As my parents left, I remember the feeling of anxiety knowing that I had to learn to live on my own, make my own friends and submerse myself into uni life. I recall my first week being very lonely, not knowing many people around me and trying to get to know my flat- who all seemed to have their own friends the minute I arrived!
"Second semester flew by and after the struggle of the shorter and darker days had passed, I found myself feeling comfortable in my new friendships and exploring new areas of Newcastle."
First semester felt like a whirlwind as I tried to do well in my academics and make the most of the night life that Newcastle has to offer. Thankfully, I found some amazing friends but I always craved the feeling of being back at school with the familiarity of home. Second semester flew by and after the struggle of the shorter and darker days had passed, I found myself feeling comfortable in my new friendships and exploring new areas of Newcastle. However, I still felt like a homebody, even though I only went home during the holidays, I longed for the comfort of life at home.
"This was a huge blessing in disguise as the other 4 girls have become my best friends and now, I could not imagine going about uni life without them."
Jumping to the start of this year, I moved into a house where I only really knew one girl. This was a huge blessing in disguise as the other 4 girls have become my best friends and now, I could not imagine going about uni life without them. Whilst still loving the nightlife that Newcastle has, I have made so many more friends and together we have explored so many new places and found different hobbies which I will pursue for the rest of my life.
" I have discovered more of a routine and balance (kind of) in ensuring that I am spending time on academics, going out and discovering and putting effort into activities which I enjoy doing- writing for The Courier being one!"
From the start of first year, I can see that I have grown massively in confidence and find myself excited to meet new people and make new friends. I have discovered more of a routine and balance (kind of) in ensuring that I am spending time on academics, going out and discovering and putting effort into activities which I enjoy doing- writing for The Courier being one!
For me, 2nd year has been so much more fun than my first because I have found more people and started doing more of what I want to do as opposed to following the crowd. My one piece of advice for anyone who feels like they aren’t truly settled into uni life is to just be yourself and do what you love to do because in doing this you will meet so many people who you click with and bring out the best in you.