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Saturday 7 June 2014

Top University Tips; A Life Changing Decision


Hello, so something  a little bit different from me today. I know that lots of people will be starting University in September and I just kind of wanted to talk about my University experience, the things I'd have done differently, how I feel about it all and maybe offer some advice too so that you don't make the same mistakes I did!

- Choose the right accommodation -
So firstly, choose the right accommodation. This may sound like an obvious one, but if I could change this I probably would. At my Uni, you get put into accommodation and I chose to be within a building called Charles Morris - Charles Morris as a whole is nice, it's catered which means no cooking and my brother was in here too so I assumed it would be good, he made so many life-long friends. What I didn't realise is that Charles Morris is split into sections, my brother was in one of the older sections which is apparently full of out-going people (it's known for this) and I was placed into the newest section, which is known as the Made in Chelsea of campus apparently. I was advised by lots of people not to go into this section because apparently it's extremely unsociable and quite hostile, I wish I listened. I honestly feel like if I wasn't in this accommodation my whole uni life would have been better, don't get me wrong, I've met an amazing boyfriend and some amazing friends through the accommodation, but my friends who were in other accommodations met so many more people and I do feel quite lonely sometimes as I met hardly any girlie friends in my accommodation, most of my friends at Uni are boys which is very hard for me as I'm such a girlie girl. The accommodation was gorgeous but I sort of wish I chose substance over style.

- Accommodation and friends - It's really hard to be put into a random building with random people and be expected to make best friends with them, don't force friendships but also, don't try and guess what your friends are going to be like. Friendship happens naturally. I really expected to meet friends like my friends from home and actually, my friends at Uni couldn't be any more different from my friends at home - this isn't actually a problem at all, it's really good because I now have lots of different friends from different areas, different backgrounds with different life experiences. A great thing about University is that it really does broaden your horizons and make you see the world differently.

- Choose the right course - I was convinced that my course was the right course for me and some days I really think it is, but then some days I think it isn't. I do love my course but then at the same time I dislike it other times, I guess I just like certain elements of it but no-one is going to love every single moment of their course. A lot of my friends dropped out of first year and started again because they didn't like their course, make sure you do really good research into your course before you apply. I ended up changing the course I applied for literally a week before my application was due in. When you're 16-18, it feels far too young to be thinking about what subjects to take for which degree.

- Get involved - If you're in the situation like I was, with not many friends in your accommodation, you should definitely get involved in things. I did try to make lots of friends in my accommodation, but people kind of already had their own friendship groups as a lot of people in my accommodation knew each other from school. I didn't get involved in anything outside my accommodation, I just kind of hid in my room which obviously meant that I didn't make as many friends as I would have liked. I'm an extremely sociable person and spent most of my time crying on the phone to my best friend about how lonely I felt somedays. I wish I joined societies, a great way to make friends and went on socials with my course, another great way to make friends. Seriously, if someone asks you to go out for a coffee, go. If someone asks you to go for a drink, go. I seriously wish I could re-wind first year, I was really sociable when it came to my group of friends, but we really didn't expand it enough. Don't worry if you start to feel lonely, this is kind of quite natural, you've been taken away from your childhood friends and a secure environment, you're fending yourself for probably the first time ever - things do fall into place and will work out, so don't take it too seriously. Branching out is important, I still feel like there are so many amazing people that I haven't yet met at my university.

- Don't take first year too seriously - I took first year extremely seriously, I wanted to get a good grade even though it didn't count, getting a first (A*) in first year,  as well as working part time and running a full time blog took it's toll on me, I was told by the doctor that I had exhaustion. I am a complete perfectionist though and I like to do well. Looking back, I put far too much pressure on myself to achieve and I really didn't let myself breath. If I wasn't blogging, I'd be doing an assignment, if I wasn't doing that, I'd be at the gym, if I wasn't at the gym, I'd be working. First year at most unis, doesn't count, it's just a way to ease you into the university system so seriously, use first year to make friends and make memories and get settled. Don't worry about working and don't focus on your degree too much, focus on getting great experiences out of your time at University. Work hard and prove that you should be at University but don't over do it.

