University

On the 16^th of August I received my results as to whether or not I would get into university, too my surprise I got in! I was over the moon as I wasn’t expecting it at all. Preparations were made and by preparations I mean spending money on new cutlery, cups, plates, duvet, waste bins and most importantly alcohol for freshers week. Like many other people leaving home for the first time I was a bit teary and emotional but that soon disappeared when I unpacked and met my flat mates. My advice to anyone applying to go to university, use social networking sites like Facebook to find people on your course and in your flat and get to know them before you start, that way you can break the ice beforehand, and it won’t be as awkward! My first week at university was a blur, as to be expected. I found that joining in with freshers and attending most events really helped you boost your confidence with university and your fellow students. Obviously don’t overdo it like I did, I got freshers flue during the second week and had to slow things down a bit. My body was feeling so run down and I could nearly hear my liver screaming at me. Still nights in relaxing with friends always turned out fun! Surprisingly I made it to every lecture and workshop even the 9’oclock starts with only 3 hours sleep, that my friend is dedication. I’ve been at uni for three weeks now and I already feel like I’ve been there for three years. Another bit of advice is to join societies, even if you don’t anything about cheerleading or what the Irish society actually is, just join them and give it a go. My uni offers a free two week trial to see if you enjoy it or not. On the day of picking which societies you could sign up for I hadn’t a clue. When I was younger I was always busy playing tennis or in the guides or dancing but as I’ve got older, I’ve found myself to become a bit of a bore, so I was determined to join a few. In the end I signed up for pole dancing lessons, how to DJ, the Irish society (You don’t have to be Irish to join), o2 academy, scuba diving, surfing and dancing. As you can tell I’m determined to lose some weight as well. Some will say that the introduction week at uni is pointless and for some it maybe but despite having hangovers for most of that week I made it on time every day and actually found that the welcome week is really important. It gives you a chance to meet your tutors and other people in your course and gives you a lot of information on modules, facility’s and the university itself. For me that boost my confidence. A friend said she hadn’t met anyone in her course as she hadn’t attended in the first week on university and she regrets it now but each to their own. In this blog I’ve given advice on settling in etc but for many of you going to university and leaving a girlfriend or boyfriend behind can be heart breaking and worrying. I myself am going through this experience with my boyfriend. What’s really important and obvious is using Skype. It costs nothing and is a great way of keeping in touch with people. I have arranged to see my boyfriend every two weeks although sometimes it may be a longer gap, but it’s a start. Communicating on how each other are handling the separation and not bottling up your feelings is key! And when you do see each other, make sure you don’t just stay inside all the time.