10 Things I Wish People Had Told Me Before Going To University

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So many people say that university is the best time of their lives. The chance to study something people are passionate about, meeting new people and getting the chance to live somewhere completely new. It may have its perks, but people fail to talk about some of the realities and stresses that university brings. Here are 10 things I wish people told me before I went to university.

1. It’s okay to say no

Which means saying no to anything you’re not okay with. If you’re not comfortable with it, don’t do it. You don’t have to go out at all if that isn’t your thing. A lot of universities have events during the day throughout the year you can go to. There is usually something for everyone at university.

2. Feeling alone

People talk about the parties, the nights they go to, but not a lot of people mention the amount of hours in isolation. Most of the assignments involve working and or preparing for lectures and seminars on your own, which can leave you quite isolated at times.

3. There is always a group of people you can be yourself with

It isn’t necessarily with people in your classes either. University is the place to meet so many different people. There are so many societies you can join where you can pursue your hobbies and meet people with the same interests as you.

4. Help is here

From the lecturers to the mental health services, there is always some to talk to you if you need it. If your struggling with something in one of your modules, book a meeting with your tutor to go over it. There’s also counsellors and chaplains on site if you need a chat with someone. You’ll also get a personal tutor during your years so you always have at least one friendly face at the university.

5. It’s okay to be scared

You’re living away from home for the first time, with a bunch of people in the same position from you but from all over the world. You’re in the same boat with so many other people, and there are others who have had to endure the same circumstances as you. If you feel scared, you’re not alone!

6. It’s okay not to have a career in mind

You don’t have to have a full career mapped in you head before you go to university. There are so many things you can do and go to that can help you if you it.

7. You don’t have to do everything

You don’t have to everything that is planned at the university. If you need to take a break, take it. A lot of the events they run usually happen later on in the year, on the following year. But don’t worry if you can’t do every little thing or go to every place in the town/city you’re in.

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8. It’s okay to change your mind

You may think that the course you chose isn’t right for you. You can usually have a taster period where you try out the course. If it isn’t what you thought it would be, then there is always someone you can talk to to help transition into a different one.

9. There is a lot of work to be done

There’s a lot more to university than the assignments that you write. For some lectures, you have to prepare readings and even homework for each session. For most universities, each module is once a week. Not to mention preparations which involve performances from presentations to rehearsals if you’re taking a performing art degree.

10. It’s okay not to be okay

Not every little thing about university is going to be great. What a lot of people usually don’t discuss is the stress that comes with these years. All of the pressure of getting good grades, social lives, extracurricular activities, its sometimes hard to juggle all of these at once. Sometimes, as with life, you’ll just have bad days. Just remember on these days to take a deep breath and take it easy. Once you’re ready, pick yourself up and keep going.