- Don't let anyone hold you back - Don't let anyone hold you back, this means parents constantly panicking about you (I know my Mum used to be worried every time I went on a night out, it made me feel really anxious sometimes). Definitely don't let boyfriends/girlfriends hold you back, I know a lot of people who didn't go out much and make friends in first year because they spent more time with their boyfriends from home. I went out for about 14 consecutive nights when I first started University and it was so much fun - even if you don't drink much, try and socialise! I wish I went out more after freshers week!

- Take any opportunities that come your way - It was only in second year that I realised just how many incredible opportunities are available at my University (and there will be at your university too!). I got involved in some amazing societies and found a really cool part of the University which help students who run businesses (in my case, LVNDR). It was great to finally meet like-minded people and get some support. Hunt around your university for societies that you like the look of.

- Talk to people on your course - I spent the whole of first year feeling extremely lonely every time I went to a lecture because no-one on my course spoke, everyone was quite close already and I felt extremely intimidated - it was like an episode of Mean Girls, or at least in my head anyway. I've never been in a situation before where people are so stand-offish. I wish I didn't let my fear get the best of me though and I wish I just tried to speak to people a little bit more, in time that confidence has come and now, some of my best friends are on my course, I only wish I met them earlier and actually felt the exact same as me! Remember, everyone is feeling the same, so make the same move.

- Don't take the easy route - I'm a big believer in facing your fears. I don't think anyone from my high-school goes to the same University as me, and that's scary, it meant I went to Uni completely alone. I was really tempted to just take the easy route and go to Newcastle, after all, 90% of my friends from home went there and they're all still in the same friendship group now. I often look at them and think how much better it would have been if we all stuck together, but to be honest, I'm so proud of myself for starting fresh, meeting new friends and having new experiences. It's great to have more than one group of friends, I'm still friends with my friendship group from school but I've also got some incredible friends at University too.

- Be good with time management - I often wonder what it's like to be a student who doesn't write a blog, if you're reading this and you're a blogger you'll understand how time consuming blogging is, but honestly, I wouldn't change it for the world. I am so passionate about blogging that I would honestly choose it over my degree and that's probably the hardest thing for me, having to manage my time whilst studying and aiming for a first, blogging full time and running my business, LVNDR. Not forgetting exams, tutor meetings, coursework and more. I also have to fit in my social life and the gym, phew, it makes me tired just thinking about it. I'm not sure how I did all of that in first year with a part-time job too! Time management is something I'm really bad at, I tend to stay up til 3am just to get things done but honestly, you'll tire yourself out. Make lists, write down what's a priority and if something doesn't matter, cross it off and go chill out. If in doubt, just go out with your friends in first year and take some time out. I wish I did this more.

- Budget yourself - Make sure you look after your money, I get the minimum loan and I don't even see it, this goes towards my accommodation. I physically don't understand how people can spend their loans on clothes, I know a lot of people who go clothes shopping with their loans and then have nothing to live on for the next few months. That's obviously their choice but to me, it's irresponsible, a loan is there for a reason, not to buy clothes with. If you want to buy clothes, get a part time job. Rant over. It will really set you up for the future if you learn how to budget properly.

- Not everything happens instantly - As mentioned, don't expect everything to happen instantly. Someone may be your best friend in first year, but then, this might change in second year when you meet new groups of friends. You may see someone all the time in first year, and not realise, but they may end up as your boyfriend or best friend in years to come, for example I lived with my boyfriend and didn't even realise he was going to end up being my boyfriend. It's funny how things work out. Choosing a house in second year was particularly difficult for me as your friends change throughout the year so you may end up living with someone that you're not actually that good friends with anymore. Have an open mind, that's a really important bit of advice, just keep an open mind. Don't judge people, like I said, the people I'm friends with are very different to my friendship group at home but I love them all equally. As mentioned, I'd say I only really met my best friends in second year, trust me, things change, things happen and every mistake is a learning curve. After all, a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

- Everyone is different - This guide may just not work for you, everyone is different so don't worry if you do things differently, you don't have to do it this way. I guess there is no right or wrong way to 'do university'.



