This is just a little blog on what to expect when you start university, I hope this helps some people as I was freaking out this time last year. (UK though I’m sure it’s the same experience around the world).
First week…expect to get lost because everyone does. The first week is a separate timetable, it’s all about introducing you into the university. Setting up your IT accounts, getting contact information for teachers, tours and picking up your ID.
If you manage to make a friend or more, that’s great. Honestly, you literally just have to be like, “okay if I hang with you?” It honestly works. If you’re a loner, don’t worry about that either, there are loads. Being a loner will probably be useful, you’ll be able to concentrate more.
Seminars and lectures
Seminars are compulsory! They take a register. You’re in a class of about 20-30 people. It’s kind of just like being in class at school. At my university we got told if we missed 1 seminar, we would get an email. If we missed 2, we would get a warning and if we missed 3 we would have a meeting and may be kicked off the course. It’s usually just to scare you. I missed A LOT and never got anything more than an email. You’ll do exam preparation in these lessons, course work assessment help and random other tasks to get you used to any programmes you may be using such as SPSS for psychology students.
Lectures
These are not compulsory. They say they may do random register checks, but they never do. They are huge rooms, just like you see on TV shows. Theatre like chairs with a table to write on. As you progress along the year you’ll notice the numbers of people turning up getting fewer and fewer. I skipped the majority of them, the ones I did go to I rarely took notes.
GO TO ALL YOUR LESSONS AND MAKE NOTES
Boy do I regret not doing this. For the assignments they set E.G 2500 word essay on the nature vs nurture argument for people who commit crime. It’s easier to do these, you have books and Google (saviour!) and about a month to do it. Of course I left it till last minute every time.
With exams, they’re not so easy to get through. I turned up to one and thought “What-the-fuck?” It was multiple choice so I thought, easy yeah. I was so wrong. I think the only question I got right was that babies start to smile at 3-6 months haha.
Overall I got for each of my subjects:
First (the best, only just!)
2.1
2.2
2.2
2.2
Hey at least I didn’t get a third. But, if you get thirds throughout your first year don’t worry. The first year is basically just getting you used to everything. The grades you get will get you into the next to years, fail and you will have the chance to resit. However, if you only just manage to scrape through the year don’t worry. It won’t effect your final grade for your degree. The 1st year is basically meaningless when it comes to your degree. But it may be different for your course so don’t slack!
They usually have gyms, discount prices for students. Mine costs £100 for a full year…totally got my money’s worth 😆. Good to destress though.
The libraries usually have sections, quiet areas, group areas and books on every single topic. It’s a nice place to relax and normally have a cafe inside eith pretty decent food and drink. My university sells Costa Coffee 😏 at a good discount.
Parking costs, if you’re driving plan what you’re doing. There’s usually university badges or passes you can buy for a term or year of parking on site. Other than thst you’re going to have to find somewhere which is probably just going to cost more and be a lot more difficult so you may as well just get university parking 🙂
It’s not as bad as I thought it would be. You learn your way around eventually. Making friends isn’t that important but it is a perk. Just pay attention, if you need help ask for it. Don’t stress, it doesnt help. Have a nice cup of tea and a good breakfast. Relax! Enjoy it!
-Hidden Shadows
HIDDEN SHADOWS 