To those of
you even considering going to university, I would highly recommend it. Like
with any decision in your life, make sure you’re doing it for the right
reasons. One being, that you’re doing it for yourself, and because YOU want to
go, and that you’re not only going because you feel pressured by whoever it may
be – family, friends, boyfriends etc. Secondly, don’t feel as though because
you say yes to university you can’t ‘un-yes’ it. University isn’t for everyone.
There’s the distance, home sickness, independence, debt, and there’s A LOT of
work. If you feel as though it’s not for you, you don’t have to live out the
three years, simply drop the course and take another direction in life. However,
amongst the few negatives that university offers, there’s a whole lot of
positives that I’m forever grateful for.
It may
sound cheesy, and cliché, but I truly discovered more about myself in the three
years of university than I have during my whole life. Living away from my
parents, not having my mum to cook and clean for me, or to have my dad to help
with car troubles or anything else that may have suddenly broke, forced me into
becoming an adult. You may cook for yourself now, or know how to change your
own car tire without your parents, you may not even have parents to rely on,
and therefore think I’m silly for having needing them for those simple things
once upon a time. Even I look back at my lack of independence and think it’s a
little ridiculous how much I relied on them – especially at a time when I thought
I was very independent.
You don’t
realise how much you rely on your family, especially your parents, when you’re
faced to do the cooking, cleaning, laundry, travel and take care of your
finances. Even balancing deadlines with part-time jobs on top of all this new
found adult life proved difficult. But after six months or so, I soon got into
the swing of things! And whilst it was a reality check, I wouldn’t change it
for the world! I absolutely loved being in control of my daily schedule, having
my own apartment and doing my weekly shop.
I learnt a
whole load of life lessons by going to university that they can’t teach you in
school. How to pay bills, what taxes are, budgeting - you name it - I learnt it.
Another
great thing I learnt was who I am as a person, and this was reflected in the
friends I made. Before University, I was on medication for anxiety. I was the
most anxious I had ever been, and the thought of going to a new place and trying
to make friends killed me inside. I couldn’t think of anything worse. What
if they didn’t like me? What if we didn’t have anything to talk about? What if
I’m too loud or too quiet? What if they don’t understand my sense of humour? All
these questions left me panicking. However, I can honestly say. If there’s one
thing you should go to university for (besides the degree and independence of
course!) it’s the friendships, you’ll make.
That being
said, I just wanted to say a special thanks to a few special people who I met
through-out University; and my experience wouldn’t have been the same without
you.
Charlie
& Sanne
I remember
moving in on that very first day, and both your lovely faces were so welcoming!
Both of you made me feel at ease and that I had nothing to worry about.
Charlie, I loved singing McFly and Busted and let’s face it, all those terrible
songs on your playlists in the kitchen. You were the only student that could
afford to shop at Waitrose and have a three courses meal every night for
dinner, oh and let’s not forget the glass of wine to wash it all down! You
truly brought class to the table. And Sanne, thank you for being the best next
door neighbour, and discussing cheesy Netflix programs with me every morning!
Thank you for welcoming myself and Ryan into your lovely home in Holland, it’s
a holiday I’ll never forget! To you both - my first year wouldn’t have been the
same without you guys!
Chloe,
Linh & Tom
Words can’t
describe how incredibly lucky I am to have met you guys. We all gelled so well
together. Living in that flat will forever hold some of the dearest memories in
my heart!
Chloe,
thank you for always believing in me. Making me lists and keeping me calm
around deadlines. Thanks for the sleepovers when my window whistled at night. Thanks for all the late nights watching Once and 100. Thanks for all of
the hospital trips. Thanks for the drunken kisses and midnight noodles. Thanks
for all the Disney drawings and cleaning days. Thanks for the cheesy playlists
and terrible harmonies. Thank you for all the heads up and rings of fire. Thanks
for all the pink-panthers. Thanks for all the Facetimes. Thanks for the country
walks. Thank you for the trips away. Thank you for putting out my hair when it
was on fire.
Linh, thank
you for always being there for me, no matter what time of day. Thanks for being
my nocturnal buddie. Thanks for being the Nicki to my Ariana. Thanks for all
the day time naps. Thanks to all of the beer pongs and drinking games. Thanks for
all the late nights watching horror films. Thanks for all the drunken cuddles
and heart to hearts. Thanks for reading all my writing. Thanks for all the
make-up sessions before we went out. Thanks for letting me wear your wardrobe. Thanks
for all the truths and dares. Thanks for all the candles. Thanks for making me
feel better about online shopping because you’re just as bad. Thank you for the
trips away. Thank you for opening the door when my hair was on fire.
Tom, thank
you for putting up with me and my moods. Thank you for making me laugh when I needed
it most. Thank you for all the late nights watching Hell’s Kitchen and Blue
Planet. Thanks for all the toast and jam. Thanks for the midnight kitchen
chats. Thanks for the summer BBQ’s. Thanks for the horrible metal music and
band tees. Thanks for all the puns. Thanks for knowing every friends reference.
Thanks for knowing all the Gavin and Stacey one’s too. Thanks for all the Sweet Caroline’s
and Mr Brightside’s. Thanks for the trips away. Thanks for not getting with my cousin… Thanks for laughing
when my hair was on fire.
Kevin &
Ellora
Honestly,
how would I have made it through this course without you guys?
Kevin, you
and your love for drag race gives me life. Thank you for being my little Troye
Sivan. Thank you for teaching me about America, and letting me into your life.
I’m sure in generations to come, kids will be studying your poetry. Thanks for
all the bitching about life, and the love for Disney. Thanks for joining in
when I talk like Miranda. Thanks for all the voice notes. I love you.
Ellie, you
honestly have no idea how beautiful you are, inside and out. Your kindness and
willingness to help others oozes out of you – and I do not deserve you as a
friend. Thanks for all the bibliography help. Thanks for keeping me calm around
deadlines. Thanks for all the words with friends. Thanks for all the subways.
Thanks for all the musicals. Thanks for Hey Violet and Riverdale. I love you.