So now another life changing decision has come to me, do I take a year out this August and travel Canada and America or do I get my degree over and done with (I'm about to go into my third and final year). I wanted to take a year out initially so that I could focus on my blog and LVNDR, but unfortunately, University wouldn't let me (another thing which upsets me quite a lot and something I don't understand really). I decided that going into third year, the hardest year when I've got so much other stuff going on, just isn't for me, so my only option instead of going into third year, is to travel for the year and study abroad (a pass fail year, like first year, minimal work but a great life experience). I decided to apply for the year abroad so that I can take my blog with me and focus on what I really want to do for a year, rather than writing a dissertation and being under immense pressure throughout third year. Part of me thinks that just getting Uni over and done with is the best bet for me, but then part of me thinks that I might finally get to meet some more amazing people on my year out and obviously, I'll have life changing memories (that I can share with you all!). I still feel like University hasn't fully fulfilled me if that makes sense, there's so much more that I want to achieve and do, so many more people out there that I would love to meet and so many more memories that I want to make. I feel like I can correct my mistakes that I made in first year, by going on a year abroad and being active, being sociable and documenting it all on my blog. Plus I can check out what America has to offer in terms of beauty and fashion and I can blog from New York! (the very thought gets me extremely excited). But then I get scared that people might stop reading my blog if I'm not based in England for a few months! What would you do?

When I really look back, I probably wouldn't change that much about my University life. I would have just definitely been more pro-active when it comes to making friends, after all, there are currently over 28,000 full-time students at my university, I haven't even met 1000 of them yet. But, I did meet my boyfriend in my accommodation so it can't have been that bad after all?!

I hope this blog post helps at least one person out. I'd love to know about your University experiences, did you go? Didn't you go? Why? Are you about to go to University? Do you agree with anything I've said? I'd love to know what you think about University.

Lots of love, Em x

 Don't forget to follow me on bloglovin! 

48 comments:

  1. This was really interesting to read and put my mind at rest for some points! My main concern about Uni is being so far away from home and worrying about not meeting friends etc, but I suppose that's just natural! I hummed and arred about going to Uni in September as I've just finished college, but instead i'm doing a year course at Uni and hopefully that will give me some more time to look round at places more and find out what I really want to study. I can't believe how much you took on in the first year, that's crazy! I certainly couldn't cope. A year in America sounds beyond amazing and think off all the people you'll meet and the experiences you can share. I for one would love to read about it and wouldn't stop reading just because you weren't UK based :) Good luck girl!

    Hannas’ UK Beauty | Lifestyle blog @ hannatalks

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    1. Awww... thank you, really glad it's helped you! Ahh I see, yep. But you WILL meet friends because imagine how many people are in your situation! Yeah I agree.. I didn't even want to go but I'm flad I did! Well that's great yes that's amazing - well done you! Haha, it's made me a stronger more resilient person I'd say though, well worth it! I agree, I just cannot WAIT to blog about it all now and take you all on that journey with me. Thanks so much for your lovely lovely comment:) xxxxx

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    2. That's fine lovely, you're THE nicest!! xxxx

      Hannah xo | hannatalks

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  2. Aw Em, it makes me so sad that you felt lonely in your first year <3 but you've got loads of amazing friends now - you're a social butterfly, so hopefully that's amended itself. I think ultimately, regardless of what country you're in, people will read your blog. Going abroad (even though I'll miss you loads) will be an eye opening and life changing experience, in fact - you'll probably find your blog only gets bigger, because you're opening it up to a new market and allowing all your readers to experience the journey with you. Similarly, with the industry you want to work in - the US is one step ahead of us in terms of media development, so to have an understanding of how it works over there will set you up even more so than others doing the same course.

