a myth

Fresher’s Flu is the most real thing you will ever experience, and you will think you’re dying. You’re not. But you’ll feel it. Keep vitamin C and sanitizer handy all times. Also GET YOUR VACCINATIONS BEFORE YOU GO. For the love of God, don’t wait to see if you can “handle” meningitis with sheer will power. You can’t. Don’t be an idiot.

These are just a small portion of the tips I wish someone had told me before I began my first week at BU, and while those living in halls will have countless other tips that they could give, mine are more geared to the academic and personal side of things. But whatever your Uni experience, whether you’re doing your UCAS applications now, in your first year or just graduated, I hope your Uni experience brings you joy and success in every aspect of the word. Lets hope that’s what it brings me, too!

Thanks for reading, guys.

‘Til next time,

Jess

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