So…what’s so good about university?

At the beginning of my adventure- in university halls 2011

Watching those returning to university or beginning the process from scratch has given me a huge sense of nostalgia for the past three years. So much is written about student debts, binge drinking and unemployment that give university and its students a bad name but I feel like I’m now in a good position to explain the best things about moving away to university and why they were the best years of my life so far.

They say that you should do one thing every day that scares you and what can be more terrifying than moving away from the comforts of home and getting to grips with the life of a student? While it’s scary and nerve-racking to move away to university, it also gives you so many opportunities to create new memories.

You gain a sense of independence. You can choose what to buy in your weekly food shopping. That one item that you were never bought at home is just one supermarket trip away but just be warned, if you buy that 3-pack of biscuits you’ve always wanted and eat them all at once, you will need a few extra sessions in the gym!

You can discover a new place. You will either love it or hate it by the end of your studies but it will still be your home. You will also have a room to make your own in your accommodation, maybe even a chance for a reinvention.

The room I called home in my final year at university

You get to meet lots of new people. From university halls to lectures to nights out. University life is full to the brim with opportunities to meet people and those people could turn out to be friends for life.

This is the most free time you will have. Unless you’re studying a subject with lots of contact hours, you will have a lot of spare time. You can do what you want with your day. Whether that’s watching an entire television series or starting a new hobby, you control what your day consists of. (just don’t forget to go to lectures.)

Never take your student loan for granted. You’ll get sick of hearing it but you are basically getting free money to study. Some will go on the essentials like booze and takeaways but don’t forget to set some aside for rent and bills.

You can study a subject you love. I am speaking from experience here but you are in a very privileged place if you can spend three years learning about a subject you’re passionate about.

You will learn a lot about yourself. Being out on your own, meeting new people and studying towards your degree, you will change as a person. Whether that is becoming more confident or learning new skills (…or just finding out that you can’t neck a jagerbomb.) university will be a life changing experience.

2011- Waving goodbye to my old life

So, here’s some obligatory advice…

If you are thinking about applying to university…Go for it! University is more than just lectures and hangovers and the things portrayed in the media but take it for what it is and you will have the time of your life.

If you are currently at/going to university…I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little jealous. Make the most of it because things change in a flash and it is invaluable to have those memories and stories to tell in years to come.

I would love to hear what you think is great about university so feel free to comment and share.

Sophie x