    I do agree, uni doesn't allow you to fulfil yourself fully. Even though there's various clubs, societies etc, it's still very restrictive and cliquey. My course is so intense, so I can't slack or I won't even pass (getting a first is like seeing a unicorn roam the streets) but I do wish I hadn't taken the introductory lectures in freshers so seriously. I'd say enjoy the first month - then crack on. Getting the foundations right is vital for your degree, but it sounds like you're working so hard - and you'll be successful at anything you do Em, because you're so driven and determined, and it is inspiring to watch you succeed.

    Moving away will be hard, undoubtably - but it broadens your horizons and opens new doors and as you said - the making friends & saying yes thing can be amended once you're out there. Things happen for a reason, and if they don't work out - at least you can say you gave it a go. I am in minds as to whether I'm going to even pass the year, as I've missed so much uni being ill and I find it so hard. I'm used to getting A's and now I'm worried about even getting 40% haha! Uni is so hard, and I love this post as you're being honest and open about it, rather than sugar coating it as easy like most people do, but you'll be successful in anything you do - look where you are now!

    Nothing worth having is ever easy! But you can do it - and plus, I'll fly over and come and see you!

    Love Scarlett xxxxx
    scarlettlondon.com

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    1. I know I've text you about this comment because it nearly rduced me to tears! I love you lots and can't wait to see you - get those flights booked pronto please! xxxx thank you for this once again xxx

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  3. This has really helped me in what I've got to face when I start Uni. Thanks for writing much a useful post.

    xxx

    www.nicolabishopx.com

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    1. Aw that's good really glad, thank you xxx

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  4. This was such a helpful post! I'm going to uni next year and I'm scared already haha! Just trying to decide on the right course is stressing me out, never mind actually doing it! What course do you do? I think you should take a year off and go to America because you would make so many amazing memories and better ones probably than you would in uni! Love these kinds of posts :-) Rebeka x

    Rebeka Taylor

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    1. Aw thank you I'm glad you found it helpful! Eeek, it is quite stressful, as I said, I changed my mind so many times course wise. I do broadcast journalism, it was difficult to choose something not AS academic as what I wanted to do, I made that choice because I knew I loved the media world. I did choose to do it at a Redbrick good university though so at least it's a good university, we also do law modules and politics so I made sure I was doing something which wouldn't look too 'soft' on my CV! But definitely just do something you love. I hope this helps! Precisely, I can't wait to write all about it and share it with you all! Thanks for taking the time to read xxx

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  5. Hi lovely! This was a great post to read.

    I am also at Leeds Uni, and I am new to your blog so I don't think I have read what you are studying there? I study History of Art, going into my third year too. We should definitely meet up for a coffee, my uni experience is so different to this and I would love to share it (I lived at home in my first year, just for starters!!).

    I agreed with so much of what you said here, blogging and studying is hard to juggle (seriously, I have no idea how you did it with a part time job.. super woman!!). The only thing I would want to add is some advice I was given in my first year: to remember your degree is your degree. It is so easy to compare grades with others, and forget your own sense of your achievement!

    Thank you so much for a lovely post, email me about meeting up for a coffee if you have time: [email protected]

    Shot From The Street | Fashion Blog

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    1. Hey, thank you so much for your comment! Ahh how amazing, such a small world. My friend does History of Art at Leeds uni! I do broadcast journalism. Welcome to my blog aha! Yes most definitely when you're back in Leeds do let me know! So so hard but it's my passion so I'll keep doing it! Yeah good idea, that's a really good bit of advice to add in and I hope people see this and agree! My boyfriend is a bit like that, he does finance and acts a bit like his degree is much harder than mine but I wouldnt be able to do his and he wouldnt be able to do mine so!

