These seven York uni moments shouldn’t be embarrassing but they really are

As I approach my final year at York I have found myself reflecting (cringing) on my several embarrassing experiences during my time here. It is safe to say that such experiences have humbled what I thought would be my girlboss era. For those that find themselves relating to any of the below, you’re welcome, and I hope you now feel normal and less embarrassed.

1. Walking across campus

Now, you will read this and think what is this girl talking about? How can walking to your uni be embarrassing? However, York campus is unlike your average university campus. Trying to dodge the hundreds of ducks and massive swans that follow you on your harmless walk to lectures is hard work. Things get even worse when you find yourself speed walking and running to try and get away from them. Phobias of ducks are surprisingly common here at York and understandably so.

2. Finding a seat in the library

Impossible edition. How many times must we be forced to do the same lap of the upstairs Fairhurst Building? The stress of scouting the entire floor for a singular seat only to then realise that there isn’t any. I would be lying if I said I haven’t wanted the ground to swallow me up when I’ve passed the same people for the third time. T

hey look up awkwardly only to realise that it is the same girl they saw two minutes ago walking the same circle again. In the end I just settle for the green room – at least it has floor time and swinging chairs!

3. Queuing for a ghost shop

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To set the scene: It’s minus 20 degrees, the shambles is packed and you’re halfway down the street waiting for the lady dressed in medieval clothes to let you into a store that is probably no bigger than a cupboard. A prime tourist attraction spot, The Ghost Merchant shop queues are no joke.

Anyone would think that they’re historical artefacts for how long an average member of the public queues for one. I’m not sure what’s more embarrassing, queueing for three hours or leaving the shop having bought the tiny ornament that cost you an arm and a leg.

4. Running into an ex-situationship

This is not for the weak. How many times must I be succumbed to the awkward interactions of bumping into an ex on a Wednesday social in the Salvos smoking area? There isn’t even a place to hide given the proximities of Salvos smoking area. Can we also talk about how you always somehow end up running into enemies when wearing a costume?

5. Getting caught in the viking parade

Picture an average day in York town. You’ve grabbed some lunch, looked in a few shops and are just minding your business walking through the square and taking in the scenic sites. All of a sudden 50 people dressed in helmets, sandals, and swords come marching in front of you singing and waving. You then realise that you’re now in fact in the middle of a viking parade and can’t see a way out. Definition of embarrassment.

6. Telling people that we lost Roses (again)

Everyone loves a bit of team spirit but morale was well and truly lost when we hosted the yearly tournament at OUR uni and still lost. How is that even possible? The silence that followed the fireworks and score chart as they announced Lancaster’s victory, for the second year in a row, was deafening. Let’s hope next year is our year!

7. Searching for a place to take your graduation pictures

It is no shock that York’s West campus has some questionable backgrounds for the much needed aesthetic graduation pictures. Not only are we forced to wear the colour grey on a day that should be a celebration but we have to walk around both campuses to search for the perfect photo background. Heslington Hall will have to do since the Minster is used for York St John students (what the actual hell).

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