7 Realities of Uni Life a long way from home
Unless you grew up in a commune or a really nosey cul-de-sac, living on a university campus is like nothing you’ve experienced. For the first time in your life you have freedom, money (at least for a couple of weeks) and you’re surrounded by people sharing in the same experience as you.
Reality Number 1: It’s not really necessary to go home every weekend.
I mean, you can if that’s your thing. But travel is expensive and that’s what the holidays are for. Northampton has pretty good train and bus links to pretty much everywhere. So when you do feel like going home there’s plenty of options. Book these journeys in advance and the savings can be massive.
Reality Number 2: Campus can feel weird at weekends.
During the week its bustling, the library is overcrowded, the socials are full but come Saturday morning it’s like waking up in 28 Days Later or something. This is awesome, you have the whole campus to yourself. Find the other hardcore students and make alliances and make plans.
Reality Number 3: Keeping in contact is harder than it should be.
If you’re anything like this writer then with all the goodwill in the world even a weekly phone call back home becomes a struggle. Do it. Write emails, write a journal, write letters home, call, FaceTime, Skype. There’s always time.
Reality Number 4: You’ll spend the first week lost.
But give it a term and the campus becomes your back garden. Get to know your surroundings, discover the best places to work, best places to drink, get to know the catering staff, the cleaners and the porters. They can be your best friends in emergencies.
Reality Number 5: You really don’t need a car*.
You’re a student, cars are expensive, car parks are awkward. Take the bus, they really go places or get a bike, Northampton has loads of awesome places easily in pedalling distance. It’s a great way to get to know a new place, get a group and explore!
*unless you have placements really out of the way.
Reality Number 6: You can’t go a whole term without doing laundry.
Learn how the laundromat works. Seriously don’t be taking that stuff home with you. The last thing your mum wants to see after your 5 weeks of absence is a huge bag of smelly washing. Get it together and learn to do adult things like wash.
Reality Number 7: Your time at University is what you make of it.
Take control of your experience. Go out partying, stay in reading — a great time is what you like to spend time doing, but remember the end result is a degree and that will take hard work and determination. You’ll never again have the golden combination of opportunities, spare cash, spare time and very few responsibilities. This is prime time, make the most of it.
Bonus Reality: Help is given to those who ask. You’re surrounded by experts in loads of different fields, there are people who are paid to help you with anything you need help with — make the most of this, they’re free and really friendly.