      I will definately be in touch lovely! Em xx

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  6. Love this post! Something I wish I could have read before I started uni!! Lilly xx alittlelilly.blogspot.nl

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  7. This was such a great post to read, I'm not at Uni (I decided it wasn't for me) but have close friends in second year and this has helped me realise what they've done and things I want for myself. It's hard to meet new people and it's a shame you didn't get to make as many friends as you hoped, but hopefully you will make blogger friends around the world and through your new experiences.
    Whatever your decision, it should be for you and not what others want of you. Your year out sounds so fun and whilst I've been searching for what I want I sometimes feel I could've done things. Regret is the worst thing to look back on, so have fun with your decisions :)
    Lauren x
    Britton Loves | Fashion Lifestyle + Photography - www.brittonloves.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Aw thank you so much! Ah that's good... ah I see! Well at least you've been able to see it through other eyes too hehe! Yeah, I know even if you're not at uni it's difficult to meet people too! Yes I hope so, I have some lovely blogger friends and hopefully they'll be friends for life! Thank you so much, you're right! xxx

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  8. a year out sounds like it would be good for you, but only you know whats best! I really wanted to do it but I'm powering through the next two years and seeing where life brings me to. This guide is so perfect and I wish I'd had it! Going into a house first year was so hard, it means there was only 6 of us to form friendships with really and it was hard realising that I didn't necessarily get on with my housemates as well as I have with other people, plus I spent ALL of my time with them in the first couple of months where I should of been also forming other friendships so its made me feel slightly lonely at times, but they are lovely girls! its made me realise that I want to go and socialise and make an effort more next year! I hope everything works out for you Em! x

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    1. Aw thank you - yeah you're right but I think it will take the uni pressure off me so probably best for me. That's good, I kind of want to just power through but I can't physically stand the work load at the moment! Aw thank you so much, wow you went into a house in first year?! Yeah, that's how I feel! Girls are tough! But that's good that you were with lovely girls. Thank you lovely xxx

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  9. Love this post, I love reading about people's uni experiences cause they're all so different! I did a year in the States as part of my course and it was one of the best decisions I have made - I committed to doing it at 17 through UCAS and it was scary but I got so so so much out of it and it made me so much more confident and adventurous - it'll never be this easy to get a visa and drop everything and go over there!

    Bxx
    b-jolly.co.uk

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    1. Aw thank you so much. Yeah they are all so different! Oh wow that's exciting, wooaaah at 17?! That's crazy... but good for you and I'm sure it's built you as a person etc, well done you! xxx

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  10. Great tips
    L x
    Http://workingmumy.blogspot.com

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  11. Great post! I've forwarded onto my friend whose daughter is starting Uni in September x

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  12. I loved reading this Em. Such good advice. I agree with the budgeting thing - i worked in my first two years and saved up so that I could quit working in my final year and live off savings and the remnants of my loan. I think earning whilst you're studying keeps you grounded and really does force you to manage your money properly. I think you've made the right decision to travel for a year - i'm currently in my last few weeks of final year and i can honestly say i underestimated the work load. I never thought i'd have to stop writing my blog but it really has taken a battering the past few months and as someone who's stuck to a '3 day a week' schedule for the past 3 years - its been difficult not to feel guilty about it and it's horrible to see something you used to pour so much time into take a complete u-turn. I don't have a business on the side on top of all of this so i honestly take my hat off to you!! I'd love to read about your travels!! It's something i wish i had the guts to do :) Hope all is well xx

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    1. Aw such a lovely comment thank you - that's basically what I did so that I actually had money! Yeah I completely agree! I feel like anyone who doesn't work whilst studying has no excuse not to get a first haha! Wow, precisely why I need to do a year abroad because I can't face that work load! Yeah, that's the same as me and I really don't want that to happen so maybe taking a break from Uni is the best thing for me. Thank you honey xxx

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  13. I wish I would've read something like this when I went to uni. I finished last year and now it's like a whole other life but I did love my uni days. It's so true that in first year you're friends with everybody and anyone you meet but in 2nd and 3rd year you kind of realise who your friends are and settle down a little. Amazing post Em xx

    Lauraslittleloves

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    1. Awww, I hope it can help someone else so thank you very much! Aw wow, it's crazy looking back I bet! Yep! Couldn't agree more! Thanks so much Laura x

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  14. This is so helpful. Thank you so much for sharing such useful advice. Definitely go for the year abroad if that is what you want to do, as preachy as it sounds you may never get this opportunity again <3

