10 Things I Learned During My First Year of University

1) It's very different to school
Once you get to university, you are in charge of your own education. There will be no one breathing down your neck about deadlines and there will be no one to drag you out of bed for your lectures. This may sound good, but if you've got a 9am after a heavy night, it is completely up to you to make sure you get there on time.

2) Chances are, you won't get on with your flatmates
Not all of them at least. Living in halls is a massive change, and you have no control over who your flatmates are. But this is all part of the university experience. Some of my friends got on really well with all of their flatmates, and some, myself included, did not. But don't worry about it, it's only for a year, and then you can live with whoever you like. Yay! :)

3) You'll either love or hate halls
No doubt you've probably read some horror stories about the state of some halls of residence. But let me tell you, I loved mine. My university has three separate halls of residence, and none of them were as awful as what you read online. I'm currently over halfway through my second year, and I miss halls. I would have stayed there the entire three years if I could, despite not getting on with all of my flatmates.

4) Talking in seminars really isn't a big deal
If you're anything like me and 99% of the rest of the population, the thought of speaking in front of other people terrifies you. But I'm here to tell you that it's really not a big deal. Everyone else is just as scared as you are, and it'll be over before you know it. Volunteering answers in seminar discussions makes a good impression on your lecturers too, and by talking to the people in your seminar groups, it is easier to make friends with them. Don't be that person who refuses to say anything in every seminar, those people get old quickly.

5) 9am's will be the bane of your life
Especially in the winter, when it's dark. Chances are, your halls of residence are on campus so you don't have to walk that far, but when you have to walk for 20 minutes in the dark, it's really not fun.

6) There will always be someone who likes the same things as you
No matter what it is: sports, TV, obscure hobbies, there will be someone who likes it too. I promise. Depending on just how obscure it is, it might take you a little while to find them, but they're there.

7) All-nighters will become a regular thing the day before deadlines
If you're organised and motivated, you can get your assignments done a few days before the deadline. However chances are, at least one assignment will have you up until 3am the night before, downing gallons of coffee and praying that the marker is in a good mood.

8) Unplanned nights are always the best
As someone who doesn't really drink, nights out are always just okay for me, but by far the best ones are the ones that no one plans on happening. Whether it's going out or staying in with a takeaway and having a movie night, unplanned nights are the best.

9) It's nothing like you expected
No matter how you are imagining university to be, it will be completely different. You will have good days, you will have bad days but it will be the best thing you ever do.

10) You'll meet some of the most amazing people ever and make friends for life
I can honestly say that the people I've met at university are the best people ever. One of my flatmates from halls is now one of my best friends, and I couldn't do this without her. The three girls that I'm closest with on my course are amazing, and I'm so glad that I met them. I have my days when I wonder whether I made the right decision in coming to uni, but then I think about the friends I've made and the people I've met and know that I've made the right decision.