Reality check: debunking expectations of uni life

I still remember the tidal wave of lectures, seminars and deadlines that seemed to come out of nowhere in my first year of studying. Don’t get me wrong, I obviously knew coming to university meant signing up to a degree. A bombardment of advice from relatives and emails from 'Loosedays' had fooled me into believing fresher's week wristbands and treb deals were my gravest area of concern. 

The emphasis on a city’s nightlife and the weight it has in many prospective students’ decisions when submitting applications now seems to be the norm. And while I agree that a sociable scene is both important and exciting, it is not the be-all and end-all. In fact, I often see articles online discussing the “things you must be doing” whilst at Newcastle University, just to be met with an endless list of clubs I should supposedly be at every Wednesday with no exception. This is the part that bothers me. Feral nights out are not for everyone, and that is okay.

Equally, the same goes for finding your friends in a new city. There is a peculiar preconception that the earliest people you meet, whether that be the flatmate next door or the fellow student you sit beside in your first seminar, will be your greatest companions until graduation. This is false, at least in most cases anyway. Take it from me, I am halfway through my second year and some of the best friendships I have formed thus far were strangers to me a year ago. Sports clubs, societies, and part-time jobs are just a handful of other outlets for you to find your people, so try not to fret when the shared kitchen drama gets underway.

Regrettably, the lifestyle adjustments to uni reality do not stop there. I spent the summer before my big move working as many hours as my part-time job would allow, having heard one too many financial horror stories from students preceding me. Naively, I thought this would stand me in good stead throughout my first year. That was until I was back on Indeed three months in, and not even my Tesco Clubcard could save me.

In all honesty, uni expectations are to be cast aside, and frankly, left at home. Whilst preparing is worthwhile, there is truly no point in envisioning an experience at university for yourself. Your time studying is what you make of it, that is quite literally the best part.