    X Emma | www.missemmacharlotte.com

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    1. Aw thank you, so so glad it is. Ah yes, I know, it's a once in a lifetime ey! xxx

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  15. A really great post! After just finishing uni last month i agree with all these tips, the most important definitely being to get more out of your comfort zone and making friends outside of your accommodation, hindsight's a great thing hey? haha I've definitely learnt from that though! I also studied abroad for a year in Finland and i absolutely loved it and would not change it for the world and it has undoubtedly been the best experience of my life! You will absolutely thrive in Canada and make the most of your time out there and i will always continue to read your blog wherever you are! Good luck :) xxx
    www.sleek-chic.co.uk

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    1. Aw thank you - aw that's so good to hear! Yes I so so wish I did that. Haha, yes, hindsight ey! Ahh wow amazing, Finland woooah! Would love to talk to you about that! Thank you so much that's so so kind and nice to hear:) xxx

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  16. Really love this post, I'm moving to uni in September after a very long and boring gap year haha
    When moving I will definitely keep these tips in mind because I'm excited but I'm also so nervous with meeting new people and things and I do agree that a friendship does have to happen naturally thank you :)
    I have written a post about the dilemma that is taking a gap year or going to uni straight away, it will be helpful for any of you who still feel indecisive about making that decision :)

    http://lifeinanortherntwn.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/the-big-dilemma-university-or-gap-year.html

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    1. Aw thank you very much! Eee how exciting I bet you can\t wait! Yay that's good, yes! Don't worry at all it will all fall into place. Ah I will check that out thank you so much! xxx

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  17. I completely take my hat off to you for managing everything! I've just finished first year and have found it to be quite chilled out and not too difficult, although I'm dreading second year. I definitely agree with you saying make the most of your opportunities and talk to people etc. I spent most of my first year sitting in lectures alone because everyone seemed to already have friends and I did feel extremely lonely most of the time. I feel like my experience is quite different to others as I stayed at home, although I'm still not sure whether I regret that decision or not. I stay at my friends accommodation a lot and they have so much fun so I do feel like I've missed out a bit. I wish I'd taken more time to think about what course I actually wanted to do and what uni I wanted to go too as I made some silly mistakes whilst choosing my choices but hopefully I'll be transferring to a closer uni for second year! Such a great post Em, totally enjoyed reading this! xx

    What Rachael Wrote

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    1. Aw thank you so much, it was difficult but worth it! That's good - I'd say second year is where it gets awful, I had so much work but you'll get through it! If I could you will! Yes yes yes! That's exactly the same as me, I reckon everyone probably feels that way and we just dont realise haha! Ahhh I see! Well that's good at least you do that! Ah wow, that's amazing so you'll have lots of friends dotted all over! Thanks again and massive good luck xxx

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  18. Very interesting and insightful post Em! I started University earlier this year and is so much more than what I thought it would be but this post has still helped me so thank you! :) Still not 100% about how I feel about the course I chose and all that but hopefully I can find a solution soon!

    Love Megan
    http://styleindecency.blogspot.com.au/
    xx

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    1. Thank you so much megan! Ahh yay that's amazing that's SO good to hear! Yes I hope you do! xxx

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  19. Having graduated back in 2011 I would 100% say the best thing anyone could do is join a society or sports team!
    I never saw myself joining anything, but ended up joining cheerleading which became the bigegst part of my uni life as i ended up becoming captain!

    Grades are important but the life experience is what its all about, I ended up with a 3rd, missing out on a 2:2 by a fraction, but still ended up in my dream job!

    Good luck with your year abroad and enjoy your 3rd year when you get to it! Make amazing memories and have fun!
    xx

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    1. Yes! I so agree! Ahhh that's amazing how exciting! Aw wow that's amazing well done!!!! xxx

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  20. I can totally relate to everything you say here, such brilliant advice! I was really homesick when first started uni and found it so hard to adjust. I would come home every weekend and would even count down the days to come home I hated it that much. I'm really glad I liked my course though as otherwise I would have been out of there in a heart beat. Looking back now I feel like I've grown so much through uni and have become a lot more confident and independence. If I could change anything about uni I would have made myself stay more and get involved with more societies and joined cheerleading and dance groups.. I guess it's not too late as I still have a year to go! I really hope you enjoy your year abroad! it sounds fantastic :) and you definitely deserve it! xx

    www.allthingsbeautiful-x.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Ah thank you! I was so homesick and I was only down the road! That's so good, me too, I do feel like it's good for you, it's made me grow as a person so much and stuff. Yes! Do it next year definitely! Thanks so much xxx

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  21. This is a really great post!

    I wish I'd joined a few more societies in my first year, but actually I have pretty few regrets as I've made some lovely friends, and I'm really going to miss them whilst on my placement year!

    I'd definitely reiterate the point of making sure you know what support is available, and talking about your feelings. My boyfriend (we went long-distance for university) really struggled to settle in and in the end had to intermit his second year - he is planning to return in September, but he found it very, very tough.

    http://ninegrandstudent.co.uk/

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    1. Aw thank you so glad you think so! Aw that's amazing, good for you! Yeah! Yes, I agree! Ahhhh but at least he's getting back on track which is brillant, good for him xx

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  22. I totally agree with what you're saying about accommodation, I just blindly chose the nicest looking one and ended up living in the accommodation that's famous for being full of international students, no one in my flat was english and a few of my flatmates were quite horrible to me, to the point where they actually told me they hated me and I should consider getting a boyfriend- to my face. I now live in a house with some lovely people but I wish I could have been friends with my flatmates in first year and not have been scared to go into the kitchen to cook.

    http://www.livinglifeindocs.com

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    1. Exactly what I did aha, I did have a few international flat mates too which was fine but they were Chinese so I didn't really go out with them or anything as they hung around with the other Chinese people. That's absolutely awful, so so so nasty. At least it's woked out better for you, that's so good xxx

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  23. This is such a great post!

    I started university last September and I chose the worst accommodation so I found myself always being lonely and having no one to talk too in my flat! It was horrible and found myself wishing that I had just chosen another accommodation! It was nice reading this to know that I wasn't alone thinking that I was lonely!

    So, thank you for writing this! It really helped me! xxxx

    Lola- lolak-o.blogspot.com

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  24. I'm off to uni in September and it was nice to read this to just calm myself, though I'm excited it's hitting me that it's a big thing and I'm actually leaving home, but I found this post so helpful and I'll definitely follow your tips:)xx
    http://loobydoobahhdiidoo.blogspot.co.uk

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  25. This post has really opened my eyes to the university experience - thank you!

    I'm beginning my final year of sixth form next week so I've started to think about and fill in my UCAS application for university. Over the past six months, I've found it extremely difficult to narrow my course search down as I've had so many different ideas but nothing I'm dead set on. I have a wide range of interests, but not one particular hobby that I'm truly passionate about. All of my experience lies in sports and sports coaching, but I'm not thinking about a career in sport, is that weird? I really want to go to university, but I just feel like I'm going to make a mistake with my choice of degree. I've visited different uni's and looked at various courses; from teaching, to journalism, to law and criminology. Some days I feel like I'm on the right track, but other days I feel like I'm making a massive mistake and I should be doing something in sport as that's where all of my experience lies. I was just wondering if you have any advice for choosing a degree? I'm so confused and I really don't want to make a mistake - especially with the amount of money it costs!

    Also, I think you should take the leap and head off to travel around Canada and America. It's an experience you'll remember forever, and hopefully for the better. You never know what opportunities lie ahead. I would love to follow your future experiences through this blog. If anything, I think you'll gain more readers as you travel - good luck!

    Finally, I just wanted to say that this is the first blog post of yours I have read and I think I may have just fallen in love with your blog a little! Although I know you said this isn't your usual stuff, I really like the way you write and I will definitely be back to read more.

    TashhhEmily
    http://tashhhemily.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete


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